Pay Attention! Stamp Rates to Increase from July 2023

Attention all postal service users!
Stamp rates are set to increase starting from July 2023, bringing significant changes to the cost of sending mail.
According to recent data released by the United States Postal Service (USPS), the forthcoming rate adjustment will have far-reaching implications for individuals, businesses, and organizations relying on postal services.
As we approach the implementation of these new rates, it becomes crucial to understand the impact they will have on our mailing expenses and plan accordingly.
So, let’s delve into the facts and figures surrounding this impending change in stamp rates to ensure a smooth transition in our postal affairs.

Current Stamp Price (2023)

Beginning Sunday, January 22, 203, the USPS is raising the price of some postage by 4.2%, usually equivalent to a few cents per stamp.
So, as of now. The price to mail a standard letter has increased from 60 cents to 63 cents!
Mailing a Letter (metered 1 oz.) has increased from 57 cents to 60 cents!
Besides!
Mailing Domestic Postcards costs 48 cents, up from 44 cents previously. Of course, the price of mailing International Postcards was $1.40 before, and it will be $1.45 after January 22, 2023
In addition, International Letter (1 oz.) was $1.40 before and $1.45 after January 22, 2023
See more details on the 2023 price changes below:

Stamp Rates to Increase from July 2023

The United States Postal Service (“USPS”) periodically reviews its postage rates for potential rate changes. Historically, they only review rates and propose a rate hike once a year.
However, they have recently started reviewing rates twice a year, with the last rate increase due in January 2023.
USPS has announced again that it intends to change several postage rates, and if approved, these changes will take effect on July 9, 2023!
The specific postage changes are as follows:
Standard Letters
The price to mail a standard letter has increased from 63 cents to 66 cents! The price for each additional ounce remains the same at 24 cents for postage, and non-machinable surcharges (for example, invitations with wax seals or squares) remain the same at 40 cents. That means a typical invitation (item weighing less than 1 oz and subject to a non-processable surcharge) is now $1.06 to post!
Postcard
Postage for postcards increased from 48 cents to 51 cents.
Want to send a postcard?
It will cost more.
Domestic postcards will go from 48 cents to 51 cents. An ounce letter or postcard sent to another country will go from $1.45 to $1.50.
Big Envelope
The base postage rate for mailing flat/large envelopes increased from $1.26 to $1.35, but the price per additional ounce also remained the same at 24 cents per additional ounce.
For example, this means that a unit weighing 1.01 ounces now costs $1.59 in postage.
Metered Letters
Meter letters will rise from 60 cents to 63 cents.

We all know that once you purchase a Forever stamp at a certain price, it can be used to mail a one-ounce letter regardless of future rate adjustments.
So what impact does the rise in stamp interest rates have on the price of forever stamps?
Continue reading!

Does the Rise in Stamp Rates Affect the Price of Forever Stamps?

What is the price of the forever stamp?

As we mentioned above:

Beginning January 22, 2023,Forever stamps will cost 63 cents each.Once you purchase Forever stamps at a certain price, they will retain their full value even if postage costs increase in the future. This means you can continue to use the Forever stamps you’ve already purchased to mail your letter or package without adding extra postage to account for the increased rate.

It means:

The “Forever” in their name means that even after the July 2023 price increase, the Forever stamp you pay 63 cents for will still send a 1-ounce letter to any US address. You don’t need to add postage to make up for the price increase.Today, you can still mail a first-class letter with no additional postage using the original Forever stamp purchased 16 years ago for 41 cents.

Therefore, the increase in stamp rates will not affect the price or value of Forever stamps already purchased. Stamp rate increases will only affect the cost of purchasing new stamps or additional postage after the rate adjustment takes effect. If you have a supply of Forever stamps, you can continue to use them for their original value, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for mailing items despite changes in postage rates.

Stamp Rate Increase 2023

According to USPS historians, a 1-ounce letter cost 6 cents in 1863 and 8 cents 50 years earlier.
When the latest prices go into effect in July 2023, postage rates will rise from 60 cents at the end of July 2022 to 66 cents, a 10 percent increase.

Here’s how stamp rates on U.S. postage stamps have grown from 1863 to the present：

So why have the rates on stamps risen so quickly in just a few years?
We pored over the answers to the questions
The answer is. . . .

Why Are Stamp Rates Rising So Fast?

The price increases are part of a turnaround effort by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who faces hundreds of billions of dollars in outstanding debt when he takes office in June 2020.
A year later, the Postal Service said it would raise rates twice a year to make up for years of artificially low rates. It’s still cheaper to send mail in the US than it is in almost any other country in the developed world.

“As inflation-fueled operating expenses continue to rise and the effects of previous flawed pricing models persist, these price adjustments are necessary to provide the Postal Service with much-needed revenue to achieve the financial stability it seeks,” the agency said. wrote in the report.

Postal finance officials also blamed persistent inflation for increasing the agency’s costs and dampening consumer spending.
But higher rates could depress the paper mail business that keeps the Postal Service financially stable. First-class mail, business mail and periodicals account for nearly $41 billion in the agency’s 2022 revenue, while package revenue is $31.3 billion, according to the agency’s annual report to Congress.
But! There are also many opposing voices.
For example:

“A rate increase of this frequency is unprecedented and unsustainable. Left unchecked, DeJoy will continue to increase stamp volumes every few months despite data showing they are stressing the American public and reducing mail volume,” Kevin Yoder, executive director of the mailing industry and consumer advocacy group Keep Us Posted, said in a statement. “DeJoy’s rate strategy is short-sighted and needs to be shot down by the Postal Regulatory Commission in the name of protecting this critical public service.

Although, as ordinary people, we cannot control the rise and fall of stamp rates, there are still steps we can take to reduce our exposure to rising stamp rates.

What Should You Do to Deal with Rising Stamp Rates?

To deal with rising stamp rates effectively, consider the following steps:

1. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the upcoming rate adjustments and any communication from the postal service regarding the changes. Stay informed through official announcements, news articles, or the postal service’s website.
2. Plan Ahead: Take proactive measures to prepare for the rate increase. Evaluate your current mailing needs and estimate the impact of the new rates on your budget. Identify areas where adjustments can be made to minimize the impact of increased postage costs.
3. Stock Up on Forever Stamps: Consider purchasing Forever Stamps before the rate increase takes effect. Forever Stamps retain their full value and can be used to mail one-ounce Standard Letters regardless of future rate changes. By stocking up on these stamps at the current rate, you can save money in the long run.
4. Review Mailing Budgets: Take the time to assess your mailing budget and make necessary adjustments to accommodate the higher postage rates. Identify areas where cost savings can be achieved, such as optimizing mailing frequency, exploring alternative mailing options, or utilizing bulk mailing discounts if applicable.
5. Explore Alternative Mailing Options: Depending on your specific mailing needs, explore alternative mailing services or options that may offer cost savings. For instance, if you frequently send large volumes of mail, inquire about discounted rates for bulk mailings or inquire about any new services or promotions that may be available.
6. Seek Professional Advice: If you run a business or organization that heavily relies on mailings, consider consulting with a mailing or logistics professional. They can provide guidance on cost-saving strategies, bulk mailing options, and other alternatives that may help mitigate the impact of rising stamp rates.
7. Optimize Mailing Practices: Review your current mailing practices for efficiency. Ensure accurate addressing, utilize proper packaging to avoid dimensional weight charges, and consider using electronic alternatives whenever possible, such as email or online document sharing, to reduce mailing costs.
   Remember, addressing the rising stamp rates requires proactive planning and adaptation. By staying informed, exploring alternatives, and making strategic adjustments to your mailing practices and budgets, you can navigate the rate increases effectively while minimizing the impact on your mailing expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the impending increase in stamp rates from July 2023 demands our attention and proactive planning.
As we have discussed, these rate adjustments are a result of various factors such as operational costs, inflation, and the need to maintain the financial stability of the postal service.
While this news may bring concerns about higher mailing expenses, there are practical steps we can take to navigate the changes successfully.
From staying informed and stocking up on Forever stamps to optimizing our mailing practices and exploring alternative options, we can adapt to the new rates while minimizing their impact on our budgets.
By being proactive and prepared, we can continue to enjoy the convenience and reliability of postal services without compromising our financial well-being.
So, let’s embrace the upcoming rate increase with a strategic mindset, confident that we have the tools and knowledge to handle it effectively.