Today, even as busy corporate mail departments process mailings efficiently, some important demographic trends have already come to the attention of the U.S. Postal Service. Will any of these issues affect businesses in the future? How will changes impact mail equipment sales? This brief article explores these questions.
A Significant Development?
For several years, the price of postage has gradually risen in the USA. Just a few months ago, the cost for a single first class letter stamp increased to 55 cents. Reportedly, declining volumes of mail account in part for the rate hikes. Inc.com reports the Postal Service released the results of a 2018 study documenting important changes in the use of the mail system between 2001 and the current era. One key finding centers around demographics: people between the ages of 18 and 34 don’t send or receive letters as frequently anymore. Their average mail delivery receipt rate fell from 17 items per week to a mere 10 items.
Another interesting trend relating to young adults concerns their willingness to shop online. Although they don’t send or receive as much correspondence as previous generations, people in this age demographic tend to buy items online. They apparently receive a lot more packages by mail than previous generations. What consequences, if any, do these findings hold for busy corporate mailrooms?
Anticipate Extensive Package And Freight Shipping
Although letters will still likely remain important in the near future, correspondence could decrease in volume (especially if postage rate increases continue and more companies switch the bulk of their communications to email messages). If present trends continue, it seems plausible the handling of packages will assume greater significance for many corporate mail departments during future years.
Business mailroom managers may find it useful to explore the use of package shipping technologies if these trends continue. Planning to sort and distribute bulky items through the mailroom in a seamless way could hold value for busy firms. Automated devices which assist with package wrapping, postage metering, and processing might become increasingly popular equipment for many businesses.
Mailrooms of the Future
Predicting future mailing trends accurately proves daunting, of course. Yet it does appear changing mailing demographics might transform corporate mailrooms in significant ways during coming years. Consider helping your company prepare for these impacts now by exploring processing and shipping equipment options for packages soon!
