In its formal comments, the DMANF expressed serious concerns that the proposed regulations will dramatically increase postage costs for nonprofit mailers by pushing pieces that currently qualify as automation rate flats (as well as some letter mail that exceeds 3.5 ounces) into the significantly higher priced Not Flat-Machinable ("NFM") and parcel rate categories.
Among the mail packages that will be affected are flat-size pieces that contain a "front-end" premium such as a pen, magnet, greeting card, lapel pin or similar item. Compared to other fund-raising techniques, these types of front-end premiums perform particularly well in prospecting for new donors and drive large volumes of Nonprofit Standard Mail.
Even with the discount afforded to nonprofit mailers, the cost of such mailings is likely to more than double under the proposed new rules. The DMANF believes that up to 40 percent of total nonprofit mail volume could be impacted.
"This is a shockingly high rate increase for those organizations that are least likely able to afford it," said DMANF executive director Senny Boone. "Unfortunately, the Postal Service has purchased flats sorting equipment that can only handle a small fraction of the kinds of mail that nonprofits prepare, and it plans to have us pay a rate increase of 100 to 200 percent as a result."
The new rates are expected to take effect in early May. In its comments, the DMANF urged the USPS to delay implementation of the rule for one year to allow nonprofit mailers a chance to test the new specifications in the rule.
"To raise postal rates for these flat size front-end premium packages as much as postal management proposes without any time to plan and test would be detrimental to the Postal Service as it attempts to increase mail volumes and revenue," said Boone. "It would be devastating for many nonprofit organizations, and ultimately to the beneficiaries of nonprofits' good works who will bear the price of insufficient planning."
Since 1982, the Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation (DMANF) (www.nonprofitfederation.org) and its predecessor organizations have been aggressive and effective advocates for nonprofits in postal, regulatory, legislative, and accountability issues. It leads the way in professional education, networking, and industry advancement in nonprofit direct response fund-raising. The DMANF is the premier agent for improving public awareness and receptivity to direct/interactive marketing-driven philanthropy, and is the "top brand" among all associations and advocacy groups working on behalf of nonprofits in this area. With more than 400 members, the DMANF is one of the largest member segments of the Direct Marketing Association, and is the leading association for nonprofit organizations that use direct and interactive marketing media such as mail, telephone, and the Internet to communicate with donors, members, and the public. The DMANF's full-time staff is located in