How to Offset Postage Increases with Smarter Format Choices

Postage rates are increasing July 13, 2025, making now a smart time to revisit your direct mail strategy. Choosing the right format can make a big difference, not just in how your mail piece performs, but in how much you spend.

If you’re looking for ways to control costs without sacrificing impact, switching up your format is a smart place to start. Let’s talk through a few proven, budget-friendly options that can help you mail more efficiently and effectively, including ideas from our REACH solution.

Affordable Formats That Make a Big Impact

The new postage rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents. That may not sound like much, but for businesses sending out high-volume campaigns, those extra cents add up fast.

Here’s a quick look at the updated pricing:

With those changes in effect, marketers are looking for smart ways to get the most out of every mail piece. We know that sometimes postage can account for over 50% of a direct mail campaign. That’s why instead of using oversized or complex pieces that increase costs, REACH offers simple, streamlined designs that stand out in the mailbox. REACH is a curated selection of 10 proven direct mail formats identified by the Aradius Group team as the most cost-effective options based on USPS rate structures and performance in high-volume campaigns. Each format was designed with two things in mind, cost-efficiency and impact.

Some of the most popular formats include:

• Postcards: Lightweight, eye-catching, and ideal for quick messages or promotions. Their compact size keeps postage low while still packing a punch.
  

• Self-mailers: Folded pieces that don’t require envelopes, cutting down on both production time and mailing costs. They offer more space for storytelling, visuals, or calls to action while staying efficient.
• Slim Jim: A narrow, tall mailer that stands out in the mailbox. Slim Jim offers a sleek design that’s postage-friendly and perfect for delivering impactful messages.
• Publications: These multi-page pieces allow you to share more detailed content, like product catalogs or newsletters. REACH publications are designed to be lightweight and cost-effective while providing ample space for storytelling and visuals.
  

By combining cost-efficiency with strong visual appeal, these formats help marketers deliver targeted messages efficiently, driving better campaign results.

Need help designing your REACH mail pieces? Check out our InDesign templates to help you get started!

Mail Smarter: Strategies That Boost REACH’s Impact

Pairing efficient formats with the right mailing strategies can take your budget even further. Once you’ve selected a REACH format that keeps postage in check, it’s important to look at how you prepare and send your mail by considering these key strategies:

Optimize postage with USPS options:

• Presort mail by ZIP code to reduce postage rates.
• Use Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) to reach local audiences by mailing to entire postal carrier routes at a flat rate.
• Take advantage of bulk mailing discounts for high-volume campaigns.
• Nonprofits may qualify for special reduced postage rates.
• Leverage USPS promotions, such as incorporating QR codes, using recycled materials, planning a sequential campaign, or using mobile-enabled technologies to qualify for additional savings.
  

Plan mailings thoughtfully:

• Time mailings to align with peak buying seasons or campaign launches.
• Coordinate direct mail with digital marketing components for greater overall impact.
• Select mailing formats that fit your message and audience to maximize ROI.

Target and tailor messaging:

• Focus on specific audiences to reduce waste.
• Craft personalized messaging to boost engagement and response rates.
• Use data segmentation and past customer behavior to tailor offers, messaging, and creative, making each piece more relevant and effective.

By combining REACH formats with these strategies, you can manage rising postage costs without sacrificing the effectiveness of your direct mail campaigns.

The Takeaway

Postage increases aren’t a one-time event. In recent years, they’ve happened once or twice a year. That’s why REACH formats are a smart long-term investment. Instead of reacting to every rate change, you’ll already be using formats that are built to stay efficient, even as costs rise. Their consistent sizes and ability to meet USPS requirements mean fewer surprises and fewer adjustments down the road.

And the benefits go beyond postage. These formats make it easier to plan, budget, and execute high-performing direct mail campaigns with less guesswork and more control. Whether you’re mailing monthly or quarterly, REACH helps you stay efficient without sacrificing creativity or results. Don’t wait for the next postage hike to rethink your approach. REACH makes it easy to stay ahead now.

Need help selecting the right format?
Our team can help you select the most effective and affordable mailing option for your specific goals.