
Stamp prices are traditionally in whole cent increments. That means it is difficult to target a particular percentage increase. For instance, a one-cent increase on the 42-cent stamp would have been 2.4 percent; while the two-cent increase was 4.8 percent.
Postal price increases are now limited by an inflation-based “cap” for each class of mail, and in First-Class Mail, the price of a stamp is a major component of the average revenue per piece for First-Class Mail. As such, the price change for the “stamp” plays a large role in the calculation of the average for the class. Other prices in First-Class Mail have to be set to bring the average back to the cap. This can make it difficult to meet many of the other pricing objectives in the class such as setting workshare discounts equal to the cost savings. It might be easier to meet the objectives if the stamp price were in a smaller increment.
In any event, how important is it that the stamp’s price is in whole-cent increments?
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Since stamps are generally purchased in booklets or coils does it matter whether the individual price is rounded to a penny? Could increments larger than a penny be accommodated in the price cap environment? What other issues should be considered regarding the stamp price?
This blog is hosted by the OIG’s Risk Analysis Research Center (RARC).
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