On November 4, 2009, the Postal Service filed notice with the PRC, announcing that shipping services price changes would take effect January 4 to coincide with competitors’ price changes. To help customers make a smooth transition to the new prices, usps.com featured the new prices and easy access to key shipping guidelines. Links to down-loadable price files, mailing requirements, and Federal Register notices were posted. Online services on usps.com and partner sites such as eBay were updated with the prices and enhancements. Webcasts were a part of outreach activities for the software vendor community, and presentations and briefing materials were posted for Postal Customer Councils to use at local meetings.
Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com), an online resource popular among commercial and small business mailers, provided quick access to all price change information and materials, including price calculators, quick service guides, and postage statements. The Domestic Mail Manual, International Mail Manual, and all related documents were revised and posted on Postal Explorer. The DMM Advisory electronic newsletter also provided customers with information.
Briefings were provided to postal price implementation coordinators, the Business Service Network, and other customer and mailing industry outreach groups. A comprehensive field information kit was published in the Postal Bulletin to ensure that employees were fully prepared to give customers consistent and accurate information.
