The USPS is ending a program through which smaller shippers could purchase discounted shipping through third-party resellers. The Postal Service made no official announcement about the end of the program that we could find, leaving online sellers on a Friday summer afternoon worrying about the possible ramifications and unable to get answers.
According to Linn’s, the end of the program would impact a number of companies, including Stamps.com and Pitney Bowes.
“PC Postage providers help shippers print and pay for official USPS postage from their computers.
“”Resellers” are intended to act as outsourced Postal Service sales representatives that recruit small-and-medium-sized shippers.”
As the Inspector General noted, “The links between these partners are extraordinarily complex, as they often work together to serve different aspects of a shipper’s needs.”
We’re perplexed about how the USPS could end the postage reseller program without going through the Postal Regulatory Commission and without publicly announcing the end of the program, instead reacting to inquiries with a one-paragraph response that explains little.
It’s important to note that any increase in postage costs has a multiplier effect since marketplaces like eBay and Etsy charge a commission on shipping.
But unless you’re getting rates below Commercial Base, we’re guessing there’s no cause to panic. If we learn otherwise, we’ll let you know.
