On July 12, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service implemented several price changes that raised mailing service product prices approximately 4.8 percent.1 This price adjustment has implications for businesses who rely on printed materials such as direct mail or transactional mail to communicate with customers. To meet marketing objectives while keeping budgets in line, businesses must be more thoughtful about what they mail, who they mail to and how mail connects to digital channels.
First, it’s important to understand the critical role that mail continues to play for many households. The USPS Household Mail Survey, which has been operating continuously since 1987, offers some insights.2 This survey provides a wealth of information into how households use the mail as well as how that use is evolving over time.
Unsurprisingly, the survey indicates that overall mail volume is decreasing. Total household transactional mail fell to 94 pieces per household annually in 2025, indicating a decline of 51 percent over the past 10 years. Transactional mail received (e.g., bills and statements) represented about 78 of the 82 pieces received per household in 2025. Both categories have declined over the past 10 years, with the volume of bills falling by 49 percent and statements by 36 percent.
Digital adoption has emerged as a key driver of the decline in transactional mail over the past 10 years. Many bills are now being paid online even if the actual statement is received in the mail. This underscores the importance of connecting offline and online efforts through tactics such as QR codes and websites.
Despite these declines, it’s important to dial into the reasons many customers still prefer to receive printed bills and statements. Customers cited motives such as record keeping, convenience/ease of use and security/privacy. This tells us that for many customers, receiving mail is not just habit; it serves a practical purpose. These customers are likely to continue preferring printed bills and statements.
Another interesting insight from the survey was customer response to targeted mail, such as branded materials or promotions. Almost 20 percent of customers will engage with marketing mail if they already have a relationship with the company. And, that number jumps to almost 40 percent if the mail piece also includes a coupon. It’s clear that mail works best when it is relevant, targeted and connected to an existing relationship.
As with transactional mail, it’s important to consider the digital side of marketing mail. According to Franklin Madison, more than half of consumers are more likely to consider interacting with a brand if they receive both digital and direct mail communication.3 And, almost all marketers (97 percent) say integrating direct mail with digital channels improves campaign performance.4 Simply put, print and digital tactics work better together.
Matrix can help your transactional mail communications and targeted direct mail campaigns work harder. Our integrated solutions span print and digital delivery, keeping customer preferences at the core. Combine your desired statement messaging with fully integrated digital elements such as QR codes/PURLs and other e-solutions to get the most ROI from your mail campaigns.
With rising postage rates, it’s imperative for businesses to make every mailed piece count. Contact us today to get started.
4 Lob 2025
