Geoff Wolf, EVP Client Strategy
Catalogers have a choice to make in the coming weeks. In this case, there are only two possibilities: Do something or don’t do anything.
The choice involves good and evil. In this case, “good” is defined as spending a lot less money and “evil” as spending a lot more money. Do I have your attention?
The money in question involves writing checks to the US Postal Service to mail catalogs. The Postal Service Reform Act of 2017, H.R. 756, is on its way to the floor of Congress right now. It is a fair and reasonable bill for catalogers, consumers and postal service employees. So what is the possible evil here? The bill failing to pass. If this postal reform bill fails, the Postal Service has stated that they will have no other choice but to make double-digit increases in the rates we pay to mail our catalogs for the foreseeable future.
Catalogers have a choice to either 1) do something to help ensure the bill passes, or 2) NOT do anything. It is that simple. This is a choice between good and evil for catalog businesses.
“The outlook for the Postal Service is grim without the improvements contained in this bill,” said House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah). “I hope the legislation sees quick action by the full House so the Postal Service can be one step closer to a viable, solvent future.”
What we need to do to make sure good things happen is not all that hard, time consuming or expensive. We simply need to contact each of our representatives in Congress and let them know that we run a business in THEIR district. Communicate with their offices and tell them 1) how many employees you have, 2) how many votes you represent in their next election, and 3) how you feel about the upcoming postal reform vote. It is that simple. You can even ask the American Catalog Mailers Association (ACMA) to provide the contact information for your Congressman and some tips on making your voice heard.
Yes, it takes very little effort. But think of this as akin to a property tax increase: If there was a vote coming up about a series of double-digit increases in your property taxes each year for the foreseeable future, what would you do? You would have a choice between speaking up or just letting others speak up and hoping for the best. I bet that if it was YOUR bank account paying property taxes, you would most likely say something to somebody to try and stop the madness.
J.Schmid passionately encourages all catalogers and their executives to take a little time to contact the offices of their congressional representatives. Cataloger voices need to be heard in all congressional districts to make the biggest difference. At a minimum, please invite your representatives to visit your warehouse and offices. Make a visit to your local representative’s office, or at least call them. Send an email or a letter. Choose to do something! Click here if you want to learn more.
J.Schmid is a founding member of the ACMA and has been very active within the group for many years. In this role, we do our part to help all catalogers be heard in Congress. The efforts of the ACMA are working and the postal bill would not be headed to Congress without the tireless work of this association. Together, we are making a difference! If you consider yourself to be a mover and shaker, consider joining the ACMA. Contact Geoff Wolf at geoffw@jschmid.com for more information about how to get involved with this impressive group of catalog executives and the leaders of the Postal Service.
In fact, the annual ACMA National Catalog Forum is coming up May 2-4, 2017 in Washington, D.C. J.Schmid guarantees that attending this conference will change your experience as a cataloger. You will take away two things: 1) an understanding of how representative democracy works for catalogers, and 2) an understanding of what makes a catalog successful. Both will improve just by spending two days with the group of executives who attend this forum. In addition, The Honorable Megan Brennan, USPS Postmaster General & CEO, will be addressing the group at this event. Click here for more information.
If you do not act after reading this, you have made a choice. Whether you do something or not, you will have to live with the outcome of the postal reform bill. What matters is how you will feel after the outcome becomes real. So, what will your choice be?
Do you have questions about how the postal reform bill could affect your business? Contact Geoff Wolf at geoffw@jschmid.com
Tags: ACMA, catalog industry, Catalog Mailing, direct marketing, Geoff Wolf, The Postal Service Reform Act of 2014, US Postal Service