[Fists] New Postal Rates

[Stan Reas]

Fellow FISTS Members:

The Postal Service has done it again - effective May 15, 2007 they have raised rates on the 
first ounce from 39 cents to 41 cents.

But it is almost unbelievable they have reduced the rate on additional ounces from 24 cents to 17 cents.

           So, based on the weight of my QSL card per the scales in the Moneta, Virginia Post Office
                          we can send the following number of cards per weight:

                                   Weight           Postage        Cards
                                    1 ounce          41 cents           7
                                    2 ounce          58 cents          15
                                    3 ounce          75 cents          23

The weight limit for regular envelopes is 3.5 ounces which means 92 cents postage for 27 cards.  Above 3.5 
ounces the "Large Envelope" rate would apply - 80 cents for first ounce and 17 cents for each additional ounce.  
So, for 4 ounces, approximately 31 cards, the postage required would be $ 1.31

We will use 2 cent stamps from our "Stamp Kitty" to take care of the SASE's we have on hand which have 
39 cent ( Or even 37 cent ) stamps.

However, those of you who have sent SASE's with additional postage need to advise us your desires 
with regard to how many cards we should mail at one time:

	Those with 63 cents postage we will mail when we have 15 cards on hand.
	
	Those with two 39 cent stamps, we would have mailed when we had 15 cards on hand.  	
	But after May 14, 2007 based on the new rates, 78 cents postage will cover 3 ounces of 
	cards, so we could wait 	until we have 23 cards before mailing.

	Some of you have sent SASE's with three 39 cent stamps.  We would have waited until 
	we had 31 cards on hand before mailing those envelopes.  But after May 14, 2007 the 
	$1.17 worth of postage will handle only 3.5 ounces - 27 cards.

And the Postal Service has made available the "Forever Stamp" which costs 41 cents and is 
described as:
	
	Forever Stamp at the new First-Class letter price of 41 cents is valid for
	First Class Mail, 1-ounce letters indefinitely - regardless of future price 
	increases.

Hard to believe, but it is true. - Hi !

Information on the new Postal Rates is available on the FISTS QSL Bureau web site.  Click on 
"Rates" on the index page.

Or, click on "Beginner's Guide" in Item 4 on the web site index to get the latest revision to the 
Beginner's Guide to the FISTS QSL Bureau.

With the Postal Rate increasing to 26 cents for Postcards it is still quite a saving to send cards 
via the QSL Bureau.  Seven cards for 41 cents postage is less than 6 cents per card.

I trust this has not confused you folks - Hi !

73, Stan - K4UK
FISTS QSL Bureau
1020 Long Island Drive
Moneta, VA  24121
<www.fistsburo.org>