Firms urged to make the most of new postal charges

As part of the new pricing structure, the price of 1st class post for meter users has been reduced by 1p and now costs 30p, rather than the previous price of 31p or the 32p for stamped mail. To take advantage of the discount, all customers need to do is reset their machines.

Royal Mail’s Lorna Clarkson said: “We always remind users to reset their meters when there is a tariff change, and this time is particularly important if business customers are to get a share in the £30 million price reduction.”

While it is important that all businesses check their meters have been reset, it is particularly important for smaller businesses that use manual franking machines.

The reduction is in recognition that business post costs Royal Mail less to handle and is on top of the 1p discount given to business mail as part of tariff changes in April 2005.

Under the new pricing system Royal Mail is giving businesses a “double whammy” of price reductions, with an increase in the weight limit from 60g to 100g, so customers can send more for less.