Companies 'lacking know how in Postal Matters'

A new study has claimed 95 per cent of businesses who have moved mail service provider since the Postal Market opened in 2006 are only achieving a small element of the cost savings that are actually available to them.

The research, from Altus, quizzed 200 businesses and found the majority do not have the expertise, experience or know how needed to take full advantage of an open Postal Market.

Among the research uncovered were a lack of understanding of mailing and print services, the importance of customer contact data, fragmented practices, out-of-date applications, lack of supplier management capability in Postal Estate™ management and a full appreciation of postal expense management.

Key findings from the study shows over 95% percent of companies could be doing more to further reduce their Postal Estate™ costs, while more than 82 per cent have experience in procurement but not specifically in Postal Estate™ management. The study also shows that 86% of Royal Mails existing clients could also reduce their postal costs.

In addition, 77 per cent of firms revealed they believe they could further reduce their Postal costs.

Gary Sweeney, Founder and Managing Director of Altus, commented: “This data highlights why so many companies are struggling to fully reduce their postal costs and other associated costs in customer communications. Our research shows that some businesses have managed to capture the low hanging fruit but there`s still a lot that can be done to reduce costs. It would help greatly if procurement teams understood that companies like Altus can help them to maximise reductions in postal expenditure at no cost to them for accessing the expertise that is available. In these tough economic times, Altus has the tools and techniques companies need to help businesses grow.