How Upcoming Postal Reforms Could Impact Offline Marketing for Small Businesses
In case you’ve not caught up with the latest from Royal Mail and Ofcom, big changes are on the horizon for how post gets delivered in the UK – and it’s something small businesses should be paying attention to, especially if you use printed marketing materials as part of your outreach.
Since April 2024, the UK postal industry has been undergoing a major review, with Royal Mail pushing for reforms to the Universal Service Obligation (USO), which currently mandates six-day letter delivery across the UK. Due to declining mail volumes and rising operational costs, Royal Mail and Ofcom have been exploring more sustainable models. A final decision is due in July 2025, but some key changes have already been proposed—and they could reshape how we all use offline mail for business.
What’s Changing?
The most notable proposed changes include:
- Second Class and Standard Business Mail: Moving to alternate weekday delivery (Monday to Friday only), and shifting from a two-day delivery target to three days (D+3).
- Economy Mail: Will no longer be delivered on Saturdays, sticking to a D+5 service across weekdays.
- First Class Mail: Will still be delivered six days a week but has already seen significant price hikes—some business mail rates went up over 60% in March 2025.
- New Priority Business Mail Option: A new DSA (Downstream Access) Priority service is being introduced, offering faster delivery (D+2) for Mailmark business letters and large letters.
Why Does This Matter to Your Business?
If you rely on direct mail—whether for newsletters, appointment reminders, loyalty offers, or local promotions—these changes could affect the timing, cost, and overall strategy of your campaigns.
With fewer delivery days and higher First Class costs, planning ahead will be more crucial than ever. The changes could also impact the effectiveness of weekend delivery campaigns, which some small businesses have relied on to drive weekend footfall.
What Should You Do Now?
- Review Your Marketing Calendar: Make sure you’re accounting for longer delivery times if you’re using Second Class or Economy services.
- Plan for Cost Increases: If First Class post is part of your strategy, expect to spend more or consider switching to the new DSA Priority service once available.
- Go Multichannel: Pairing direct mail with digital strategies—like targeted email, social media, or SMS—can help you stay visible and connected even if postal services become less predictable.
- Talk to Your Printer or Mailing Provider: If you work with a provider like us at O’Brien Media for printed campaigns, it’s a good time to review your options and discuss timelines and pricing changes.
If you’re unsure how these changes might affect your existing marketing plans or want to explore more efficient digital alternatives, we’re happy to help. Just drop us an email at hello@obrienmedia.co.uk or give us a call on 01793 239239.
Let’s keep your message moving—no matter what the postman is up to!