Traditional mail is still alive and kicking and will continue to no matter the rate increase in postage. People still rely on this tried and true method of mail delivery.

Households may be increasingly using email, social media and other Internet-based communications for personal correspondence instead of letters. But the Postal Service’s Household Diary Study found traditional letters and greeting cards remain popular forms of communication, especially for higher income households.

“In 2012, 36 percent of household correspondence was personal, 49 percent was business-related and 14 percent was social or non-profit correspondence,” USPS Financial Economist John Mazzone said.

USPS is currently compiling and analyzing data for the 2013 study.

Households received an average 0.7 pieces of personal correspondence mail (letters and greeting cards) per week in 2012, unchanged from 2011, but down from eight pieces per week in 2010.

While personal mail has declined 13.2 percent since 2010, the study found household income influenced the amount of letters and particularly greeting cards sent and received.

Households with incomes greater than $100,000 sent an average of 22 holiday greeting cards in 2012, compared to six cards sent by households with incomes less than $35,000, the study noted.

Older heads of households (age 35 and up) sent 15-20 holiday greeting cards in 2012, compared to 13 cards sent by younger heads of households (age 35 and under).

Contact MCC’s Mailing Solutions Division to find out ways that you can elevate your organizations mailing capabilities!