WEB OFFSET REPORT -- Looking to Offset Losses

Davis says his calculation is based on the assumption that, without this legislation, a postal rate increase—in the range of the last one, or some 6 percent—would be passed. A commensurate cut in mailings typically follows.

"Generally, the biggest sales impact is seen in the first 12 months after a new postage rate goes into effect; then mail volume slowly recovers. However, the mail and printing business lost in the meantime is never recovered," the economist points out. "Currently, around $30 billion in annual printer revenues comes from direct mail printing."