Longer wait for mail would force changes for businesses

Tasha Bracken (right) says proposed cuts in postal service could make things more difficult for her West Newton event planning business. (Dina Rudick/Globe Staff)

By Christina Reinwald

Globe Correspondent / December 10, 2011

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From companies that mail out 250 million catalogs to small firms that send out hundreds of wedding invitations, businesses still rely heavily on the US Postal Service. Last week, the Postal Service announced it will go ahead with its proposed changes to service, including pushing back First-Class Mail to a 2-3 day delivery for the continental states, seeking to lower operating costs by $20 billion in 2015. Although there has been a decrease in First-Class Mail volume and revenue, many businesses use the service consistently. Tasha Bracken, owner of Simple Details Events, a party planning company based in West Newton, mailed out 140 invitations last week for a wedding at the end of January. If she notices that attendees are not receiving their mail and RSVP-ing as quickly as before, then she will have to send out the invitations two weeks earlier than usual. “Our job became more difficult, especially for planning last minute events,’’ said Bracken. “Weddings and other parties have to be on our radar much sooner. As a receiver of late mail invitations, you might think you were on the B-list, and we don’t want anyone thinking that.’’

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