12 APRIL, 2023
Who: Charles Darwin University Professor in Marketing Steven Greenland.
Topics:
- The impact of Australia Post’s changes, particularly to regional and remote areas.
- How similar changes in the United Kingdom impacted services.
Contact details: Call +61 8 8946 6721 or email media@cdu.edu.au to arrange an interview.
Quotes attributable to Professor Steven Greenland:
"Australia Post reported over $200m losses last year. To assist with cost cutting AusPost are therefore moving to standard letters and unaddressed mail delivered every second day from next week. This followed standard letter postal rate increases of 25% last week (April 3). Delivery frequency and price hikes are among a raft of cost cutting-related measures that include reduced collections and retail outlet closures.
“While the impact may not be so significant for those in the major cities, the service in smaller towns, and especially regional and remote areas could be significantly impacted - many of these do not have daily letter deliveries and collections already, and the collective impact of the cuts will create even greater delays, and especially during the high demand periods like Christmas.
“Consumers and businesses will therefore need to be better prepared and factor in greater lead times for posted mail and expect delivery delays. They might also look at other channels, such as online, although some consumers, including the elderly may find it harder to switch. Also, sometimes it is not possible to plan for the stresses associated with waiting for urgent documents to arrive by post.
“For consumers, Christmas and birthday cards will need to be sent much earlier especially if you live regional or remote.
“For businesses that have been relying on mailed documents such as bills and invoicing must find alternative channels. Although businesses relying on ‘snail mail’ for marketing to both consumers and other business may struggle to find a suitable an alternative, since standard post has often proven to be the best for promotion and for lead generation. The resulting further declining mail service will also have an impact on other business sectors, such as the already struggling print industry.”
Contact details:
Raphaella Saroukos she/her
Research Communications Officer
Marketing, Media & Communications
Larrakia Country
T: +61 8 8946 6721
E: media@cdu.edu.au
W: cdu.edu.au