In most businesses, increases in cost are immediately passed on to the consumer. That is no different in the newspaper industry. In order for businesses to survive, we must pass on costs incurred with weekly productions or we simply wouldn’t survive. I knew in 2020 we needed to make a substantial change as our costs continued to increase; but, I was reluctant to do so. I waited. And, when we finally made the increase, we faced yet another increase. In the last four years, we have seen a 34% increase in postage alone. This 34% doesn’t include the increases that came from utilities, payroll, print costs, etc. It was simply postage rate increases. The 34% doesn’t include the 7.5% postage increase that was just added in January.
Last week, we received the below post-it note along with a subscription renewal. We, too, believe that the increase is excessive. However, as the fees increase for us, we just pass them on to our customers. We are beyond grateful for those who have continued to support, including the subscriber that sent the note. Fees have continued to go up across the board and we are all feeling them.
I’m hopeful that despite the changes, the newspaper is able to overcome the obstacles and continue to serve our amazing community for years to come.
We are here because of our readers and our advertisers, and we are beyond grateful for each and every one of them.
Robin Wunderlich Quote of the Week
“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” ~ Napoleon Hill
