• INITIATIVE FOR INCREASED ONLINE SALES
• NEW PRODUCTS: PACKET AND LIGHT PARCEL INTERNATIONAL
• STANDARD LETTER REMAINS UNCHANGED

Austrian Post is modernising its product spectrum and simplifying postal rates for letters and parcels as of January 1, 2017. As a result, Austrian Post is placing itself at the forefront in Europe, especially with regard to the shipment of goods and documents. Moreover, it is launching an up-to-date shipment structure on its domestic market tailored to e-commerce as required by the EU.

SIMPLIFICATION AND NEW PRODUCT NAMES
The new product structure of Austrian Post relies on an intuitive assignability true to the motto “A letter is a letter” and “A parcel is a parcel.” Accordingly, Austrian Post offers its customers a consistent product range without any overlapping, but one which features added value free of charge. The new category entitled “Packet” combines the simplicity of a letter with the traceability of a parcel, and comprises a clear response to the new demands imposed by online business.

The current Standard Letter will continue to be offered at a favourable price of 68 cents (up to a weight of 20g), but will now be called an “S Letter” (small letter). The new product named an “M Letter” (medium-sized) will allow customers to send mail items weighing up to 75g (compared to 50g at the present time).  

New definitive stamps will be issued by Austrian Post to accompany the new letter mail products. The 15 new stamps will each show details of the coats of arms of all Austrian federal provinces. The stamps were designed by Anita Kern, who convincingly succeeded in depicting traditional motifs in a modern, stylish manner.

THE PACKET – MORE REASONABLY PRICED THAN EVER BEFORE WITH FREE TRACK AND TRACE
The “Packet” is a newly developed product group offered in two sizes (S and M), both of which feature free track and trace. Studies show that lightweight items such as documents, books and garments with a weight of up to 2 kg comprise the lion’s share of e-commerce shipments. Furthermore, the Packet fulfils customer demands for simple traceability. Austrian Post assumes liability coverage of up to EUR 50 per item. If the item has a suitable size (S Packet), it can be directly deposited in the recipient’s letterbox, and thus be delivered even in the person’s absence.

The sizes and postal rates of conventional domestic parcels as well as the confirmation slip when mailing or accepting parcels, track and trace and liability coverage of up to EUR 510 per parcel will all remain unchanged. The only difference is the designation for the different postal rates i.e. parcels in the sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL.

NEW: LIGHT PARCEL INTERNATIONAL – TOP PRICE FOR THE MOST FREQUENTLY USED PRODUCT
Changes will also be made on international mail and parcel shipments. With respect to letters, postage will be harmonised in line with the new national structure (Letter International in the sizes S, M, L and XL). It will be possible to send smaller items of up to 2 kg to other EU member states for EUR 6.90 thanks to the Priority Letter International.  

Standard parcels for foreign recipients will be called Light Parcel International in the future, and will boast the track and trace feature. Austrian Post will offer a much lower postage of EUR 8.90 for parcels in the EU weighing up to 2 kg, in contrast to present rates of EUR 13.25 to 14.25. This represents a significant price reduction for 70% of the customers, which is unparalleled in Europe.   

For international parcels requiring increased liability compared to the amount of up to EUR 100 for Light Parcel International, Austrian Post will continue to offer its product group “Parcel International” and its usual benefits. Liability coverage of up to EUR 510 is assumed for Parcel International products. The parcel is certified and traceable. Parcel International will be available in the following categories: Mini, S, M, L, XL and XXL.

UPGRADES FOR HYBRID RETURN RECEIPT LETTERS
The procedure for delivering an official letter from public authorities is new. The recipient confirms receipt of the letter on the handheld device of the mail carrier, creating a continuous electronic delivery process. This approach increases transparency and the quality of the delivery process.

CONTACT

Austrian Post
Ms. Ingeborg Gratzer
Head of Media Relations & Internal Communications
Tel.: +43 577 67 – 32010
E-mail: ingeborg.gratzer@post.at