NAMMU is finalizing its report on the 2003 Rate Package Proposals and  preliminary discussion is already underway with senior Canada Post executive on the two critical industry issues: A clear statement of strategic direction by the Corporation on rewarding work sharing initiatives and the potential introduction of volume retention (loyalty) and growth incentives to offset reduced worksharing benefits. For a copy of the Presidents media release contact executive@nammu.org

ON LINE NO NOs

According to David Stark in Marketing Magazine (October 2), the NFO CF groups marketing research study: Shopping Carts and Shipping Costs, points to several easily remedied reasons for cart abandonment. Although browsing or comparison shopping tops the list of main reasons, online shoppers revealed that shipping costs (a turnoff for 17% of potential buyers); privacy concerns (10% said that too much information was required at checkout) and poor site design slowing down the checkout process are also significant contributing factors. Some remedies suggested: the cost of shipping must not be viewed as a source of revenue by the consumer i.e.explain how shipping charges are calculated; only necessary information should be asked for during the checkout process and respect shown for the view of the majority of those surveyed indicating they did not like the practice of having their information stored online for future purchases. Above all, a toll-free number to reach customer service is essential.

ELECTRONIC CHEQUE PRESENTMENT

The Canadian Payments Association (CPA) has established a Truncation and Electronic Cheque Presentment (ECP)  Steering Committee to investigate the operational and economic viability  of implementing ECP on an industry-wide basis in Canada. The ECP initiative aims to design and implement a secure, cost-efficient and streamlined process, based on the transmission of electronic information, to replace the delivery of the actual cheques. Among the potential benefits of ECP for both financial institutions and customers are faster processing of cheques, easier tracing, quick access to cheque images, more timely reporting. ECP would also greatly reduce the need for transportation and courier arrangements required to support the current system. The CPA projects a timeframe of three to five years for ECP implementation. www.cdnpay.ca

GREAT SOLUTION

In response to the NAMMU survey results indicating users were not likely to pullthe important ADDRESS MANAGER information from the Canada Post site, Lianne Pepper, Director, Address Management, provides another solution. Canada Post will email the publication to those requesting it: contact: address.management@canadapost.ca

NOTE: There will be one transmission and all email recipient addresses will be displayed. If this is not acceptable to you, contact executive@nammu.org and the Association will provide individual transmission.

NCOA OPT OUT

The new opt outfeature for movers supplying change of address information to Canada Post is in place and a report on the first month of activity has been requested by NAMMU. Members have expressed their views on the phraseology used in the Smart Movesbooklet, however, NAMMU has reserved comment until actual results are reported. Contact: executive@nammu.org

ELECTRONIC RTS

The electronic return to sender (RTS) for Publications Mail will use the 300 Decentralized Redirection Systems that are installed in letter carrier depots. The address will be scanned and image files will be provided to the mailer in batch format. Work on the detailed system design has started and the launch is scheduled for May 2003. Contact executive@nammu.org for more information on this initiative and/or to participate on the NAMMU Publishers Council for consultation on Publications Mail sortation changes proposed for September 2003.