KCTV 5USPS program could mean more junk mail

Deeper discounts through the post office might make it easier for small businesses to advertise, but advertising agencies say it could improve the junk mail situation at home.

The United States Postal Service's Grow Your Business offers direct mailing that will reach consumers in a community where mom-and-pop shops operate.

A workshop Tuesday at Union Station will help business owners learn how to take advantage of the program.

It was a revenue generating business idea that also helps locally-owned shops that don't have a lot of advertising dollars.

But if people are afraid it is going to cause more junk mail, they are probably right. People might start to see more ads and coupons in their mailbox, but experts say it will be more specific to neighborhoods.

"I don't know you're going to get less junk mail. But what is in it for you is you are going to get pieces that are focused on what you are interested in," said advertising expert Darryl Mattox.

The postal service is not ashamed to say it is a revenue generating tool that offers a discount for customers buying in bulk.

"We are not tax supported. We haven't used a dime of taxpayer money for our daily operations since 1982," said U.S. Postal Service spokesman Richard Watkins. "We simply must do more than cut and control costs. We have to raise revenue and this is one way to do that."

The small business workshop starts at 10 a.m. at Union Station.

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