Testing & Adjusting Your Calendar Program

For many organizations, a yearly calendar may be one of the most expensive packages they send all year.  And there is a reason – they work!  But as costs are rising, organizations need to find ways to keep producing the calendar…while still maintaining revenue.  Today, we will look at sizing options for calendars and talk about how testing a new size may help keep those budgets under control!

Alternative Sizing:  When it comes to calendars, most organizations are sending full-sized wall calendars.  Each year, PS runs a calendar gang program where the basic size is 8 3/8 x 10 ½.   (for more on the calendar gang, check out our blog post here.)   These calendars are mailed in a 9 x 12 flat envelope.  However, the cost of postage for these flats is rising at a fast clip, so here are a few smaller sizes to consider:

• Slimline Calendar: Sized at 5.5 x 9.875 (folded size), this calendar is the largest format we have run that will mail at letter rates.  The envelope measuring 5.75 x 10.375, can commingle with letter rate mail – keeping the postage costs down (there is a small weight surcharge for this package).  We are seeing increasing testing of this size due to its lower postage and manufacturing costs and is a great alternative if you need to watch your budget.
• Smaller Slimline Calendar: In 2021 we also saw a smaller slimline calendar for the first time from one of our clients.  This one measures 4.5 x 10 and fits into a #14 envelope.
• Booklet Calendar: This size has also seen a small growth in popularity due to the ease of manufacturing it and the small size.   It measures just 8.375 x 5.375 (and some have been an even 8 x 5) and mails in a typical 6 x 9 package.   This could be a great alternative if you are able to gang print other 6 x 9 components with your calendar materials.
• Checkbook Calendar: While this size is not typically used to replace a full-sized calendar, it can be a good option for some who want to try sending a calendar for the first time, or would like to include 2 calendars in a package.  This measures 7.25 x 3.875 and can fit into a standard #10 envelope.

So why should you test a new size?  Cost is usually the overriding factor.  Smaller sizes use less paper, mail at cheaper rates, and can be easier to find manufacturers who can run them in large quantities.  Or maybe you need a creative refresh.  Whatever the reason, consider a smaller-sized calendar as part of your testing strategy.