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Ease of Use Making it easier for customers to use the Postal Service
USPS.com Responds to Customer Needs Improvements were made to USPS.com in January that will help customers access the products and services they need quickly and easily. Customers' needs constantly change, and USPS.com consistently responds with innovative online solutions. With this release we: • Improved site-wide navigation. • Reorganized product and service pages to specifically target business and household customers. All customers benefit from pages that target their specific shipping and mailing needs. • Restructured the red toolbar (at the top of the screen). The new toolbar provides direct access to the most frequently used online tools. • Created sections for "Shipping Tools" and "Mailing Tools," providing customers the information and tools they need in one location to prepare their packages and letters for proper delivery. These enhancements to USPS.com provide customers with fast, online access to Postal Service products and services. Check out the changes at www.usps.com.
Updated MERLIN Web Site The Postal Service recently launched the MERLIN program redesign on USPS.com. The MERLIN site allows customers to prepare their mail for automation discounts, to design and create effective mailpieces, to appeal and understand MERLIN program reports, and to view sample reports. You can view this site by going to www.usps.com/merlin. Features of the updated MERLIN site include: • Help for customers in designing mailpieces and preparing quality mailings. • Details of the MERLIN verification process — what MERLIN does and what it analyzes. • Specifics of the MERLIN appeals process — how and where to file. • Resources and tools to use, such as how to find a mailpiece design analyst (MDA) or locate a BMEU. • Explanation of the MERLIN reports — how to read them and what the data means.
New Online Rate Calculator Is Just a Click Away The highly acclaimed USPS domestic and international rate calculators will be replaced shortly with one new and improved rate calculator. The new calculator combines the functions of the domestic and international rate calculators into a single tool. Benefits and features of the new combined Domestic and International Rate Calculator are: • Integrated Design - Mirrors the look and feel of USPS.com. Links to Click-N-Ship and Carrier Pickup. • Dual Purpose Calculator- Combines the current domestic and international calculators into one. • Faster Response - Allows users to compute rates with fewer mouse clicks. • Extra Services - Extra services are featured through a new interactive menu, making it easier for customers to see the full range of options. • Improved Functionality for Express Mail - The new calculator seamlessly links to the Express Mail service commitments. Users can find Express Mail deposit locations and pickup times with one click of the mouse. • Improved Functionality for Priority Mail - The new calculator includes rates, pictures, and measurements for the new Priority Mail flat-rate boxes.	• Updates - The calculator is updated bimonthly with City State file information, APO/FPO restrictions, and international mail changes. • Technology - The improved design uses the same core rate engine currently used for the domestic and international rate calculators. This engine also supports Corporate Call Management, USPS Web Tools, and the Postal Store. The calculator serves approximately 5.3 million visitors each month. Find it at www.usps.com (click on "Calculate Postage").