Despite the strong growth of internet usage there is fresh evidence that the Great British public still have a strong preference for receiving their important documents through the medium of post.
The Envelope Manufacturers and Suppliers Association (EMSA) conducted a recent national poll (June 2011) that demonstrated people prefer their important bill and financial statements by mail, rather than solely online.
When asked “If you had the free choice, which of the following would you prefer?”
- 54% selected bill / statements by mail only
- 19% selected a combination of electronic and mail
“The mail continues to provide an important delivery vehicle for critical financial information and even internet-savvy citizens are reluctant to eliminate it” said Keith Bartlett, the Chairman of EMSA.
76% of respondents stated that they had internet access in their household, which is broadly in line with government statistics which show that 73% of households are internet users.
However, it is important to recognise that this means that some 1 in 4 households remain offline.
So, that will be another important consideration for financial organisations or government agencies if they further encourage (or even force) citizens to receive information in an online environment only.
This survey is an excellent reminder that consumer preference and consumer ability to access the internet is indeed a powerful combination, with post still playing essential information to UK consumers.
Points highlighted by Keith Bartlett when he adds “The postal system remains a critical lifeline for important services and will continue to play this role for many years.
