Given the recent postal rate increase, more bulk mailings, zip code+4 and oversized postcards for direct mail purposes have been instituted. For the first time, clubs are putting a cap on controlling professional fees.
More legal matters are going to arbitration than court. The marketing arena has seen decreases, with the focus only on certain peak months. The radius for direct mail has been narrowed, with much more emphasis on member referral programs. Yellow pages advertising has been reduced, and image advertising eliminated. Online communication has led to discontinuing the mailing of member statements, and posting newsletters online rather than printing them.
As the economy continues to struggle, focusing on the expense side is the mandate. Many clubs have held or even increased their bottom lines during these recessionary times.