LetterStream Blog

Is Sending Physical Mail Better For Critical Business Communications?

Is sending physical mail better for critical business communications? The quick answer is yes. In today’s digital landscape, it feels like everything’s competing for attention. Emails pile up, screens demand constant refreshing, and notifications are endless. So, what’s the best way to get a message across when it really matters? Enter: good old-fashioned snail mail. From important notices and statements to updates that need acknowledgment, physical mail has some surprising advantages. There’s no cluttered inbox to contend with here—just a message delivered right to the recipient’s door. Here’s why business mail, from official documents to statements and policy changes, often achieves better results when sent the old-school way.

It’s Hard to Ignore Physical Mail

When an email notification can be swiped away in an instant, a physical letter sits patiently on a desk or countertop, waiting to be opened. There’s something undeniably impactful about receiving a tangible document that says, “This is important.” From account statements and legal notices to membership updates, a letter isn’t just information—it’s a call to action that grabs attention by design. Plus, it doesn’t get lost in the digital shuffle, so your customers, clients, or members are far more likely to actually read and respond to it.

Adds a Personal Touch to Business Communication

Emails may be fast and convenient, but they’re also a bit…impersonal. A physical letter, on the other hand, offers a personal, thoughtful touch that digital messages lack. There’s a sense of care that comes with a document you can hold in your hands. Imagine sending important updates about new services, policy changes, or community notices. Physical mail says, “We care enough to make this real,” which strengthens trust and customer loyalty. People notice when you take that extra step to ensure they’re informed.

Boosts Read Rates and Engagement With Physical Mail

With physical mail, there’s no spam filter, no cluttered inbox, no “marked as read” misclick. Studies show that printed letters have significantly higher open rates than digital communications. For crucial documents like statements, compliance notices, or account updates, this reliability can make all the difference. When your message lands in the mailbox, recipients are far more likely to open it, engage with it, and take any necessary action.

Stands Out in a Sea of Digital Noise

Digital fatigue is real—too many emails, too much time on screens, and a constant stream of notifications. By contrast, physical mail is memorable because it’s refreshingly different. In the middle of all that digital clutter, a letter becomes a focal point. For businesses, this can mean better response rates for service updates, billing information, and other vital communications. A physical document gives people the chance to step back, process the message, and respond without the usual distractions.

Why Use LetterStream for Your Business Mail?

When it comes to sending essential business mail, we make it quick and hassle-free. With LetterStream, sending physical mail online couldn’t be easier. We handle the printing, folding, and mailing for you, so you can focus on what matters most. Plus, our built-in tracking options, including Certified Mail and FedEx 2Day, let you monitor your mail right from your portal. Whether you’re sending monthly statements, compliance updates, or priority notices, LetterStream helps ensure your important messages reach their destination, on time and with peace of mind.

LetterStream is an online printing and mailing service company, offering bulk printing and mailing business mailing solutions for businesses of all sizes, from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies that want to send mail online. Be sure to sign up for a FREE account to check us out.

How To Easily Send Recall Notices Online

Sending recall notices is easier than you think. So easy, in fact, that you can send your recall letters right from your home or office. Imagine this: It’s a typical Tuesday morning, and just as you’re gearing up for the day with a coffee in hand, your team bursts in (or calls you) with news of a product recall. Maybe it’s a small part, or maybe it’s something more significant, but one thing’s clear: you need to reach out to your customers—fast.

Sending recall notices can feel like a juggling act. It’s about more than just getting the message out; it’s about getting it right, keeping your customers safe, and ensuring your company remains in good standing. But here’s the kicker: done right, recall notices can actually boost customer trust and loyalty. They don’t have to be a headache if you have the right strategy in place.

The Purpose of a Recall Notice

Recalls serve as a proactive measure, one that prioritizes customer safety. And yes, they’re often legally required, but more than that, recall notices show your customers that you have their well-being in mind, especially when it matters most.

A good recall notice is straightforward, including only the essentials: what’s being recalled, why it matters, and what the customer should do next. Think of it as the golden rule for recall notices—keep it simple and actionable.

Why Sending Snail Mail Is Essential in Recall Notices

Now, you might wonder, “Can’t we just email it and call it a day?” Unfortunately, for many recalls, email alone doesn’t cut it. For many industries like automotive, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals, sending physical mail is often required. And beyond compliance, physical notices are simply more tangible. They feel real—and they make a real impact.

But here’s where things can get tricky. Between managing addresses, printing, mailing, and ensuring delivery, sending thousands of recall notices can feel like juggling on a tightrope. That’s why many companies look for reliable mailing partners who specialize in high-stakes, time-sensitive mail.

The Power of Partnering with a Mailing Service

Think about what it would be like having a partner who can handle the entire recall process for you—from printing to mailing and tracking. That’s the dream, right? When you outsource recall notices, you’re not just checking off a box; you’re making sure every message reaches the right person at the right time.

Now, think about what it would be like having a partner who can handle the entire recall process for you—from printing and mailing to tracking. Working with a mailing service for your recall notices is bascially like having a backstage crew handling all the details and that’s the dream, right? Your focus stays on supporting your customers, while your partner handles the logistics, ensuring each notice gets sent out where it needs to go—quickly and accurately.

Here’s what a strong mailing partner brings to your recall game:

Speed: Timing is everything in a recall. Delays simply aren’t an option. With an experienced partner, you can get notices out in days, not weeks.
Accuracy: Sending a recall notice to the wrong address? Not a great look. A good mailing service will have systems in place to double-check accuracy and reach the right audience.
Compliance: From secure data handling to meeting industry standards, an experienced provider ensures that you’re fully compliant every step of the way.The result? A smoother process for you and peace of mind for your customers.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid With Recall Notices

Let’s face it: sending recall notices can have its share of challenges. Here are a few pitfalls we’ve seen companies encounter—and how partnering with an expert mailing service can help avoid them:

Outdated Customer Information: Ever tried to reach a customer who moved years ago? It’s frustrating—and it undermines the impact of your notice. A dedicated mailing partner can help by verifying addresses and reducing the chances of returned mail. We refer to this service as Address Cleanup here at LetterStream.
Missing Follow-Ups: Sending one recall notice is rarely enough. Some customers need a second reminder. Setting up a follow-up plan and scheduling out your mailing makes a huge difference.
Complicated Next Steps: Recall notices should be easy to understand and act on. A skilled mailing partner ensures your notices are formatted clearly, making it simple for customers to know exactly what to do. LetterStream offers something called a PDF Preflight tool in customer accounts, which allows them to make sure addresses and content are structured correctly for First-Class Mail and Certified Mail.

Recall Notices Made Easy with LetterStream

Handling a recall is already challenging—sending out notices shouldn’t make it harder. That’s why we’re here to help make the process smooth and straightforward by easily sending mail online. By offering print and mail online, we’re ensuring your recall notices go out quickly and reach the right people without any fuss. From printing, folding, and inserting to mailing, we handle every step, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: your customers. With us taking care of the logistics, sending recall notices becomes one less thing to worry about—quick, accurate, and easy.

Here’s the fun part. You can choose to send your recall letters via First-Class mail or some of you may be asking, “can you send certified mail online?” and the answer is yes! If you want send your recall notices as Certified Mail, we not only let you do that but we also let you track them right from inside of your account. It really is that easy with online printing and mailing companies…well at least at ours.

Trust and Transparency in Every Envelope

A recall notice is more than just a piece of mail. It’s a lifeline that keeps customers safe, builds trust, and strengthens your brand reputation. By sending timely, accurate recall notices, you show customers that you’re proactive about their well-being. And yes, it’s legally required in many cases—but even without the mandate, it’s simply the right thing to do.

How To Avoid Mailing Horrors With Address Cleanup

Nothing’s scarier than sending out an important batch of mail only to have half of it returned due to missing or outdated addresses! With that being said, Halloween seems like the perfect time to talk about the “phantom of the missing address”—a haunting error that disrupts businesses during peak mailing seasons. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? However, it doesn’t have to. With our dedicated address cleanup services, LetterStream helps keep these spooky mistakes out of your mailings. Our commitment to attention to detail, precision, and accuracy ensures that your communications reach their intended recipients without a hitch.

Speaking of attention to detail, it’s something we live by at LetterStream, both in our work and our workplace culture. This Halloween, we’re hosting our 2nd Annual Pumpkin Carving contest, where our team’s creativity and focus are on full display as they compete for fun prizes. Just as each pumpkin is carefully carved and designed, each mailing project we handle is managed with meticulous care to ensure it reaches its intended destination smoothly. Ok, but more on this later. Let’s get back to missing addresses, shall we?

The Phantom of the Missing Address: How It Haunts Your Business

The phantom of the missing address lurks in outdated mailing lists, incorrect addresses, and overlooked details. When mailing lists aren’t current, your communications risk being returned like haunted echoes, resulting in wasted postage, delayed timelines, and costly reprints. The nightmare of managing undelivered or misdelivered mail due to wrong addresses in your address list can drain valuable time and resources from your business—especially as year-end deadlines loom. This is why mailing address validation is important.

Avoid the Nightmare of Returned Mail with LetterStream’s Address Cleanup Solutions

LetterStream finds data accuracy extremely important, which is why our Address Cleanup services cover every essential step to keep your mailing lists fresh, accurate, and compliant with USPS standards. By standardizing and validating each address through address verification and cleanup services, we eliminate the risk of costly returns and ensure that your communications arrive as intended.

Here’s how our Address Cleanup services work:

Address Standardization: Every address is formatted to United States Postal Service standards, including standard abbreviations, uppercase text, and compressed data for postal automation compliance.
Spelling and Formatting Corrections: Our system corrects common spelling errors in street and city names and applies standard formatting, reducing the chance of undelivered mail due to minor errors.
Zip+4 Code Addition: We automatically add the Zip+4 extension to each address, enhancing delivery accuracy and reducing processing times.
Duplicate Record Removal: We identify and remove duplicate entries to prevent unnecessary mailings and reduce postage costs.
Delivery Point Validation (DPV): DPV verifies that the house or street number exists within the known range for each street, further ensuring accurate delivery and avoiding undeliverable mail.

With these Address Cleanup features, we make sure your mailing lists are accurate and compliant, so your mailings are delivered on time, every time.

Enhancing Accuracy with National Change of Address (NCOA) Services

For even greater accuracy, LetterStream’s National Change of Address (NCOA) services (another address verification tool) goes beyond standard address cleanup. By referencing the USPS change-of-address system, we can identify recipients who have moved within the past 18 months and provide their most current address. This process improves deliverability and reduces the risk of returned mail due to recent moves.

Here’s what our NCOA services include:

Address Cleanup Services: Everything in the list above for Address Cleanup Services
Move Verification: Using the USPS address change data service, we check if anyone on your mailing list has relocated, so you don’t lose touch with customers or clients due to outdated addresses.
Address Updates: Once we identify recipients who have moved, we update their mailing information to reflect their current address, ensuring every piece of mail reaches its intended recipient.
Enhanced Deliverability: Our NCOA service increases the reach of your communications by keeping your lists accurate and current, helping you avoid the cost and hassle of returned mail.

With NCOA, LetterStream goes the extra mile to keep your mailing lists updated and deliverability high, protecting your business from the disruptions that come with outdated addresses.

Carving Out Community and Quality: Our Pumpkin Contest and Commitment to Excellence

LetterStream's employees who help with address cleanup, celebrate with a Halloween party

Ok, now that the important information has been gone over, let’s talk a little bit more about our office fun. Our pumpkin carving contest is a highlight of Halloween at LetterStream. Employees unleash their creativity, crafting intricate designs while enjoying some well-deserved Halloween treats, food and friendly competition. This celebration of teamwork, creativity, and precision is woven into our work culture in ways that directly benefit our clients.

How you might ask? Good question.

Just as each pumpkin is carved with unique care and creativity, our dedication to meticulousness is apparent in the work we send out. Our employees pay close attention to details, verifying addresses, ensuring letters reach the correct recipients, and double-checking data to prevent errors. From address cleanup to NCOA processing, each step is performed with precision, so every piece of mail reaches its intended recipient without a hitch.

Our team’s commitment to accuracy helps protect your business from the costly mistakes of undelivered or misdelivered mail, letting you rest easy—even during the spookiest season.

Don’t Let Missing Addresses Haunt Your Mailings

To bring it full circle, this Halloween, let’s make sure the phantom of the missing address doesn’t haunt your business. When partnering with LetterStream, you’re gaining a team dedicated to precision and reliability. With our Address Cleanup and NCOA mailing services, you’ll save time, money, and peace of mind. Plus, you’ll know you’re working with a company that values creativity and community—both within our walls and in our partnerships with clients.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you stay one step ahead of those haunting mailing errors and keep your business running smoothly through the spooky season and beyond. And from all of us at LetterStream, Happy Halloween!

LetterStream is an online printing and mailing company, offering bulk printing and mailing business mailing solutions for businesses of all sizes, from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies that want to send mail online. Click here to create a free account.

FedEx Holiday Surcharge—Here’s What You Need to Know

The holidays are almost here, and if you’re planning your end-of-year mailings, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: FedEx is rolling out a FedEx holiday surcharge. However, it’s not a flat fee this year—there are a few twists and turns this time around. Starting October 28th, FedEx will be adding a $1 surcharge on letters and envelopes, and it’ll change a couple of times before going away in late January.

Let’s break it down and chat a little bit about how LetterStream is handling it, so you’re not caught off guard during the busy season.

So, What’s the Deal with the Holiday FedEx Surcharges 2024?

From October 28th to January 19th, FedEx is adding a temporary surcharge to letters and envelopes. But it won’t be the same rate the whole time—here’s the timeline:

Starting October 28th: FedEx adds a $1 surcharge per letter or envelope.
On November 25th: That jumps to $2 during the holiday peak.
On December 30th: It drops back down to $1.
After January 19th: The surcharge ends.

If you’re sending out bulk letters or documents, especially around big shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you’ll want to keep these dates in mind. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, but nothing we can’t handle together when it comes to FedEx online printing and mailing.

Here’s How LetterStream Is Handling It

We get that surcharges can be frustrating, especially when managing a lot of mail. That’s why we’re keeping things as straightforward as possible. As FedEx adjusts its rates, we’ll match those changes within our services. Just to be clear. We are not raising our prices on FedEx, only adding on a fee for the purchase during this holiday season. That means when you send mail online through us you’ll see the surcharge added as $1 starting October 28th, going up to $2 on November 25th, back to $1 on December 30th, and gone after January 19, 2025.

To keep everything transparent, you’ll see the FedEx holiday surcharge as a line item before paying and on your invoice as: FedEx Surcharge / Mandated FedEx Holiday Fee. This way, you’ll always know what to expect when it comes to the added surcharge fee.

Why This Matters for Your Mailings

If you’re in charge of bulk mailings—whether it’s invoices, HOA notices, legal documents, or some festive holiday mail—you’ve probably got enough on your plate already. Adding a fluctuating surcharge into the mix can feel like another thing to juggle.

By matching FedEx’s peak season surcharge exactly, we’re helping you avoid any surprises when it comes to checking out. You’ll know in advance what your mailing costs will be, so it’s easier to plan and budget without any last-minute curveballs.

Planning Ahead for the Holiday Rush

The holidays have a funny way of sneaking up on us all, and mailing deadlines definitely don’t help. If you haven’t started planning your end-of-year mailings, now’s the time to get things in motion. While the $1 surcharge starts on October 28th, it’s that jump to $2 on November 25th that’s going to matter most if you’re sending out a lot of FedEx online mail during the holiday crunch. The earlier you can get your mailings out the better. You’ll save on costs and avoid the holiday rush altogether.

Wrapping It Up (No Pun Intended!)

The FedEx holiday surcharge might be a bit more complicated this year, but that doesn’t mean your mailing process has to be. We’re keeping things simple, transparent, and easy to navigate over here at LetterStream. As you prepare for your holiday mailings—whether it’s important documents or some holiday cheer—you can count on clear pricing with no hidden fees when you send snail mail online through us.

Here’s to a stress-free holiday season! Let’s get those letters where they need to go, no matter what FedEx has in store.

LetterStream is a printing and mailing company, offering bulk online printing and mailing services for businesses of all sizes from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies that want to send mail online.

Top Reasons Franchises Are Outsourcing Printing and Mailing for Faster Growth

Franchise owners have a lot on their plate, from managing multiple locations to keeping operations running smoothly. When it comes to essential communications—whether promotional materials, invoices, or important legal documents—efficiency and accuracy are critical. However, handling printing and mailing in-house can be a time-consuming and a resource-intensive process. That’s why many franchises are turning to outsourcing, allowing them to focus on what they do best: growing their business.

Here’s why outsourcing bulk print and mail needs is becoming a popular choice for franchises:

Let the Experts Handle It

Managing the logistics of printing and mailing can quickly become overwhelming. From printer malfunctions to managing supplies and ensuring timely deliveries, it can be a significant drain on internal resources. Franchisees already juggle enough daily responsibilities, so adding print and mail operations to the list only adds complexity.

Outsourcing to professionals removes this burden, leaving the intricate processes of printing and mailing to experts. This ensures that your materials are produced and sent out efficiently, with minimal hassle. Instead of spending time on admin tasks, franchisees can focus on delivering excellent service and growing their business.

Cost-Effective Solutions

While it might seem more cost-effective to handle printing and mailing in-house, the reality is that expenses can add up quickly. Printers, paper, ink, maintenance, and dedicated staff all come with a price tag. And when something goes wrong—like a printer breakdown—the unexpected costs can be significant.

Outsourcing often provides a more affordable option, especially for franchises that need high-volume mailings. Professional services can offer bulk pricing and eliminate the need for constant maintenance. By outsourcing, you can cut operational costs while still receiving high-quality, professional results.

Speed and Efficiency

Franchises thrive on efficiency, and when it comes to getting time-sensitive and important mailings out the door—whether statement and customer communications, signed ownership documents or tax documents—speed matters. Managing this process in-house can lead to delays and inefficiencies, especially when coordinating across multiple locations.

Outsourcing ensures that all your printing and mailing needs are handled promptly and professionally. With the right provider, you can trust that your materials will be processed and sent out quickly. This allows your franchise to run smoothly and meet tight deadlines without added stress.

Pro tip: If you want to get your mail delivered the fastest way possible, you can choose FedEx 2Day with a signature confirmation. That way if gets your mail there fast and you can track. Another option for tracking would be Certified Mail and you can also choose Certified Mail with an Electronic Return Receipt to get proof of delivery.

Compliance and Security

Franchises often need to deal with sensitive documents such as legal notices, financial disclosures, or regulatory forms. Ensuring these communications are handled correctly is crucial, as any errors could lead to compliance issues or security risks.

Outsourcing your printing and mailing to a trusted provider ensures that these important documents are processed securely and in accordance with legal standards. These providers are well-versed in data privacy and compliance regulations, so you can rest assured that your documents are being managed appropriately and securely.

Focus on Growth, Not Admin

For franchise owners, the goal is always growth—expanding locations, improving customer service, and increasing profits. By outsourcing non-core tasks like printing and mailing, franchises can reallocate their time and resources to focus on achieving these bigger business goals.

Outsourcing doesn’t just reduce the administrative burden—it enables franchisees to run more efficient operations. With printing and mailing handled externally, franchise owners and managers can concentrate on strategic priorities that drive long-term success.

LetterStream is a printing and mailing company, offering bulk printing and mailing services for businesses of all sizes from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies that want to send mail online.

How To Prepare For Mail Slowing Down This Holiday Season

The holidays are almost here—cue the festive lights, family gatherings, and, of course, the inevitable mail slowdown. Yep, as we head into the busiest time of the year, USPS, FedEx, and UPS are bracing for a tidal wave of packages and letters. Whether it’s holiday cards or businesses sending out year-end notices, the mail system is about to get busier than ever.

Now, we’d love to tell you that your mail carrier will power through the season with ease, but the truth is, things might start to feel like you’re stuck behind holiday shoppers on Christmas Eve. So, what does that mean for your business? Let’s take a closer look—and most importantly, figure out how you can avoid getting caught in the holiday mail storm.

Why Does Mail Slow Down During the Holidays?

It’s all about volume. USPS anticipates handling over 12 billion mailpieces, including close to a billion packages, during the holiday season. Yes, you did read that correctly. And that’s not counting all the letters, postcards, and business mail like invoices, statements, and end-of-year notices. When the system is overloaded like that, it’s no surprise things start to move at a snail’s pace really making living up to the name of sending snail mail.

It’s like trying to funnel a river through a garden hose—it’s bound to overflow and slow things down. That’s why it’s so important for businesses to plan early and stay ahead of the holiday rush to hopefully help avoid holiday mailing delays.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

Here’s where it gets real: If your business relies on getting mail out on time—whether it’s invoices, contracts, or HOA annual meeting notices—you can’t afford to let holiday mail delays bog you down. As mail carriers juggle the extra load, what normally takes just a few days to deliver might start showing up fashionably late.

This could be a big deal if you’re sending time-sensitive legal or financial documents. An invoice that arrives two weeks late doesn’t just delay a payment; it can mess with your entire cash flow. And if you’re handling important contracts or compliance documents, missed deadlines could cost you a lot more than just frustration.

Long story short: Don’t wait for the holidays to sneak up on you—plan ahead and stay ahead.

How to Stay Ahead of the Holiday Slowdown

The good news? There are ways to make sure your business mail stays on track, even when carriers are overwhelmed. Here are a few strategies to keep things moving smoothly:

1. Plan Early, Send Early

The earlier you can get your letters mailed, the better. If you’re planning a big mailing—whether it’s holiday promotions or year-end statements—send them earlier than usual. Trust us, your future self will thank you when your mail sails through before the holiday bottleneck hits.

2. Consider Faster Mailing Options

If timing is critical (and it often is), upgrading your mailing services might be the way to go. FedEx Overnight and 2Day are the fastest options when it comes to sending mail quickly. First-Class Mail and Certified Mail services are usually given priority, meaning your documents have a better chance of reaching their destination on time but it’s not a guarantee. In fact, Certified Mail can actually take longer than what the USPS says. If you wondering how long Certified Mail takes, you can read more on that here. Yes, it might cost a bit more upfront, but when deadlines are looming, peace of mind is worth it.

3. Let the Pros Handle It

This is where we come in. If the thought of juggling large mailings during the holidays feels overwhelming, why not let someone else handle the logistics? We specialize in printing, inserting, and mailing business documents, so you can focus on running your business—or, you know, sipping some holiday eggnog. Literally, we handle all of the printing and mailing for you. We’ll make sure your mail gets out on time, no matter how busy the season gets. All you have to do is upload your documents and we handle the rest. You can even upload early and schedule out for future mailings.

4. Track Your Mail

If your mail absolutely must arrive by a certain date, tracking is your new best friend. Services like Certified Mail and FedEx 2Day come with tracking options so you can monitor the progress of your mail and keep your clients informed every step of the way. If using LetterStream you can send mail online and then with a Certified Mail Electronic Return Receipt or FedEx 2Day signature you can easily track it right from inside of your account without having to enter in a tracking number.

Don’t Let the Holidays Derail Your Business

The holiday season isn’t just about giving—it’s also about dealing with a lot more mail. But with carriers moving slower under the weight of extra deliveries, businesses need to stay on top of their game to avoid delays. By planning ahead, upgrading your mailing options, and outsourcing to the pros, you can keep your business running smoothly through the holiday chaos.

At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure that when you send physical mail online that it doesn’t get stuck in the seasonal slowdown. So, let’s keep things moving—before the rush sets in.

Ready to make sure your business mail stays on track this holiday season? We’re here to help you navigate the busiest time of year without skipping a beat. Sign up for a free account and start sending letters or your bulk mailing ASAP here.

LetterStream is a printing and mailing company, offering bulk printing and mailing services for businesses of all sizes from those with small business mailing needs to Fortune 500 companies.

Exciting News! No Postage Hike In January 2025!

USPS won’t increase postage in new year

We’ve got some fantastic news that’ll make your morning coffee taste even sweeter—The United States Postal Service (USPS) is not raising postage prices in January 2025! Yes, you read that right. There will be no postage increase January 2025. For the first time in what feels like forever (since 2021 to be exact), the USPS is taking a breather from its usual New Year’s tradition of hiking rates.

Trust us when we say that we are just as thrilled here at LetterStream as you are! Not only does this mean more stability for your mailing budgets right off the bat in 2025, but it also gives you all a little extra time to enjoy the savings without the usual scramble to adjust.

A Brief Pause in the Usual Postage Rate Increases

The announcement comes following a recommendation that was set forth by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

“Our strategies are working and projected inflation is declining,” said DeJoy. “Therefore, we will wait until at least July before proposing any increases for market-dominant services.”

On that note, let’s take a moment to appreciate this unusual break in tradition. January is often marked by the expectation of increased mailing costs, but this time, there’s no need to adjust your postage budget. You can continue sending your First-Class letters, statements and notices, invoices and legal notices with Certified Mail tracking without needing to spend more money. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy some stability in your mailing expenses—a much-needed pause before the usual adjustments that will come later in the year.

Don’t Celebrate Too Early…

While we’re all for celebrating this January reprieve, we have to keep our feet on the ground. The USPS has signaled that the rate hike freeze is just temporary. Rumor has it, the next postage increase has already been planned with postage prices rising in July 2025, with additional increases lined up through 2027. Yep, that’s right—five potential rate hikes on the horizon. This is not fully confirmed but it is something to keep in mind when planning your budget since it’s likely to happen based on past years.

It seems the USPS is just delaying the inevitable, giving us all a little break before ramping things up again. So, while we’re excited about January, it’s important to stay vigilant and start planning ahead for those mid-year adjustments.

Staying Prepared with LetterStream

LetterStream is focused on being ready for whatever comes next, whether it’s an unexpected price increase or a temporary reprieve. While we appreciate the break this January, we’re also mindful of what may lie ahead in July and beyond when it comes to sending snail mail.

Our goal is to help you navigate these changes smoothly, ensuring your mailing processes remain consistent and efficient. Whether it’s planning your mailing strategy or adjusting your budget, we’re here to help you stay on track without disruption.

What’s Next?

So, what’s our advice? Enjoy this little postal victory, but don’t let your guard down. With July 2025 on the horizon, it’s never too early to start thinking about how to optimize your mailing operations and stay ahead of the curve. And, of course, we’ll be here to make sure your mailing game remains strong, no matter what the USPS throws our way.

Here’s to a fantastic start to 2025—and to staying prepared for whatever the rest of the year has in store. Cheers to no January postage hikes!

To learn more about LetterStream or to create a free account, click here.

7 Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Be Outsourcing Mail

Being a small business is no easy feat, especially nowadays. There’s always a lot to do in all areas of the business and usually for small businesses that also means a smaller staff. There are many perks to having a close-knit team but when it comes to having enough hands on deck for all the tasks, both big and small, it can sometimes get a bit overwhelming. That is where efficiency becomes your friend and not only is it a goal of small business but it’s essential for survival. One easy way to become more efficient is by outsourcing mail services instead of doing it yourself.

Whether you’re managing the complexities of a law firm, overseeing the needs of an HOA, managing HR responsibilities, or in charge of confidential patient paperwork in the healthcare field, handling mail operations in-house can quickly become overwhelming. The constant demands of printing, processing, and sending out mail can drain your time and resources. This is where outsourcing your mailing service can make a real difference and can help alleviate some of the overwhelm in the office. Let’s explore how handing over your mailroom duties can streamline your operations and free up your team to focus on what they do best.

1. Time is Money: Save Both by Outsourcing Mail

Consider this: Instead of dedicating hours to tasks like printing, folding, stuffing, and addressing envelopes, your team could be focusing on core business activities. By outsourcing your mail operations, the routine tasks are handled efficiently by professionals, freeing up valuable time for your team. With the ability to send mail online with just a few clicks, those trips to the post office become a thing of the past, making your workdays more productive.

2. Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners

Running a full-scale mail operation in-house can be costly. Between purchasing supplies, maintaining equipment, and paying for postage, the expenses add up quickly. Not to mention the human hours and resources needed to manage it all. By outsourcing, you not only eliminate these overhead costs but also benefit from the economies of scale that a professional print and mail service offers. Whether it’s First-Class Mailing, Certified Mailing, or FedEx 2Day, you can keep your budget in check while ensuring your mail gets sent out on time.

3. Accuracy and Reliability: Get It Right the First Time

Mistakes happen, and when it comes to mailing important documents, they can be costly—not just in terms of money, but also your reputation. Outsourcing your mail operations means partnering with experts who know the process inside and out. From printing and mailing online to ensuring the right postage and tracking, outsourcing simplifies everything. You can trust that your mail will be handled with care and precision, and be sent out on time, every time

4. Stay Compliant with Ease

If you’re in an industry where compliance is key (we’re looking at you, financial services and legal firms), staying on top of regulations is a full-time job in itself. Outsourcing your mail operations can help you stay compliant without the headache. For example, professionals in the field understand the importance of adhering to regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) for handling sensitive healthcare information or the stringent guidelines required by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) for financial communications.

By utilizing these services, especially at LetterStream, your sensitive documents are processed within secure environments that meet or exceed industry standards. This includes encryption, secure data transmission, and other advanced security measures to ensure that your mail not only complies with legal standards but also maintains the highest levels of confidentiality. Whether it’s sending real mail online with Certified tracking or managing sensitive financial documents, outsourcing to a compliant provider helps mitigate risks and keeps your operations running smoothly and securely.

5. Scalability: Grow Without the Growing Pains

As your business grows, so does your mailing list. But scaling your mail operations doesn’t have to mean scaling your stress levels. Outsourcing allows you to easily ramp up or down based on your current needs, without the need for additional staff or resources. Whether you’re sending out a few dozen letters or thousands of First-Class letters or Certified letters, outsourcing can easily handle it all—seamlessly and efficiently and who doesn’t love that?

6. Embrace the Digital Age Without Sacrificing the Personal Touch

In a world where digital communication reigns supreme, there’s still something powerful about a piece of real mail. It’s tangible, personal, and often more impactful than an email that can be easily ignored. But just because you’re sending physical mail doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the convenience of the digital age. With online platforms, you can manage your mail operations entirely online—you can print and mail your documents with just a few clicks literally from anywhere…an office, the couch, the beach. It’s the best of both worlds.

7. Focus on What You Do Best—Let the Experts Handle the Rest

At the end of the day, your expertise lies in your business, not in running a mailroom. By outsourcing your mail operations, you can focus on what you do best—whether that’s serving your clients, innovating your products, or leading your team. Tasks like sending First-Class and Certified Mail or by sending real mail online in general, are best managed by professionals who specialize in these areas. This way, you can keep your business running smoothly without the added stress of handling mail operations.

If you’re a small business looking to outsource your printing and mailing online, you can sign up for a free account here to try us out!

We’re Excited To Announce Letterstream At CINC Up 2024

We’re excited to announce that LetterStream will be attending the CINC Up show in Nashville, happening from October 2nd – 4th, 2024! As one of the premier events for HOA community managers and leaders, this is the perfect opportunity for us to connect with those who rely on efficient communication solutions. We can’t wait to meet you in person and show you how we can make your mailing process smoother, faster and easier than ever before.

Come say hi to us at Booth 11.

CINCUP show expo hall layout with LetterStream's booth highlighted.

LetterStream & CINC Software: The Perfect Pair

If you’re a CINC software user, you’re in luck! LetterStream is already integrated into the CINC platform, which means you have direct access to our powerful mailing services without needing to navigate external systems. But there’s one simple step you’ll need to take before unlocking the potential of LetterStream within CINC: contact your CINC representative to get everything set up.

Yes, it’s that simple.

With just a few clicks, you can send statements and violation letters without leaving the CINC software. It’s all about making your job easier and giving you peace of mind that your mail is handled securely and efficiently. And if you’re attending the CINCUP show, we’d be thrilled to walk you through how it works. Stop by our booth (#11), and we’ll show you firsthand how LetterStream can simplify your HOA mailing needs.

Meet Us at CINC Up 2024 in Nashville

We know how busy you are as HOA leaders and community managers, but attending the CINC Up show is your chance to streamline your processes and learn about innovative tools designed just for you. At the show, the LetterStream team will be ready to answer all your questions and show how we’ve helped countless HOAs, just like yours, stay on top of crucial communications.

Whether you need to send statements or violation letters, LetterStream offers a seamless way to manage it all. And with our integration within CINC, you’ll have all the tools you need at your fingertips. There’s no more back-and-forth with external vendors or worrying if your mail will arrive on time. With LetterStream, it will.

LetterStream Expanded

We understand that HOAs have specific mailing needs, and ensuring timely, accurate communication with residents, board members, and vendors is crucial. In addition to our seamless integration with CINC Systems, we offer a range of mailing services that are not yet built into the CINC platform. These services include sending annual meeting notices, large mailing packets, postcards, and ballot mailings.

With these additional options, you have greater flexibility in managing your HOA’s communications. Whether you’re preparing for an important meeting, distributing election materials, or sending out updates, we provide the tools to keep your community informed and organized.

You can check all of this our by signing up for a free account on our website.

Why Choose LetterStream?

We don’t just mail letters—we offer peace of mind. Our goal is to help you simplify your communication processes, from printing to mailing, so you can focus on managing your community. Our platform handles every step of the process, ensuring that important information reaches the right people when it’s needed most. We also prioritize security and confidentiality, especially when dealing with sensitive HOA documents like financial statements or election ballots.

Let’s Connect at CINC Up

If you’re planning on attending the CINC Up show, make sure to drop by Booth 11 to say hi! We’d love to meet you in person and show you how LetterStream’s printing and mailing services can transform your HOA communications. Whether you’re looking to simplify your mailings, ensure compliance, or just find a more efficient way to keep your community informed, we’ve got the tools to help.

Mark your calendars for October 2nd-4th in Nashville—we can’t wait to see you there! And remember, if you’re using CINC software, don’t forget to reach out to your representative to set up LetterStream in your account and start streamlining your HOA communications today.

To learn more about CINC in your LetterStream account, click here.

How To Get Your Mailing Strategy Ready for Q4

As we say goodbye to the third quarter, the big question is: Is your mailing strategy ready for Q4? For many businesses, the final quarter is a make-or-break time of year. Whether you’re managing end-of-year reports, sending out open enrollment letters, or dealing with holiday-related communications, a strong Q4 mailing strategy can be the difference between hitting your goals or missing them.

Here at LetterStream, we know how critical it is to enter Q4 with confidence. The real question is: Are you prepared? Let’s dive into why this quarter demands a streamlined mailing plan, how you can automate your processes, and what you should look out for when planning your business’s mailing strategy.

By the way, it’s not too late to get in the game for printing and mailing needs in Q4.

Why Q4 Demands a Well-Tuned Mailing Strategy

Q4 isn’t just another quarter—it’s often the busiest time of the year for many businesses. You might be juggling various mailing needs like sending time-sensitive open enrollment letters, compliance communications, or violation letters that need to be sent as First-Class mail or Certified mail with a return receipt. Delays are not an option when you’re working with crucial mailings like these, and any hiccups in your mailing strategy could lead to compliance issues, customer dissatisfaction, or missed opportunities.

A robust mailing strategy can help you avoid costly delays and make sure your mailings reach their intended recipients on time. So, ask yourself: Is your Q4 mailing strategy up to par? Are you taking the necessary steps to streamline mailing processes and stay on top of your business mail planning?

Reflecting on Q3: Lessons Learned

Before you dive headfirst into Q4, take a moment to look back at Q3. Did your mailing efforts run smoothly, or were there bumps in the road? Now is the perfect time to assess what worked well and where there’s room for improvement when it comes to sending letters.

Think about the following:

Did your team meet mailing deadlines?
Were there any delays or errors in getting important documents out the door?
How effective was your communication with clients and partners?

These questions can help you identify any gaps in your mailing strategy and prepare for a more seamless Q4. If you found yourself scrambling to meet deadlines or dealing with last-minute mailing issues, it’s time to consider more efficient ways to handle business mail, like sending physical mail online. Streamlining your mailing operations now will ensure you’re ready for the increased demands of the final quarter.

Automate to Streamline Your Q4 Mailing Process

We get it—Q4 is a busy time, and the last thing you need is to spend hours manually preparing and sending mail. That’s why automating your mailing processes by sending mail online can be a game changer. With our advanced mail automation services, you can schedule recurring or one-time mailings, ensuring that everything from your open enrollment letters to year-end tax notices is handled without you needing to worry.

Automation not only helps you streamline your mailing, but it also reduces the chance for error. Meaning, our error-free mailing solutions allow you to focus on more critical tasks while we handle the logistics of getting your documents where they need to go.

Whether you’re managing high volumes of mail or just want the peace of mind that your business mailing solutions are taken care of, automating your processes is the smart move. With Q4 here, there’s no better time to start.

Stay Ahead of Your Mailing Volume in Q4

While postage costs may not rise in Q4, although there will be another postage increase at the beginning of 2025, one thing that does increase is the volume of mail being sent. Between holiday promotions, year-end notices, and important compliance documents, businesses often find themselves managing more mail than usual. This surge in mailing activity can create bottlenecks if your strategy isn’t prepared to handle it.

By planning ahead and streamlining your mailing processes, you can handle the extra workload without overwhelming your team. A well-thought-out strategy allows you to focus on wrapping up the year smoothly, knowing that your mail will be sent out to its destination efficiently and without delays.

Ensure Accuracy in Every Detail

In Q4, there’s no room for mailing errors. Well, there’s never room for mailing errors, but you get the point. Sending inaccurate documents or having mail returned due to incorrect addresses can be costly—both financially and in terms of your reputation. That’s why it’s essential that your mailing strategy includes error-free processes.

To avoid any errors, our automated systems check for address accuracy and document quality, giving you confidence that your mailings will reach the right people, at the right time. We offer an Address List Clean-Up service and we even have a free PDF PreFlight tool that helps you line up your address prior to uploading a job to ensure they are set up correctly.

Plan for Success in Q4

We know Q4 is crunch time for many businesses, and just to reiterate, a well-executed mailing strategy is essential to staying ahead. The good news is you don’t have to tackle it alone. As a printing and mailing company, we specialize in helping businesses streamline their mailing processes and ensure everything runs smoothly—no matter how busy things get.

Are you ready to tackle the final quarter with confidence? Let’s work together to create a Q4 mailing strategy that helps you hit every deadline, meet compliance needs, and achieve your goals. Whether its bulk printing and mailing services, postcard printing and mailing services, check printing and mailing services, or just letter printing and mailing services, we’ve got you! After all, it’s not just about surviving Q4—it’s about thriving and setting your business up for success as you move into 2025.