How Fast Is Certified Mail? Is There a Better Alternative?

Is There a Certified Mail Alternative That’s Faster Than USPS? Yes, it’s FedEx 2Day, and we offer it here at LetterStream. Keep reading to learn more.

Certified Mail Is Great—Until Time’s Not on Your Side

Certified Mail has its place. It’s reliable. It’s trackable. It’s legally recognized.
But if you’ve ever waited days—sometimes a week or more—for a Certified Mail letter to land, you’ve probably asked:

“Is there something faster?”

Because when a deadline is staring you down or a document needs to be in hand yesterday, even USPS can feel slow.

That’s where FedEx 2Day® through LetterStream comes in.

FedEx 2Day: The Certified Mail Alternative You Didn’t Know You Needed

Here’s the thing—there’s no exact replica of USPS Certified Mail.
But there is a smarter, faster option when speed and accountability matter:

FedEx 2Day through LetterStream offers:

Full delivery tracking
Delivery confirmation with timestamps
Fast, guaranteed arrival—typically in 2 business days
Legally sound for many business and legal applications

It’s ideal when you want the Certified Mail concept but can’t wait around for USPS to take its time.

When Should You Choose FedEx 2Day Instead of Certified Mail?

Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
If proof matters and timing matters more—go FedEx 2Day.

Use it for:

Urgent legal documents
Time-sensitive board communications
Final notices or account escalations
Executive correspondence
Government-related paperwork with deadlines
HOA hearing notices that require a fast turnaround

And yes—it’s fully trackable, timestamped, and delivery-confirmed, just like Certified Mail.

Ex plore FedEx 2Day with LetterStream and see how fast business mail can really move.

Side-by-Side: Certified Mail vs. FedEx 2Day

Feature	USPS Certified Mail	FedEx 2Day via LetterStream
Delivery Speed	3–7 business days (but can take weeks)	Typically 2 business days
USPS Tracking	✅	✅ (FedEx tracking)
Proof of Delivery	✅ (Electronic Return Receipt optional)	✅ (Timestamped FedEx confirmation)
Accepted for Legal Use	✅	✅ (Varies by case)
Mailing Prep	Online via LetterStream	Online via LetterStream
Post Office Trip Required	No	No

What Makes FedEx 2Day Work So Well with LetterStream?

It’s not just about speed—it’s about ease.

When you use LetterStream, you get:

A fast, intuitive upload process
FedEx 2Day as a mailing option
No label printing or drop-off
Tracking and delivery confirmation, stored in your dashboard
Support if anything goes sideways

Basically, it’s FedEx power without FedEx headaches.

But Wait—What If I Still Need Certified Mail?

We’ve got that too.

You can still send USPS Certified Mail online through LetterStream anytime. It’s perfect for:

Compliance-required documents
HOA violations
Court filings that mandate USPS
Any scenario where USPS postmarks and tracking are required

Learn more about Certified Mail online and when it makes sense to use it.

Fast, Proof-Based Mail—Now You’ve Got Options

It used to be one-size-fits-all. If you needed delivery proof, Certified Mail was your only option.

Not anymore.

With FedEx 2Day through LetterStream, you can get:

Speed
Tracking
Peace of mind

So the next time a deadline looms, don’t default to “slow but safe” —choose fast and accountable.

LetterStream makes printing and mailing a breeze! Sign up for a free account here.

LetterStream offers bulk printing and mailing services allowing companies to send physical mail online. Whether it’s online Certified Mail, First-Class Mail, FedEx 2Day, or postcards, we give both small businesses and large corporations that time and freedom back to work on tasks that better serve the company. If you’re interested in creating a free account, you can do so, here.

Why Franchise Mail Is Better Sent Online

Running a franchise operation means juggling brand consistency, local autonomy, and about 12 different inboxes full of chaos. Somewhere between corporate compliance, seasonal promotions, and day-to-day business notices… someone still has to send the mail.

Whether you’re franchising restaurants, fitness centers, repair services, or medical clinics, managing physical mail across locations can quickly become an operational headache.

But what if franchisees could send business-critical documents—First-Class, Certified Mail, or even FedEx 2Day—through a simple online portal, without needing local printers, postage meters, or training?

Spoiler alert: they can.

The Real Problem with Franchise Mail

Let’s call it what it is: decentralized mail handling leads to inconsistent execution, wasted money, and a whole lot of frustrated managers.

Here’s what typically happens:

Franchisees print locally—often with outdated templates or missing branding
Critical mail is sent late (or not at all) because someone ran out of supplies
HQ has zero visibility into what was sent, when, and how it looked
Legal notices or compliance updates get mishandled or delayed
Corporate spends time troubleshooting things they never should’ve had to touch

Sound familiar? This isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a growth inhibitor. Especially when your brand reputation depends on consistency.

Centralized Control. Local Execution. Seamless.

Here’s where LetterStream comes in.

With our print and mail service, franchise systems can allow each location to send physical mail from a web portal that maintains corporate-level branding, formatting, and compliance—while giving local operators the control they need to act fast.

There’s no need to download templates. No one forgets the return address. It’s just smart, scalable infrastructure that works.

Use Cases That Actually Matter

Franchise locations don’t have time to deal with bulk mail logistics. But they still need to send things like:

Lease renewal notices to landlords
Late payment notices to customers
Employee handbooks or HR updates
Legal documents by Certified Mail online
Seasonal marketing postcards
Tax documents for year-end reporting

With LetterStream, all of these can be sent from any device. No postage machine required.

And yes, that even includes Certified Mail with tracking numbers that corporate can access—without hunting down the regional manager.

Visibility for HQ, Freedom for Franchisees

This is where things get exciting.

Using tools like StreamLogic™, you can set rules across your entire network—say, flagging when certain notices need to be sent, auto-approving common forms, or generating reports on who sent what and when.

This gives headquarters oversight, documentation, and compliance—without micromanaging every location.

It’s how you scale without sacrificing control.

Compliance Is Easier When It’s Automated

Legal and operational compliance gets trickier as your footprint grows. Especially when local teams forget to send documents on time, or don’t use the right format.

Automating mail through a central system means:

Notices go out when they should
Certified Mail is trackable and logged
Legal deadlines are met
Documentation is saved in one place

Which is a lot better than playing detective across 84 franchisees when something goes wrong.

It’s Not About the Mail. It’s About the Model.

When franchisees can act quickly, customers get better service. When HQ doesn’t have to worry about paper handling, they can focus on strategy.

LetterStream supports that structure with modern, flexible tools that eliminate busywork, reduce mistakes, and keep your network aligned.

It’s not about replacing mail—it’s about making mail a non-issue.

Growing Fast? This Is How You Keep Up

Whether you have 10 locations or 300+, your franchise model depends on repeatable systems. The minute you outgrow local printers and internal processes, you need an infrastructure that can grow with you.

Our online print and mail service makes sending mail a breeze!

You get a better system in place and happier franchisees who aren’t wasting time licking envelopes.

LetterStream offers bulk printing and mailing services, allowing companies to send physical mail online. Whether it’s online Certified Mail, First-Class Mail, FedEx 2Day, or postcards, we give both small businesses and large corporations that time and freedom back to work on tasks that better serve the company. If you’re interested in creating a free account, you can do so here.

Certified Mail Is the ‘Read Receipt’ That Actually Means Something

Here’s a fun little game: go search your inbox or text messages for “read receipt.” Now, try to remember the last time that actually meant something.

Can’t think of one? Same.

Because while email and text read receipts might give you a tiny dopamine hit, “Ooh! They saw it!”—they don’t hold up in a courtroom, a compliance audit, or even in a conversation where someone swears they never got your message.

But you know what does?

Certified Mail. And yes, it’s still alive, well, and wildly underrated in 2025.

Email Is a Great Tool—Until It’s Not

Look, we’re not anti-email. It’s fast, free, and fine for 90% of your communication. But the moment you need real accountability, something legally trackable, something your future self won’t regret. Just know: email isn’t it.

That’s when Certified Mail steps in like the responsible older sibling who keeps receipts.

Here are some examples:

Need proof a client actually got that legal notice?
Need to confirm a resident received the HOA violation letter you sent last week?
Need to settle a dispute without playing “he said, she said?”

Cue Certified Mail.

Certified Mail is your “We did our job” card. It comes with tracking, timestamped delivery and delivery attempts, and a return receipt if you want it. It’s not just a message—it’s your lifeline for your business.

What Certified Mail Does That Email and First-Class Mail Can’t

Let’s break it down. Because not all mail—and definitely not all “read receipts”—are created equal.

Sure, First-Class Mail is already a big step up from email—it’s physical, it gets business-critical mail where it needs to go, and shows that you took the time to send something real. And for most business mailings, it’s plenty and good enough.

But when you’re dealing with business-critical communication, where the stakes are high, timelines matter, or legal protection is a must, Certified Mail adds to the paper trail. The timestamps, the proof of sending, the receipts and the signature make all the difference when it comes to these types of mailings.

That’s the difference between “We sent it” and “We can prove it.”

There’s something powerful about receiving Certified Mail. It doesn’t just say “we sent this”—it says “this matters.”

Certified Mail Isn’t Just for Lawyers Anymore

To this day, Certified Mail is essential for lawyers. A lot of our customers are lawyers, and for good reason. But it’s expanding and becoming more common in other industries as well. Here’s where we see it the most (and keep in mind, it’s suitable for any and all industries in the end).

HOAs: sending annual meeting notices, fines, and certified compliance letters
Law firms: protecting themselves (and their clients) with documented delivery
Construction companies: mailing lien notices, pay apps, and change orders
Financial services: delivering statements and disclosures with proof

These are make-or-break communications, and no one wants to “hope the email went through” when dollars, deadlines, or disputes are involved.

You Don’t Have to Wait in Line to Send Certified Mail

Now here’s where it gets good: Certified Mail doesn’t have to be annoying anymore.

No more filling out paperwork. No more green cards. No more standing in line behind someone shipping a ton of documents at the Post Office, making your wait time even longer. No more typing in long tracking numbers to see where your Certified letter is.

You can send Certified Mail online in just a couple of minutes with LetterStream. You upload your documents, and we print it, stuff the Certified envelope, apply postage, mail it, and track it. You get the confirmation, and you can track it all from within your account. The recipient gets the message. No drama. No guessing. No “maybe they saw it.” Just the real kind of “read receipt.”

If It’s Important, Send It Certified Mail

If your future self needs proof, send it as Certified. If your company wants peace of mind, send Certified. If you’re tired of wondering whether something got there or not…you get the idea. Just send it as Certified Mail, plain and simple.

Why?

Because “I never got it” stops working the second you’ve got tracking, delivery confirmation, and a return receipt in hand or in our case an Electronic Return Receipt online.

And that folks, is something email just can’t do.

Need to send Certified Mail without the Post Office hassle?
We’ve got you. Learn more about how to send Certified Mail online here.

LetterStream offers bulk printing and mailing services, allowing companies to send physical mail online. Whether it’s online USPS Certified Mail, First-Class Mail, FedEx 2Day, or postcards, we give both small businesses and large corporations the time and freedom back to work on tasks that better serve the company. If you’re interested in creating a free account, you can do so here.

The Best Way to Send Construction Mail Is Online

Construction Projects Move Fast. Your Mail Should, Too.

Running a construction company means living in the land of blueprints, bids, and bottlenecks. One day you’re chasing a lien waiver, the next you’re tracking down a signed contract from a subcontractor who swears they “faxed it.” (Sure, they did.)

It’s a hands-on industry. But here’s the part that baffles me: so many construction businesses are still mailing things the old way—printing documents in-house, stuffing envelopes, licking stamps, and physically heading to the post office.

Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to rethink it. Especially when you can send Certified Mail online without ever leaving the job site.

The Problem with Mailing Lien Notices the Old-Fashioned Way

Construction companies deal with some of the most time-sensitive and legally critical mail out there. Think:

Construction lien notice mailings
Subcontractor agreements
Change orders
Compliance forms
Certificates of insurance
Waiver tracking
Final pay applications

Each of those could be the difference between getting paid or getting sued. So why gamble with missed deadlines or bad recordkeeping?

If you’re still relying on someone in the office to remember when lien letters are due—or worse, driving to the post office yourself—it’s not just inefficient, it’s risky. Lien deadlines don’t care if your admin is out sick or your copier is jammed.

Why It Pays to Send Certified Mail Online

You’re already outsourcing the things you don’t want your crew doing—like electrical, or HVAC, or asbestos abatement. Mailing should be no different.

With an online mailing service for business, here’s what changes:

You upload your notice or contract from your computer (or phone).
It gets printed, prepped, and mailed—Certified, First-Class, or however you need it.
You get digital proof it went out, and a record of everything.
You never touch an envelope or postage again.
You get your time back.

That means no more waiting at the Post Office counter (woohoo!) with green cards. No more hoping your lien notice didn’t get lost in the shuffle. No more “I think we mailed it?” drama.

Just uploaded. Done. Logged. Tracked.

Construction Companies That Outsource Mailing Stay on Track

Contractors who outsource mailing services tend to have one thing in common: they’ve stopped sweating the paperwork. Not because it’s any less important—but because they’ve systemized it.

Let your team build. Let the mailing experts mail. It’s really that simple.

Whether you’re mailing one Certified letter or 1,000 lien notices, it’s the same click-and-go process. That’s especially helpful if you’re running multiple projects across multiple states, with different deadlines and requirements.

Time is money—and also sanity.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Let Mail Delay the Build

Mail may not be what you think about when you’re quoting steel or managing a site walk, but it’s often the thing that can quietly derail your cash flow or compliance.

Sending certified mail online or mailing construction lien notices digitally isn’t just easier—it’s smarter business.

So the moral of the story is, stop stuffing envelopes. Stop chasing tracking numbers. And definitely stop driving to the Post Office when your boots are already caked in mud. Take yourself out to lunch instead.

There’s a better way to do this.

We’ll handle the mailing. You go build something.

Why Certified Mail is Better Managed Online

When it comes to sending important documents, Certified Mail offers peace of mind. But did you know that managing Certified Mail online can streamline the entire process? If you’re still standing in line at the post office, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Let’s explore why Certified Mail is better managed online and how this method can save you time, effort, and even money. Sound good?

The Convenience Factor: Manage Certified Mail Anytime, Anywhere

Gone are the days when sending Certified Mail meant taking time out of your busy schedule to visit the post office. Managing Certified Mail online allows you to create and easily send your letters from any location—whether you’re sending Certified Mail from home, the office or even on the go, it’s extremely convenient.

With LetterStream, you can:

Upload your documents securely.
Easily select Certified Mail for your critical documents without the hassle of manual processing.
Track your Certified Mail in real-time right from inside your account without having to type in your tracking number.
For mail requiring a signature, there’s an option to choose an Electronic Return Receipt (ERR) in place of the old-fashioned Green Card and be able to see the digital signature in your account.

The convenience of sending Certified Mail online is particularly valuable for businesses that send a high volume of Certified Mail, such as legal firms, financial institutions, and HOAs. LetterStream’s seamless process eliminates manual steps, ensuring your mail gets out quickly and reliably.

Real-Time Tracking and Instant Documentation

One of the key benefits of Certified Mail is the ability to track its journey from sender to recipient. However, keeping track of physical receipts and status updates can be cumbersome when done manually.

LetterStream’s platform allows you to easily gain real-time tracking updates and access to detailed documentation at your fingertips. You can:

Monitor delivery progress instantly within the platform.
Access electronic delivery confirmations as soon as they are available.
Download proof of mailing and delivery for your records.

This digital documentation ensures that you always have verifiable proof on hand, which can be crucial in industries requiring compliance with strict legal or regulatory standards.

Improved Efficiency for Businesses

Managing Certified Mail through online platforms reduces administrative overhead. Manually preparing, printing, and mailing Certified letters is both time-consuming and error-prone. LetterStream’s system streamlines these steps by automating key tasks, such as:

Automated printing, folding, inserting, and mailing services.
Bulk mailing options for high-volume needs.
Address verification to prevent delivery errors for an additional fee.
Expedite mailing option for the last-minute letters that need to be sent ASAP.

Businesses that frequently send Certified Mail—for example, for contracts, notifications, or compliance letters—can significantly reduce time spent on mailing tasks and allocate resources more effectively with LetterStream’s tailored solutions.

Cost Savings Through Automation

While Certified Mail is essential for critical documents, the costs of handling it manually can add up. Factor in postage, printing, administrative time, and travel to and from the post office, and you may find yourself with a hefty bill.

LetterStream helps mitigate these costs by offering customers the convenience of having it done for them. No extra money spent and the ability to get your time back to focus on other high priority tasks.

These savings are particularly impactful for small businesses looking to optimize their operational budgets. With LetterStream’s transparent pricing and scalable options, you can control costs without sacrificing service quality.

Enhanced Security and Compliance

In today’s digital world, security and compliance are non-negotiable. Certified Mail is already a secure method for sending sensitive documents, but managing it through LetterStream elevates those protections even further.

All LetterStream employees are HIPAA-certified, ensuring that documents containing Protected Health Information (PHI) are handled and mailed with the utmost security. Our IT department follows rigorous security protocols, including 128-bit encryption on the website, safeguarding sensitive data during every transaction. Physical security is equally robust—our production facilities allow no unescorted visitors, and access is strictly monitored with electronic sign-ins.

Additionally, LetterStream securely disposes of any unmailed printed documents through shredding and offers customers the ability to purge documents from their accounts at specified times. As part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen data protection, we are actively pursuing SOC 2 certification to further enhance compliance measures. Through these practices, we ensure that businesses in industries like healthcare, legal services, and finance can trust their data and communications are protected at every step.

These features are critical for industries that handle confidential information, including healthcare, legal services, and finance. LetterStream ensures that your data and communications are protected at every step.

Environmentally Friendly Mailing Solutions

Managing Certified Mail online isn’t just about convenience and efficiency—it’s also a step toward more sustainable business practices. By reducing the need for physical trips to the post office, as well as paper-based tracking and documentation, you can lower your carbon footprint.

LetterStream allows you to opt for digital receipts and records to minimize paper waste and to utilize batch processing to reduce the environmental impact of individual mailings.

For companies committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, online Certified Mail solutions like LetterStream align with broader sustainability goals.

Simplify Your Certified Mail Process

Certified mail is a crucial tool for sending important documents securely and with proof of delivery. By managing it online through LetterStream, you gain unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and security. Whether you’re a business leader, an HOA manager, or a legal professional, transitioning to an online solution can transform how you handle critical communications.

Ready to streamline your Certified Mail process? Explore Online Printing & Mail Services – Send Your Letters The Easy Way – LetterStream to learn more.

If you’re wondering how much is Certified Mail to send, click here to view our prices. If you’re wondering how to send a certified letter online through our website, create a free account here to get started.

How To Easily Mail 1099s Online

Easily mail 1099s online with LetterStream.

It’s that time of year again—1099 season! For some, it’s a minor blip on the calendar; for others, it’s a full-on circus. If the thought of organizing, printing, and mailing these forms has you breaking out in a cold sweat, relax. We’re here to help you get through it all without a single printer jam or late-night envelope-stuffing meltdown so you can enjoy your morning coffee break.

Sounds good?

A Quick Refresher: What Are 1099s?

Think of 1099 forms as your way of keeping everyone—contractors, freelancers, and the IRS—in the loop. These forms are used to report payments made to non-employees for their work throughout the year. It’s all about transparency and ensuring that the tax process runs smoothly for everyone involved. While it may feel like just another chore, sending out 1099s is a key step in wrapping up your business’s financial year on the right note.

Mark Your Calendar: Key Deadlines for 2025

Missing a 1099 deadline isn’t just a headache; it’s an invitation for penalties to crash your party. Here’s what you need to know:

When do 1099s have to be mailed? January 31, 2025: The deadline for mailing 1099s to recipients is January 31st and that means forms must be in your recipients’ hands (or mailboxes) by this date. There’s no wiggle room here.
When do 1099s have to be filed electronically? March 31, 2025 : The IRS deadline for filing electronically is slightly more forgiving—but only slightly. If you’re still filing paper forms, you’ll need to send them by February 28.

Why Use LetterStream to Send 1099s?

You’ve got enough to do already—wrangling 1099s shouldn’t be another stressor. Raise your hand if you agree. (Just like we thought, lots of hands went up). On that note, enter LetterStream. Here to save the day…or more so your time and sanity.

Let’s quickly go over how we make mailing your 1099s a breeze by easily sending 1099s online:

1. Hassle-Free Uploading. Check.

Forget fiddling with templates or fighting with formatting. Literally, just upload your data to our secure platform, and we’ll handle the rest—printing, stuffing, postage, and mailing. It’s like magic, but better because it’s real. We even offer an easy-to-use PDF preflight tool that lets you check your documents before uploading.

2. Security and Compliance. Handled.

When it comes to sensitive tax forms, security and compliance are non-negotiable. Our processes are designed to safeguard your data and ensure every mailing meets strict IRS requirements. From secure data handling to precise delivery, you can trust us to keep your information protected while staying fully compliant with the latest regulations.

3. Speed and Precision. Yep.

Time is of the essence, especially when January 31 is quickly approaching. We’ll get your forms printed and in the mail quickly and accurately, so you can rest easy knowing your business-critical mail is in good hands.

Pro Tips for Smoother Mailing

Even with LetterStream helping you out, a little prep can go a long way. Here are our top tips to make the 1099 mailing season a breeze:

Start Early: Avoid the last-minute rush and give yourself time to double-check everything.
Verify Information: Mistakes happen. Make sure recipient names, addresses, and taxpayer IDs are correct before uploading.
Secure Your Mail: If mailing physical copies, we’ve got you covered using First-Class Mail with secure envelopes and USPS tracking options with sending Certified Mail online and through FedEx 2Day.

Let’s Talk Results

By the time you finalize your 1099 mailing, you’ll feel a sense of relief knowing everything is handled with accuracy and professionalism. Your contractors, vendors, and even the IRS will appreciate the attention to detail and timely delivery.

There’s no need for added stress this season—streamlining the process ensures your January runs smoothly. Focus on what matters most while your 1099s are managed efficiently and securely.

Ready to take the next step? Create a free account here and start mailing those 1099s ASAP!

Easily send mail online. LetterStream offers bulk printing and mailing services allowing companies to send physical mail online. Whether it’s online Certified Mail and First-Class Mail or FedEx 2Day and postcards we give both small businesses and large corporations that time and freedom back to work on tasks that better serve the company. If you’re interested in creating a free account you can do so, here.

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.

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.

Printing and Mailing and Lots of Fun

This week our team got together and we celebrated the success of our 2023 Q4 at pretty cool escape room called Escapology. Here’s the backstory. LetterStream is a printing and mailing company that allows businesses to send mail online without the hassle of going to the Post Office.

We do it all from sending First-Mail Mail, Certified Mail, postcards, FedEx 2Day, checks and invoices, HOA annual meeting notices with proxy and Registered Mail. And you know what else we do? We provide awesome and fun events for our team members for all of their hard work helping to get all those services out the door.

Quarterly Gatherings

Each quarter we gather together to celebrate the previous quarter. We try and switch it up each time with a new location and theme. As mentioned above this time we met up after work at Escapology for a night of fun detective work. The first hour consisted of a company presentation with catered food where we discuss the strengths of the company and where we could possibly improve. We talk about our customers and how we’re serving them, how we’re handling bulk mailings, new staff we have brought onto the team, new products we have launched, like when we turned on FedEx 2Day or implemented our new Chatbot onto our SAAS website and any announcements for up-and-coming projects we need to be aware of.

Lots of Fun

On top of that we also love giving our door prizes! After our presentation we usually find fun ways to hand out hand prizes. Sometimes we play games, sometimes we draw names out of a hat and sometimes we spin a wheel. You never know until you attend the event. After the presentation, food and prizes it was time to break out into teams and head into the escape rooms! This part was extra fun that came with a lot of teambuilding moments, laughter and the chance to get to know each other a little bit than the day prior.

We won’t spoil it by telling you which group won but let’s just say it was a competitive night that was also a lot of fun!

Core Values Behind the Printing and Mailing

Here’s the thing, LetterStream lives by a set of internal core values, which we pride in ourselves as a company and take very seriously. They include not only valuing our customers but also our employees, staff and vendors. This is a way for us to showcase our appreciation for the team efforts that go into producing snail mail for business and individuals to be sent to mailboxes and P.O. boxes efficiently and effectively.

How Long Does Certified Mail Take to Be Delivered?

If you’re wondering how long Certified Mail takes to be delivered, just know that there are a few different items to consider when answering this question.

Speed of Sending Certified Mail

Let’s start with pointing out that Certified Mail is actually just USPS First Class Mail with the Certified Mail Service included. After you purchase postage to send your Certified Mail, you’ll then receive your USPS tracking number. Along with that Certified Mail tracking number you will see a charge for First-Class postage and the purchasing fee for the Certified Mail forms.

This means that USPS Certified Mail should travel across town or across the country at the same speed as a normal First-Class mail piece. If you send a First-Class letter and it normally takes about four days, your Certified letter will probably take about four days, as well.

Now just remember, the 4-day time frame is just something to go off of. It’s just a random number, not the fine print. Think about the saying “results may vary.”

Delivery of Certified Mail

When it comes to tracking your mail and the actual delivery of the letter, it gets a little more complicated.

A Certified letter does not and is not supposed to be placed in someone’s mailbox. Instead, the mail carrier is supposed to deliver or do a delivery attempt to the required recipient.

Once delivered the mail carrier will collect a signature of the person who accepts the letter. If someone is home to sign for the letter, then ta-da! You now have your proof of mailing, proof and delivery and your mailing is officially complete.

If you require a Return Receipt, green card or an Electronic Return Receipt, the USPS may not load all the Certified Mail tracking information into their website the same day that the letter gets delivered. This means you might need to add another day to the process. It might be best to wait about a day to check for the proof of delivery.

What If No One Is Home to Sign for the Certified Letter?

Now, let’s say that no one is home when the mail carrier attempts to deliver the letter. In this case, the mail carrier is supposed to leave a USPS PS Form 3849. This instructs the addressee that a Certified letter is available for them to pick up. The USPS may or may not attempt redelivery, but they are supposed to hold the letter at the location for 15 days waiting for someone to pick it up.

Let’s say, 20 or so days have now gone by, and the letter could still be moving around. If this happens it is still not considered “lost.” There’s a chance it may still be delivered.

For argument’s sake, let’s say the intended recipient does not go to the post office to pick up the piece of mail. If this happens the local post office will hold the mail piece for 15 days and then return the letter to the sender’s address that is documented in the return address portion of the letter. This means a few more days might be added due to the letter being sent back to you.

Is the Certified Letter Lost Yet?

At the end of the day, USPS Certified Mail might get delivered in 1 or 2 business days, but it might also take up to 25-30 days due to travel time. It’s a big gap, we know.

If 30 days have past and the letter is not delivered or returned back to you, there are some things you might have to think about:

What was the return address you put on the Certified letter?
Did you include a return address?
Did someone else’s name get added by mistake?
Was the address accidently mistyped?

If none of the above options have happened, then the mail piece may, in fact, be lost forever. However, it could still show up to the correct location, but not until 45 days later. If you’re shaking your head at that…know we get it.

Long story short, there is a reason they call it snail mail. Unfortunately, it can take a long time for a Certified letter to arrive at the correct destination and this is something a lot of people may not realize.

We always recommend calling the United States Postal Service for assistance in tracking down your certified mail. Their number is 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or you can visit the USPS website.

To learn more about how to conveniently send your Certified Mail through LetterStream, visit our Certified Mail page, here.