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!

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.

How to Easily Send Open Enrollment Mailings

Ah, open enrollment season—the annual ritual where HR professionals juggle deadlines, employee questions, and mountains of paperwork, all while trying to ensure that every employee gets the right benefits package for the year ahead. It’s a high-stakes operation, and let’s be honest—getting those open enrollment packets delivered on time is non-negotiable.

That’s where we come in.

LetterStream’s got a knack for making your open enrollment season not just manageable, but downright easy. How you might ask? Well, our professional mailing services can take the weight off your shoulders and ensure timely delivery, all while keeping things efficient, secure, and—dare we say it—enjoyable.

Why Sending Out Open Enrollment Materials On Time Matters

When it comes to open enrollment letters, timing is everything. Employees need these materials to make important decisions about their health, retirement, and other benefits. If packets are delayed, it can lead to missed deadlines, confusion, and frustration for everyone involved. That’s something no HR team wants to deal with.

By using a professional mailing service, like ours, it ensures that your open enrollment materials are sent out when they’re supposed to be. We’ve fine-tuned our process to make sure that everything from health plan details to enrollment forms are sent out on time, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Precision and Efficiency: Our Secret Sauce

Not to brag but we must say that we’ve mastered the art of efficient mail processing when it comes to open enrollment mailing services and all printing and mailing for that matter . We know that HR teams have enough on their plates, so we’ve designed our services to be as hands-off for you as possible, especially when it comes to high-volume mailing processing regarding employee benefit communications. Just upload your documents to our secure platform, and we’ll take it from there.

And yes, it really is that simple.

Security First: Protecting Sensitive Information

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten that open enrollment packets contain some of the most sensitive information your employees will ever receive. Personal details like Social Security numbers, health information, and financial data are all part of the package, and we know that keeping this information secure is paramount.

That’s why we’ve built our platform with security at its core. We use top-tier encryption and secure data-handling practices to ensure that your employees’ personal information is protected every step of the way. You can trust us to handle your mailings with the utmost care, so you can focus on what you do best—supporting your team.

The Perks of Outsourcing Your Open Enrollment Mailings

Outsourcing your open enrollment mailings to a professional service like us isn’t just about saving time—it’s about working smarter. It allows your HR team to focus on the bigger picture, like helping employees make informed decisions about their benefits.

And let’s face it, outsourcing can be more cost-effective in the long run. No need to invest in printers, paper, postage and the hours it takes to prepare mailings in-house. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your materials are in good hands and will be sent out on time.

How LetterStream Simplifies the Process

We get it—open enrollment is a beast. But we can help you can tame it. Our platform is designed to be user-friendly, so you can upload your documents, choose your mailing options, and hit send—all in just a few clicks.

Our efficient workflow and advanced technology mean that you can trust us to handle your open enrollment mailings quickly and accurately. We take care of everything from printing and inserting to postage and delivery, so you can focus on what matters most—supporting your employees during this crucial time.

We take pride in our attention to detail and precision. With our efficient workflow, you can be confident that every piece of mail will be sent out quickly but with quality in mind. Accuracy is key during open enrollment, and we’ve designed our processes to eliminate errors and ensure that your communications are flawless.

Ready to Simplify Your Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment season comes with its fair share of challenges, but managing the mailing process doesn’t have to be one of them. With LetterStream’s services, you can rest assured that your letters will go out on time, sensitive information will stay secure, and your HR team will have more bandwidth to focus on other important tasks.

If you’re interested in simplifying your open enrollment process, take a moment to explore our offerings or get in touch to learn more. And, if you’ve been managing mailings in-house, this might be a good time to consider a more streamlined approach. Your HR team will appreciate the extra time and fewer headaches.

To learn more about how to send mail online, send Certified Mail online or about our other online mailing solutions for business mailings, click here.

Our state-of-the-art printing and mailing facility is optimized for high-volume jobs like open enrollment. We handle everything from printing and inserting to sealing and sending. And because we know time is critical, we offer expedited processing options to ensure your materials are out the door in record time.

The Importance of Reliable Mailing Services in Education

As the new academic year approaches, educational institutions across the country are ramping up their communication efforts. From sending out acceptance letters to ensuring that students receive their financial aid documents on time, the reliability of your mailing services can make or break the start of a successful school year.

For decision-makers in the education sector—whether you’re an administrative leader, registrar, or head of student services—reliable mailing services are critical to your institution’s operations. This is where LetterStream comes into play. We offer a solution that not only meets but exceeds the needs of schools and universities.

Below we’ll explore how schools and institutions can benefit from using our reliable mailing services, and we’ll provide some best practices for optimizing your mailing processes.

Why Schools & Universities Benefit from Sending Mail Online

So, let’s get into it. Educational institutions handle a variety of sensitive and time-critical documents. These include admission letters, transcripts, financial aid notifications and more. Each of these documents plays a vital role in the student experience and often needs to be in compliance with educational regulations.

Timing is Everything

For students and their families, receiving these documents promptly and accurately can impact major life decisions. A late or misplaced admission letter could lead to unnecessary anxiety, while a delayed financial aid notification might disrupt a student’s ability to enroll on time. Both would not be good.

Accuracy Matters

When it comes to academic records like transcripts, there’s no room for error. One wrong address, and you’re dealing with an administrative nightmare. When sending mail online utilizing our services, schools can ensure that all mailings are handled with the highest level of reliability and accuracy, safeguarding both the institution’s reputation and the student’s peace of mind.

Common Mailing Needs of Educational Institutions

If you’re looking to start doing your education mail online, here are some common mailings that can easily be uploaded into your online portal and sent with just a few clicks of a button:

Admission Letters

These are the first official lines of communication that set the tone for the student’s experience with your institution. Ensuring timely and accurate delivery of university admission letters is crucial for maintaining a positive first impression.

Transcripts

Since transcripts are essential documents that students often need quickly, whether they’re applying for jobs, further education, or certifications. LetterStream ensures these documents are sent out securely, efficiently and on time.

Financial Aid Packages

For many students, financial aid is the deciding factor in whether or not they can attend your institution. Late or misplaced financial aid packages can cause significant stress and disrupt enrollment. LetterStream helps you manage these sensitive documents with care.

Registration and Enrollment Forms

Getting students officially registered and enrolled requires the timely dispatch and receipt of various forms. LetterStream’s reliable services ensure that these documents reach students on time, streamlining the enrollment process.

Event Invitations and Reminders

Whether it’s for orientation, graduation, or other events, sending out invitations and reminders promptly can significantly impact attendance and engagement.

How LetterStream Simplifies the Mailing Process

Let’s talk about the different ways that LetterStream simplifies the mailing process for educators when it comes to sending physical mail online, shall we?

Ease of Use

LetterStream’s platform is designed with simplicity in mind. Administrative leaders can easily set up and manage their mailing needs, reducing the burden on internal staff. The interface allows for quick uploads of mailing lists, document templates, and more.

Automation and Integration

For institutions looking to streamline their operations,we offer automation features that integrate seamlessly with existing school systems. Whether you need to send recurring communications or one-time mailings, automation with an API can save time and reduce errors.

Tracking and Compliance

Schools and universities can monitor the status of every mailing, ensuring that important documents are received on time thanks to our robust tracking system when sending letters through Certified Mail. This also helps institutions stay compliant with educational regulations by providing accurate records of all mailings.

Bulk Mailing Capabilities

Handling large volumes of mail can be overwhelming, especially during peak times like the start of the school year. We easily simplify this by offering bulk mailing services that can handle thousands of documents at once, without sacrificing accuracy or speed.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Budget constraints are a reality for many educational institutions. LetterStream helps schools and universities optimize their mailing budget by offering cost-effective solutions. Whether you’re sending a handful of letters or a large batch, you only pay for what you send. No sign-up fees and no membership fees.

Secure Handling of Sensitive Information

Educational mail often contains sensitive information, from student grades to financial details. We prioritize the security of all mailings, ensuring that confidential information is handled with the highest level of protection throughout the entire mailing process.

Getting Started with LetterStream

If your school or university is ready to streamline its mailing processes and ensure that every document is mailed out quickly and accurately, then it’s time to learn more about us. With our reliable mailing services, you can enhance your communication efforts, protect your institution’s reputation, and ultimately provide a better experience for your students. To send Certified Mail online, First-Class mail online, postcards and more online, click here.

How to Transform the Way You Send Mail With APIs

In today’s digital age, the term “API” is a buzzword that’s gaining traction across various industries. But what exactly is an API, and why is it crucial for businesses, particularly those aiming to streamline their operations when it comes to sending mail online? Well, let us tell you. We believe in leveraging technology to simplify processes, and our print and mail APIs are designed to do just that. Let’s dive into the world of APIs and discover how they can revolutionize your mailing needs.

What is an API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. In simple terms, an API is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. Imagine APIs as the middlemen that facilitate interactions between software systems, enabling them to share data and perform tasks seamlessly. APIs are essential for integrating different systems, allowing them to work together efficiently and effectively.

The Power of APIs in Mailing Services

For businesses such as Homeowners Associations (HOAs), law firms, government agencies, healthcare providers and other enterprises, sending mail is a regular but critical task. In the past, this involved manual processes that were time-consuming and prone to errors. However, with the creation and power of APIs, these tasks can now be automated, reducing the workload and increasing accuracy for businesses.

Here’s where we come in. We offer robust print and mail APIs that allow businesses to send mail automatically through our website. Our send mail APIs are designed to integrate smoothly with your existing systems, making the process of sending mail as easy as a few clicks. Whether you need to send invoices, legal documents, annual meeting notices, past-due notices, check mailing APIs or postcards our APIs handle it all with accuracy and speed.

How LetterStream Incorporates APIs

computer with a bunch of envelopes flying out of it and into a mailbox

Our journey with APIs is driven by our commitment to innovation and efficiency. By incorporating APIs, we enable businesses to automate their mailing processes, saving time and reducing costs and who wouldn’t want that? Here’s how it works:

Seamless Integration: Our APIs are designed to integrate effortlessly with your software, whether you use a custom-built solution or popular platforms. This means you can send mail directly from your application without needing to switch between different systems.
Automation at Its Best: Once integrated, our APIs handle the entire mailing process automatically. From printing to postage, everything is managed through our secure and reliable system. You can schedule mailings and track deliveries all through the print-on-demand API.
Customization and Flexibility: We understand that every business has unique needs. Our APIs are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the process according to your specific requirements. Whether you need to send bulk mailings or individual letters, our API integration offers the flexibility you need.

Benefits of Using APIs

Our print and mail APIs offer significant advantages across various industries. By automating the mailing process, businesses can save time, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. Here are some key benefits:

Automation: APIs allow for the automatic sending of various mail types, such as First-Class Mail for notices and billing statements, Certified Mail and FedEx 2Day for eviction notices and legal communications, flats for larger mailings and postcards for community information and news. This reduces the need for manual intervention and minimizes the risk of errors.

Security: With built-in security features, our APIs ensure that sensitive information, such as legal documents and patient communications, is handled with the utmost care, complying with relevant regulations and standards.

Efficiency: By streamlining the process of sending mail, businesses can ensure timely communication with their audiences. Whether it’s sending official notices and forms, or communicating important information, API printing and mailing enables quick and efficient mail distribution.

Cost Savings: Automating mailing processes reduces administrative burdens and operational costs. Businesses can allocate resources more effectively, focusing on core business needs rather than manual mailing tasks.

Scalability: Our APIs are designed to handle varying volumes of mail, from individual letters to bulk mailings. This scalability makes it easy for businesses to manage their mailing needs as they grow.

By leveraging our snail mail APIs, businesses can enhance their communication strategies, maintain compliance with regulations, and improve overall operational efficiency. Explore the LetterStream API Partnership to enhance your business operations today!

LetterStream Makes Donation to the 2024 Code:Red Water Drive

To Donate to the Phoenix Rescue Mission Code:Red, click here.

Let’s start by saying that we’re so excited to be back contributing to the 2024 Code: Red Water Drive for the Phoenix Rescue Mission!

Ok, now for the story.

A longtime customer of ours, Brown Management, had asked us to participate again this year in helping to give back to the Code:Red Heat Relief Water Drive and of course, we said yes!

Phoenix Rescue Mission Code:Red

A stack of cases of water at our print and mailing facility

In case you haven’t heard of it, let’s first dive into who the Phoenix Rescue Mission is and what Code:Red represents.

The Phoenix Rescue Mission’s purpose is to provide life-transforming solutions to people facing hunger, homelessness, addiction and trauma.

Phoenix Rescue Mission Code:Red more specifically helps those who are homeless or less fortunate get access to drinking water during the extreme summer months in Arizona.

Unfortunately, over the last few years the summers have continued to get hotter and hotter.

According to Maricopa County, in 2023 the number of heat-related deaths was 645.

This was up 52% from 2022 which had 425 confirmed deaths and get ready for this, is an 896% increase over the last 10 years.

Mind-blowing.

With that being said, it’s imperative that individuals get adequate amounts of drinking water to stay hydrated and that’s where this water drive comes into play.

Our Core Values

Cases of water bottles on a pallet to be donated from our online print and mail location in Scottsdale

As a company, we live and breathe our internal core values.

One in particular that stands out to us when it comes to this mission is: We believe in the tremendous value of people and that all should be treasured.

We believe it is our duty to treasure all people and to give back when we can, which is why we were thrilled to help Brown Management give back to the Phoenix Rescue Mission, helping them get drinking water into the hands of those in need.

Water Bottles Donated

Pallets of cases of water bottles in the truck to help Phoenix Rescue Mission and Brown, an HOA management community

We want to share how much water LetterStream donated but we’re not sharing to gloat but rather to showcase and celebrate our team members who believe in treasuring people.

This year LetterStream donated 240 cases of water and over 5,760 water bottles that will be dispersed to those who are in need of drinking water.

We couldn’t be more proud. Way to go, team!

A Big Thank You

LetterStream staff standing in our printing and mailing facility next to donated water bottles — A few of our awesome team members!

With that being said, we first want to give a big thank you to our awesome team for helping us treasure people and for donating to this incredible cause.

They came together and made magic happen.

We also want to give a huge thank you to Brown Management for asking us to participate again this year.

Brown is an HOA community management company that uses our services to send their HOA mail, including HOA statements, annual meeting packets, violation letters and more to their homeowners.

We also want to give a big shout-out and thank you to OPACS for supplying the box truck and lift to pick up and help deliver the water bottles that will be donated.

They also helped contribute to the Code:Red as well and we are super grateful for that.

OPACS, which offers office products and custom solutions, is another great long-term customer of ours who uses our print and mail services.

OPACS driving loading in cases of water on a pallet into the truck

Thanks again to everyone who made this possible.

If you want to donate to the Phoenix Rescue Mission Code:Red, you can check them out here.

To learn more about LetterStream and our printing and mailing services, click here.

A New Postage Increase Begins in July

The United States Postal Service will increase prices for the second time this year. On July 14, 2024, the cost of a First-Class stamp will rise by five cents.

Unfortunately, this was inevitable as the timing of the new prices is consistent with the USPS twice-a-year postage increase. If you recall, back in January the first 2024 postage increase took place and now here we are again, mid-year, with another. This also happened back in 2021, 2022 and 2023 so it’s not surprising that 2024 is any different.

July 2024 USPS Postage Price Increase

Effective July 14, 2024, the cost of mailing letters, packages, and other USPS services will climb. This next postage increase is part of USPS’s ongoing efforts to balance its budget and cover rising operational expenses. While the exact changes will depend on the type of mail you send, it’s clear that everyone from businesses to individual mailers will feel the impact. It’s crucial to stay informed about these changes so you can adjust your budget and mailing strategies accordingly. By planning ahead for the United States Postal Service postage increase and exploring cost-saving options, you can minimize the financial impact and keep your mailing operations running smoothly.

Postage Prices

Let’s start by talking about how this will look for our current customers. Since USPS postage is rising, we’ve updated our pricing to reflect that. Below you will find what each type of mailing will cost you going forward.

LetterStream’s New Postage Price Increase:

First-Class postage is increasing by $0.05, meaning a First-Class letter will start at $1.18
Flats are going up $0.21 and will now start at $2.54
Certified Mail (without Electronic Return Receipt) is going up $0.45, plus an extra $0.05 for the First-Class postage increase and that will result in a new price of 7.84 (without ERR) per letter
Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt Add-On is going up $0.30 which puts our total increase of $0.80 more per letter. New base price of Certified Mail with ERR is $9.96
Express Postcards are increasing by $0.03 making the new price $0.81
PRO Postcards will increase the same amount as First-Class postage, which is $0.05, making the new price $1.20 per postcard
Marketing Mail will go up by $0.03, making the new starting price $1.04
International Letters are going up $0.10, along with a $0.05 surcharge making the new starting price $2.68
Registered Mail will have a new starting price of $33.68
Extra Ounces (Letters) is going up to $0.28
Extra Ounces (Flats) is going up to $0.27

Why Is It Important to Know About the USPS Postage Rate Increase?

Being in the know about the upcoming US postage stamp increase is crucial for smart planning and smooth operations. Here are some reasons why:

Budget Planning: For businesses that rely heavily on sending physical mail for billing or communication purposes, postage costs are a significant budget line item. Understanding the new rates allows you to adjust your budget accordingly and avoid unexpected expenses.
Mailing Strategy: Higher postage rates might impact the volume and frequency of your mailings. Knowing about the increase ahead of time gives you the opportunity to reassess your mailing strategy. You might even consider exploring bulk mailing options.
Customer Communication: Transparency is key in customer relationships. If your business will be passing on some of the increased costs to your clients, it’s important to communicate these changes clearly and in advance to maintain trust.
Operational Adjustments: Organizations that send a large volume of mail might need to make operational adjustments to accommodate the increased costs. This could involve exploring printing and mailing solutions that can help utilize the entire process for you, which in the end can save you time and money, even with USPS prices increasing.

LetterStream’s Commitment to Your Mailing Needs

LetterStream is dedicated to helping you navigate these changes with ease and no we’re not just saying that. We know it’s frustrating with the cost of just about everything still on the rise and our advanced mailing solutions and expert team are here to ensure your mailing operations remain smooth and cost-effective. We offer a range of services designed to optimize your mailing processes, from the ability to easily upload your job in 2 minutes or less with no trips to the post office through First-Class Mail, flat envelope mailing and postcards to easily being able to track Certified Mail or FedEx 2Day from right inside of your account.

Send Your Mail Electronically

Ok, so let’s look at another angle. With the cost of postage rising bi-annually, you may be thinking about sending your statements, notices and other forms of mail communication electronically. Well, if that’s something you’re considering you’re in luck. Not only is LetterStream experts in the industry of snail mail but we also offer eDoc Delivery, which is a way to send your documents via email directly through your LetterStream account. This service can be done in place of or in addition to your regular UPSP mailings. To learn more visit our free 24/7 online Chatbot for pricing and next steps.

For more information regarding the July 2024 price increase, visit the USPS website or you can download the list of rate changes here.

The Best Option for HOA Printing and Mailing

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful homeowner association (HOA).

It’s the key to keeping residents informed, engaged and satisfied.

Yet, for many HOA managers and community managers, handling the printing and mailing tasks can be daunting. We know this first-hand because we’ve talked to so many homeowner managers and HOA self-managed communities that are doing all of these tasks themselves.

It’s a lot!

However, it doesn’t have to be a lot and this is where specialized HOA printing and mailing services come into play.

These services are designed to streamline the HOA mailing process allowing for timely and professional communication with residents.

Ok, let’s dive a little deeper in the world of HOA printing and mailing services, shall we? We’ll explore some of the benefits, challenges, and key considerations for implementation.

by Tierra Mallorca

Understanding HOA Printing and Mailing Services

HOA printing and mailing services are specialized offerings tailored to the unique needs of homeowner associations. As experts in the industry for over 20 years, specifically working with homeowners associations, property management companies and HOA software companies we know the specifics of what is needed.

Home owners associations encompass a wide range of tasks, from keeping track of the fees due for HOA invoices and organizing events to handling the mailing process of sending out HOA coupons, HOA statements, HOA violation notices, HOA annual meeting notices, HOA ballots and more…you get the point.

The goal of a printing and mailing company specializing in HOA mailings and one of our goals specifically at LetterStream is to alleviate the burden on HOA managers and team members who often juggle multiple responsibilities, at least when it comes to mail.

By outsourcing these tasks to a dedicated company, HOA managers can focus more on strategic planning and community building while ensuring effective communication is maintained.

The Importance of Effective Communication in HOAs

Let’s be honest here. The backbone of a thriving homeowner association is effective communication. It fosters a sense of community, encourages resident participation, and ensures transparency in HOA operations.

There’s also the fact that there are legal requirements for HOAs to provide certain notices and documents to residents. Again, this is done through the communication HOAs have with their communities. These can include meeting announcements, financial reports, invoices and voting materials.

By using a company that understands the industry and HOA printing and mailing services, the HOA communities and HOA community managers can ensure they meet these legal obligations while enhancing their communication strategies.

Challenges in HOA Printing and Mailing

Like we mentioned above, printing and mailing tasks in-house can be a daunting task for HOAs.

One common issue is the time and effort required to handle these tasks. From dealing with invoices and fees due to stuffing envelopes, applying postage and driving the letters to the post office, these tasks can consume significant resources.

Other challenges HOAs face when printing and mailing on their own include:

Ensuring accuracy and compliance
Time-consuming tasks
High costs of equipment and supplies
Errors in mailing addresses or content
Difficulty in tracking and reporting
Compliance with postal regulations and HOA bylaws
Resident dissatisfaction

These challenges are not to be taken lightly and can impact the overall efficiency and effectiveness of HOA operations.

Selecting the Right HOA Printing and Mailing Service Provider

Choosing the right service provider is crucial for the success of your HOA’s printing and mailing operations.

Several factors should be considered. These include:

Experience in handling HOA printing and mailing tasks
A comprehensive range of services, from products to delivery
Competitive pricing and bulk mailing options
Positive customer reviews and testimonials
Understanding the legal and compliance side

Benefits of Outsourcing to Specialized Services Through LetterStream

Outsourcing to specialized HOA printing and mailing services can offer several benefits.

Firstly, it can result in significant cost and time savings. These companies have the expertise and equipment to handle large volumes of printing and mailing tasks efficiently.

That is where LetterStream comes into play.

Being experts in the industry for over 20 years we know the ins and outs of what HOAs really need when it comes to their mailing, including the knowledge and understanding of compliance with postal regulations and HOA bylaws.

Not only have we spoken to many community managers, but we’ve also participated in improving our products and services throughout the years to better serve the HOA industry and HOA software companies specifically.

We can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard, “Ugh I dread when it’s time to do mailings. We have to make a whole night of it.” or “We use another company but they take forever to just send out our stuff and the process isn’t simple.”

That’s so frustrating for any HOA and it’s frustrating for us to hear that HOAs have such a hard time getting the services they need and that they end up having to sacrifice their personal and family time to make sure community needs are met.

To sum it up, LetterStream helps you save on your overhead costs of supplies, postage and equipment, along with saving not only your time but the company’s times as well.

by Blake Wheeler

Enhancing HOA Operations Through Effective Printing and Mailing Services

HOA printing and mailing services offer numerous benefits. They streamline communication, ensure legal compliance, and save time and resources. These services also enhance community engagement through professional and timely delivery of HOA communications.

Choosing the right service provider is crucial. It’s important to consider their expertise, technology, understanding of HOA mailings and ease of use. A good provider will offer a seamless transition, ongoing support, and services tailored to the HOA’s needs.

To learn more about HOA mailings, click here.

LetterStream helps HOA communities print and mail violation letters, statements, annual meeting notices and anything else an HOA may need through First-Class Mail, Certified Mail, postcards and FedEx 2Day.

Choosing the Right Print and Mail Service

Why You Need a Print and Mail Service

In today’s digital world, many businesses have shifted to online communication. However, there are still situations where physical mail is necessary, like sending important documents, contracts or invoices or violation notices.

This is where a reliable print and mail service comes in.

Using a print and mail service can save you time, money, and resources. Instead of manually printing, folding, stuffing, and mailing documents, you can simply upload them to an online platform and have them printed and mailed on your behalf.

Also, a really good print and mail service ensures that your documents are handled with care and provides reporting and tracking features, giving you insights into your mailing activities,

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Print and Mail Service

Choosing the right print and mail service for your business requires careful consideration. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Types of Mailing Services Offered

The first thing to consider is the types of mailing services offered by the company. Do they offer Certified Mail or is it only First-Class Mail? Do they give you the option to choose different paper types and colors? Make sure the service you choose can handle all of your mailing needs.

Additionally, if you’re a B2B business, you may want to consider a print and mail service that offers bulk mail services. This can save you time and money when sending out large quantities of mail and who wouldn’t want that?

Online Platform Ease of Use

by Austin Distel

The whole point of using a print and mail service is to save time and effort. Which is why it’s so important to choose a service that has an easy-to-use online platform. This includes features such as an intuitive user interface, easy document uploading, and the ability to track your mailings.

An online platform that offers a seamless experience from start to finish can greatly reduce the potential for errors and increase efficiency. Look for a service that provides a dashboard where you can manage your account details, view past transactions, and even track your mailings if you opted in for that.

Turnaround Time

As you know when it comes to mailing important documents, time is of the essence. Make sure the print and mail service you choose has a quick turnaround time. Ideally, they should be able to print and mail your documents within 24-48 hours.

Furthermore, if your business requires expedited services for last-minute mailings, check if the provider offers rush options. Knowing that you can rely on a quick option in urgent situations can be a huge plus when choosing the right service.

Cost

Of course, cost is a major factor when choosing a print and mail service. Compare prices between different services and like we mentioned above, consider the types of services offered and turnaround times. Something to ponder is that paying a little extra for a more reliable service may be worth it in the long run.

Oh and one more little note to keep in mind. While evaluating costs, don’t forget to account for hidden fees such as setup charges, minimum order requirements, or cancellation fees. A transparent pricing structure without unexpected costs can help you budget more accurately for your mailing needs.

Security and Privacy

by Mediamodifier (https://unsplash.com/@mediamodifier)

When sending sensitive documents, security and privacy are of utmost importance. Be sure the print and mail service you choose has secure servers and protocols in place to protect your information.

It’s also important to inquire about the company’s data handling policies and whether they comply with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, depending on your industry. The assurance that your confidential documents are handled with the highest level of security can give you peace of mind with each mailing.

Customer Service and Support

In case of any issues or questions come up, it’s important to have support from your print and mail service. Look for services that offer help whether it’s through phone, email, or a chatbot.

Quality customer service should be knowledgeable and responsive, capable of resolving any concerns swiftly. Make sure to read reviews or testimonials to gauge the service’s reputation for customer support before making your decision.

LetterStream for Printing and Mailing

Ok, so here’s the part where we tell you more about us! As experts in the industry, we’re a popular choice for businesses looking for a user-friendly online platform and quick turnaround times and we’re not just saying that.

Everything we’ve mentioned above with what to look for, we offer! Whether you’re an HOA manager looking to mail out your annual meeting notices, invoices or statements, a lawyer looking to send bulk Certified Mailings, a company needing to send out mass communication about a product recall or someone just wanting to send a single letter to grandma, we’ve got you. And, our online platform is a breeze to use. You can easily upload a job in 2 minutes or less, choose different paper and envelope types and it allows for real-time tracking of your mailings with no signup or monthly fees and no order minimums. You literally just pay for what you want to send.

Oh, and you shouldn’t have any issues when using us but if you do run into any or have questions, we have a very knowledgeable chatbot that is available 24/7 to help you out and of course our awesome customer support team is on hand as well. Not much usually comes up for our customers because we offer the option to pause, stop or shred a job from inside your online portal, but we are here if you need us.

Some more of our benefits include:

Amazing speed! 99% of jobs are mailed by next business day, with many mailed the same day we receive it
See instant, real-time proof of your mailings
Easily add reply envelopes or additional inserts to a mailing
Create your mailing anytime, day or night
Find any mail piece you ever sent by name or address
Certified Mail and FedEx 2Day tracking stored indefinitely in your account
Receive an email notification when your job is mailed

We offer a variety of products including First-Class Mail, Certified Mail, FedEx 2Day, Registered Mail, HOA Annual Meeting Notice packets, postcards and more.

Tips for Using a Print and Mail Service

If you’ve decided to use us, great! Either way, once you’ve decided to outsource your print and mail services, there are some tips to keep in mind for making the most out of their services:

Organize Your Documents

Before uploading your documents, make sure they are properly organized. This will save you time and prevent any mistakes during the printing and mailing process.

Proper organization also includes ensuring your documents are formatted correctly and meet any specifications required by the service. Double-check that all files are in the correct format and resolution to avoid any printing issues.

If you create a free LetterStream account then you have access to our free PDF tool, which helps you double-check address placements and errors before uploading your documents.

Double Check Addresses

by Jonathan Kemper

When sending important documents, it’s crucial to double-check the recipient’s address as any errors in the address could result in the mail being returned to you.

Taking the time to verify addresses can prevent delays and additional costs associated with returned or misdelivered mail. Many print and mail services offer address validation tools, so take advantage of these features to ensure accuracy. To answer your question, of course, LetterStream offers this service. We call it the Address List Cleanup (CASS) tool, which you can learn more about here.

Optimize Printing and Mailing Frequency

To save time and costs, consider optimizing your printing and mailing frequency. Instead of sending one document at a time, batch them together and send them in one mailing. Scheduling regular mailings, such as monthly invoices or quarterly newsletters, can help streamline your operations.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right print and mail service is an important decision for any business. Consider the factors mentioned above and choose a service that best meets your needs and budget. With the right print and mail service, you can save time, money, and resources, and ensure that your important documents are delivered securely and on time.

To learn more about how LetterStream can help you with your print and mail needs, sign up for a free account, with no hidden or monthly fees, here.

Elvis Presley and How to Return Mail to Sender

A story from the Letterman about return mail all thanks to a classic song…

It was a busy day of making mail and innovating today. I traveled to multiple facilities and had a brief celebration of our most recent quarter. I gave a Starbucks card and a high-five to our team leader, who produced the most pieces of mail for the month and watched as we spooled up a new process of shipping pallets of mail to send across the country for speedier mail delivery.

To give a little context, my family is out of town and I’m sitting in an Italian restaurant that is open late, having a little desert and writing blog posts about mail.

Is this not how everyone spends their Friday night? Or is that just me?

Anyway, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin had been playing to set the mood of fine dining. I’m in the zone, cranking out blog posts and savoring affogatos after experiencing a wonderful day in the factories. As if it wasn’t already going great, the icing on the cake was when Elvis Presley came up in the playlist singing, get ready for it… Return to Sender. Now, to most, this would simply mean a great Elvis Presley song was playing. To a Letterman, however, this was gold. Could a day be any better?!

Elvis Presley and Mail

In case you might not be aware of what the song is, here is a little overview and some of the lyrics I got to listen to while celebrating a fantastic day of mail:

According to Wikipedia, “Return to Sender” is a song recorded by American singer Elvis Presley and performed in the film Girls! Girls! Girls!. The song was written by Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell to suit Presley’s rock and roll musical style. The singer laments his relationship with a spiteful partner. Released on October 2, 1962, and published by Elvis Presley Music, the song became a commercial hit and received praise for its lyricism and melody.”

Lyrics:

I gave a letter to the postman

He put it in his sack

Bright early next morning

He brought my letter back

Return to sender, address unknown

No such number, no such zone

We had a quarrel, a lover’s spat

I write I’m sorry, but my letter keeps coming back,

address unknown

How timeless are the words from the king of rock and roll?

Return Mail That Isn’t Yours

Ok, but let’s talk about this for a minute. Granted the song is about two people who knew each other and one writes the words Return to Sender as if they don’t live there anymore, but I ponder the thought of mail ending up at the wrong location.

Which brings up the question: How often do we get a piece of mail that doesn’t belong to us?

As a recipient of mail myself, it’s a scenario I’ve encountered more times than I can count due to the United States Postal Service. There’s a certain curiosity that accompanies the moment when you realize the letter in your hand is addressed to someone else—a mix of intrigue and responsibility. It’s also a reminder that even in our digital age, the tangible exchange of snail mail still holds a place of significance in our lives.

When faced with this situation, my first instinct is always to do what’s right—to ensure that the first-class letter finds its rightful owner. It’s a simple act of kindness, but one that carries weight and importance. After all, behind every piece of mail is a story, a connection waiting to be made, even.

Returning the letter to its sender is not just a matter of correcting a mistake—it’s an act of respect and consideration. It’s about honoring the privacy of the individual to whom the letter was intended and upholding the integrity of the postal system.

How to Return Mail/Send a Letter Back?

But returning a letter isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, there are no clear indications of the sender’s identity, and I’m left to rely on my instincts and intuition. It’s a process that requires patience and persistence, but one that’s ultimately rewarding.

Here are some helpful tips on how to return mail that was sent to the wrong address or if the person no longer lives there.

On the envelope write the words “Return to Sender” or “Not at this address.”
If there is a barcode on the # 10 envelope, cross that out to help ensure it doesn’t come back to you again.
Put the mailpiece back in your mailbox, an outgoing collection mailbox or you can hand it back to your postal worker or mailman the next time you see them.
If placed back in your mailbox and you have the option, put the red flag up, indicating you have outgoing mail.

On that note, if you’re sending a letter a bulk mailing that’s considered important, you may want to consider sending it in a way where you can track it. On our LetterStream website, we offer the ability to track your letters right inside of your online portable. So, if you’re sending Certified Mail, Registered Mail (international only) or FedEx 2Day letters allowing you to see if they were delivered, signed for or undeliverable. Just something to keep in mind so this doesn’t happen to you.

Return to sender written in red ink for return mail

There’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing that I’ve played a small part in ensuring that a piece of mail reaches its intended destination. So the next time you find yourself holding a letter that wasn’t meant for you, remember the importance of kindness and consideration. By returning the letter to its sender, it extends a helping hand to a stranger, even in the simplest of ways.

As I wrap up this blog and my time here at the Italian restaurant, I can’t help but secretly hope that anyone who reads this post will now think of us here at LetterStream every time they hear Elvis Preseley’s Return to Sender.