printing and mailing | LetterStream Blog

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 LetterStream is Known for Sending Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Mail

With LetterStream you get speed without sacrifice when it comes to sending physical mail.

We’ll just say it: you shouldn’t have to choose between fast and accurate when sending critical mail. If your current system forces you to pick one, you’re working too hard, and your process is probably holding you back.

Whether you’re sending Certified Mail online, urgent financial notices, HOA violation letters, or medical documents, timing and precision matter. And here’s the kicker—LetterStream handles both with ease.

We’ve built our entire platform on this belief: fast doesn’t mean rushed, and reliable doesn’t mean slow. You can send real mail online and still have confidence in every envelope, every barcode, and piece of mail that we send out.

Why Accuracy Is Everything in Business Mail

Let’s be honest: a misplaced name, a missed page, or a double-stuffed envelope isn’t just a small mistake—it’s a big deal. Especially when your documents are time-sensitive or legally required.

With our intelligent document handling, every letter goes through multiple automated checks—from data validation to address formatting to barcode placement. And thanks to our proprietary The Stream technology, you get full transparency into how your job moves through the system.

You can stop crossing your fingers and start sending mail like a pro.

We Don’t Just Move Fast—We’re Built for It

Speed matters. If your team’s mailing process takes more time than it does to write the actual message, we’ve got a problem.

Most LetterStream customers go from upload to print in minutes. The best part is there’s no printing, stuffing. applying postage, or Post Office runs, just business-critical mail, handled with urgency on ours.

In fact, if it takes more than two minutes to upload a job (after learning the process and creating a job or two), it’s probably because you stopped to get a snack or more likely went to get approval from your manager about the documents you were uploading.

And with our range of mailing options—from First-Class Mail and Certified Mail to FedEx 2Day—you’re in full control of how quickly your mail gets sent out.

Reliability You Can Actually Rely On

Some platforms claim to be reliable. We prove it—millions of times over.

Whether you’re sending 10 letters or 10,000, the output doesn’t change. We don’t “hope” your letters go out. We make sure they do. We even give you updates during the production process.

That’s why businesses like law firms, healthcare providers, and HOAs trust us with their most sensitive communications.

Your team shouldn’t have to follow up on mail. With us, it’s handled.

Built for the Teams That Need It Most

We work with teams who simply don’t have time for manual errors or missed deadlines.

HOAs & Property Managers: Annual meeting notices, violation letters, billing statements
Law Firms: Time-sensitive legal notices, court correspondence
Healthcare Providers: Compliance letters, appointment reminders, HIPAA communications
Finance Teams: Late payment notices, invoices, and regulatory mail

These aren’t “nice to have” mailings. They’re critical—and they deserve a partner that treats them that way.

Want to Send Certified Mail Online? Done.

Certified Mail isn’t just about the green card anymore. When you send Certified Mail with LetterStream, you get USPS tracking, electronic signatures, and even return receipt options—without setting foot in a post office.

That means you can log in, upload a PDF, and hit send—whether you’re working from a laptop at your desk or checking in from the road.

Learn more about Certified Mail online and how easy it can be.

Fast, Accurate, Reliable—Pick All Three

The truth? You shouldn’t have to settle. Not when your job is to make sure the right information gets to the right people on time, every time.

With LetterStream, there’s no tradeoff. Just high-performing mail that goes out exactly how—and when—you need it to.

And that’s what fast, accurate, and reliable really looks like.

Why Physical Mail Still Matters in a Digital World

Sending physical mail is easy to do online.

We live in a digital-first world. Emails. Text alerts. Online dashboards. It feels like everything has moved to screens—and for good reason. Digital tools are fast, flexible, and convenient.

But when it comes to business-critical communications, physical mail still has an edge. A big one.

Whether you’re in law, healthcare, finance, property management, or HOA administration, relying solely on digital channels leaves your business vulnerable to missed deadlines, ignored messages, and compliance risks.

Let’s break down why physical mail still matters—and how you can send it faster, smarter, and more securely than ever before.

Digital Is Easy to Ignore. Mail Demands Attention.

Your inbox is overflowing. So is everyone else’s. Most emails never get opened, and if they do, they’re often skimmed and forgotten. But a piece of physical mail? It has weight—literally and psychologically.

Physical documents land in the hands of real people. They get opened, reviewed and often acted on faster than just a regular email. Sending physical documents (or sending snail mail) is great for:

Violation notices
Legal disclosures
Payment reminders
Ballots and compliance documents
Statements

A print and mail service helps ensure these high-priority documents actually make an impact—while giving you the control and tracking you need.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance Still Favor Physical Mail

In industries like healthcare and law, physical mail is often the only truly compliant method for delivering sensitive or time-bound communications.

Digital delivery doesn’t always hold up in court or meet regulatory standards—especially when there’s no way to confirm it was received, read, or retained.

That’s why Certified Mail remains the go-to for:

HIPAA notices
Eviction letters
Collection demands
Audit disclosures
Insurance cancellations

When sending Certified Mail online, you get proof of mailing, delivery confirmation, and a digital audit trail—all without leaving your desk.

Trust Is Tangible

Physical mail communicates professionalism. It says, “We care about getting this right.”

It’s not just about regulation—it’s about relationships. Clients, patients, homeowners, and business partners are more likely to take action when they receive a well-formatted, official-looking document. It creates trust. Permanence. Accountability.

And with modern platforms like LetterStream, you can achieve this without manual effort or office interruptions. Upload your document. Choose your mail type (First-Class, Certified, or FedEx 2Day). We print, prep, and send it—all trackable.

Automation Doesn’t Mean Digital-Only

There’s a misconception that automation = digital. But in reality, some of the most powerful automation tools send real physical documents.

With tools like StreamLogic™, businesses get a standard of excellence. It serves as a framework to ensure speed, accuracy, and reliability, while giving customers complete visibility and control over their print and mailings.

When You Need to Be Sure, Send It for Real

Not all mail needs to be physical. But when it’s critical, sensitive, or time-bound—don’t gamble on a crowded inbox or a failed email.

Physical mail shows up. Gets opened. Gets noticed. And when it’s powered by LetterStream, it’s also fast, automated, and worry-free. Sending mail online has never been easier. Click here to try us out!

LetterStream makes printing and mailing a breeze!

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.

How to Go From Reactive to Proactive With Your Mailing Strategy

If your team is still scrambling to send out time-sensitive letters, compliance notices, or monthly statements at the last minute, congrats, you’re not alone. You’re also not scalable.

Inconsistent mail processes, forgotten deadlines, and last-minute envelope stuffing aren’t just frustrating—they’re a sign your business is stuck in a reactive loop.

But what if your physical mail strategy could actually run ahead of your schedule? What if it could be streamlined, automated, and entirely scalable, no matter how fast your business grows?

It can. And we’re here to show you how.

Reactive Mail = Risky Business

You know the signs:

Your team rushes to print invoices at the end of the month
Compliance documents are delayed because someone forgot the Certified Mail label
HR still sends out benefit packets manually, after new hires start asking
You keep a stash of stamps “just in case,” which you constantly forget to reorder

These aren’t just quirks—they’re liabilities. When critical communications are handled reactively, deadlines get missed, reputations take a hit, and teams burn out.

Modern business doesn’t run on duct tape and overnight FedEx envelopes. It runs on intentional systems, including mail.

A Proactive Mail Strategy: What It Looks Like

Going proactive doesn’t mean doing more—it means doing it smarter. A scalable print and mail service lets you plan, schedule, and automate mailings so your operations stay ahead of the curve.

With a proactive mail strategy, you can:

Schedule recurring jobs utilizing an API (monthly statements, policy updates, annual notices)
Upload mailings on your timeline, not when your team is already buried
Track every Certified Mail piece—with digital logs and delivery records
Plan ahead and never have to leave your desk

And all of it can be done without touching a printer, envelope, or postage machine.

Scalable = Sustainable

Whether you’re a growing law firm, a national HOA management company, or a healthcare provider adding new clinics, your mail volume won’t stay the same. And that’s the point.

You don’t need a different process when your volume doubles—you need one that flexes with you.

Upload and Send It. It’s That Easy

You know what’s more efficient than real-time panic? Scheduled peace of mind.

Let’s say you send tenant statements to 2,000 properties every month. Instead of frantically printing them on the 31st, you can schedule them ahead of time. Same goes for:

Healthcare EOBs (Explanation of Benefits)
Collections letters
Legal time-bound notices
Annual rate adjustments or fee changes
Mass policy mailings

One upload. One process. Every time. And when you send mail online, you never have to make another Post Office run again.

The ROI of Getting Ahead

Yes, this is about operations—but it’s also about cost.

When you batch mail, avoid express delivery fees, reduce errors, and eliminate labor waste, the savings add up fast. Not to mention the soft ROI of reducing stress and reclaiming hours every month for more strategic work.

You can even monitor the performance of your proactive strategy—how many pieces sent, how many Certified letters with proof, how quickly they arrived—all from your dashboard.

You can’t do that with a postage scale and a sticky note reminder.

Turn Your Mail Into a Competitive Advantage

Most businesses don’t think about mail until it’s urgent. That’s exactly why having a proactive strategy sets you apart.

Clients trust companies that communicate clearly and on time. Regulators expect promptness and documentation. Employees thrive when they aren’t stuck doing repetitive, manual work.

When your mail process runs like clockwork, your whole business runs better.

You Don’t Need a Department. You Need a Plan.

Building a scalable mail strategy doesn’t mean adding headcount. It means using tools that do the heavy lifting for you.

LetterStream gives your team the ability to send Certified Mail, First-Class Mail, and more—all online, and all easily managed from a dashboard.

That’s not just growth-ready—it’s future-proof, because LetterStream makes printing and mailing a breeze!

How Using LetterStream’s API Saves Companies Time, Money, and Sanity

LetterStream’s API allows companies to automate business-critical mail.

Behind every successful operations team is one core truth: they didn’t get there by printing and stuffing envelopes by hand.

Automation has become the backbone of modern business operations, especially for teams managing recurring or high-volume mail. And if you’ve ever wished you could hit “send” on a document and have it magically turn into trackable Certified Mail or just a First-Class letter… you’re closer than you think.

With the LetterStream API, developers and operations leaders can fully automate the printing, processing, and sending of snail mail, securely and efficiently.

Here are five real-world use cases that show how the LetterStream API saves time, reduces stress, and helps teams work smarter (not harder).

1. Automate Late Payment Notices from Your CRM

Still sending out manual past-due letters? With the LetterStream API, you can connect your CRM or billing platform to automatically trigger a physical notice after a set number of days.

Let’s say a customer hasn’t paid within 30 days. Your system can generate a PDF notice, ping the LetterStream API, and send the letter via First-Class Mail—without anyone printing or folding a thing.

Need to add Certified Mail for legal protection? You can include that logic too. Tracking numbers, digital proofs, and delivery data all included.

This is how finance and AR teams turn chaos into consistency.

2. Trigger Mailings from Your Internal Software

Whether you’re using custom ERP tools, a ticketing system, or something built in-house, if it can send a webhook or make an HTTP request, it can send mail through LetterStream.

Imagine this:

An eviction notice is triggered when a resident’s file status changes
A violation letter goes out when a photo is uploaded in your HOA software
A legal firm’s case management system auto-generates and sends a filing notification

If you’ve got software that manages workflows, you’ve got the power to connect it directly to our print and mail software—and make the paper part disappear.

3. Bulk Job Scheduling and Batch Mail

Need to send 500 notices each Friday? Or maybe you’re processing thousands of monthly statements for clients?

With the LetterStream API, you can script and schedule batch jobs that send all your mail at once, pulling from databases, applying templates, and routing based on zip code or content.

You stay in control, and your team avoids the last-minute, end-of-month stress. Plus, you’ll always have a full audit trail to reference, including file uploads, job IDs, and delivery confirmations.

Pair this with StreamLogic™, and you can build in automated logic to handle special rules, like Certified Mail for certain states or alternate return addresses for specific regions.

4. Empower Your Customers

If your business offers SaaS tools to other companies—think property management platforms, legal software, or fintech tools—you can integrate the LetterStream API directly into your platform.

That means your users can send Certified Mail or First-Class Mail without ever leaving your website.

You get:

Embedded mailing capabilities
Brand consistency (you can white-label the experience)
Zero support tickets about printers or postage

We handle the print, insert, and send. Your platform gets the credit. Everybody wins.

5. Create a Compliance-First Mailing System

If your industry deals with HIPAA, legal timelines, or regulatory disclosures, the API allows you to bake secure, traceable mail delivery into your compliance workflows.

No more guessing if something was sent. No more “we thought the admin handled that.”

Every job has a digital record, every piece of Certified Mail is trackable, and you can see when it was mailed from our end.

For healthcare groups, law firms, and insurance providers, this turns compliance from a risk into a repeatable system.

Let Your Systems Do the Sending

The best part? Your team can stop wrestling with stamps and focus on work that actually moves the business forward.

When physical mail becomes just another API call, everything gets smoother: timelines, compliance, customer experience, and morale.

Learn more about LetterStream’s API, 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.

How Schools and Institutions Can Easily Get Mail Sent Out

LetterStream helps schools and institutions send mail online.

The back-to-school season doesn’t just mean new pencils, packed cafeterias, and orientation emails—it also means a mountain of critical mail. Universities, community colleges, K–12 schools, and trade institutions are flooded with time-sensitive documents: financial aid letters, tuition statements, admissions decisions, policy updates, transcripts… you name it.

And if you’re still relying on in-house printers, overworked office staff, or worse—hoping the copier doesn’t jam again—it’s time to rethink your strategy.

Because yes, you can send mail online. And for schools, that’s not just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Why Physical Mail Still Rules in Education

While email is convenient, important communications for educational institutions still depend on print. Why? Because mail adds formality, visibility, and compliance, especially when it comes to:

Financial aid decisions (FERPA-compliant formats, dated proofs of delivery)
Transcripts and graduation paperwork (often require original signatures or secure handling)
Admissions packets (first impressions matter—and physical mail carries weight)
Policy updates or disciplinary notices (Certified Mail ensures legal protection)

Even in 2025, there are moments where digital just doesn’t cut it. And that’s where a modern print and mail service comes in.

A Better Way to Send School Mail: Online Platforms Built for Volume and Urgency

Imagine this: your admissions team uploads a PDF. It’s printed, stuffed, sorted, and sent—without you ever touching a printer. That’s what platforms like LetterStream offer: scalable mail automation that’s FERPA-friendly and built for accuracy.

Whether you’re sending 25 dorm move-in letters or 25,000 tuition notices, LetterStream can handle it, tracking each piece with delivery confirmation (using Certified Mail online) and keeping your staff free for more strategic work.

No supply closet stocking. No copier repairs. No “who forgot to seal the envelopes?” chaos.

Start-of-Year Chaos? Not Anymore.

The beginning of a semester brings serious mail traffic. Here’s what’s typically on your list:

Financial aid re-approvals
Parking permits and ID badge instructions
Class schedule confirmations
Housing assignments and rule packets
Student conduct updates
Billing notices for late tuition payments

That’s… a lot. And if you’re managing all of that in-house, your administrative staff is likely overwhelmed before you even begin.

By using a send mail online solution, you’re not just improving operations—you’re protecting your team’s sanity.

Bonus Points for Compliance (Yes, That’s a Thing)

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) compliance isn’t optional. Neither is securely handling sensitive documents that include personal, academic, or financial data.

LetterStream’s systems are built to keep your mail secure and your records in line with industry regulations. You get audit trails, tracking numbers, and digital proofs of delivery. Need to send a transcript with Certified Mail? Done.

Oh, and we keep your data encrypted and protected—so IT can rest easy too.

From Admissions to Alumni: Supporting the Entire Student Journey

Let’s not forget the departments beyond admissions:

Registrar → Sends graduation verification, transcript requests, and enrollment status updates
Housing → Sends room assignments, checklists, and policy reminders
Financial Aid → Sends FAFSA status letters, disbursement timelines, and appeals notices
Student Conduct → Sends disciplinary notices and appeals by Certified Mail
Alumni Relations → Sends reunion invites, updates, and donation letters

Each department has mail needs—and different audiences to reach. However, with a centralized print and mail service, you can route everything through one streamlined platform.

The Real Win? Your People Focus on People

Most educational institutions don’t hire admin teams to fold letters and feed paper into trays. They hire them to support students, solve problems, and lead change.

When you move your mail operations online, you give your team the chance to do just that.

Less folding. More focus. Better service.

The Final Grade

Let’s be honest—printing and mailing shouldn’t feel like detention. Whether you’re prepping for move-in day or midterms, your students and faculty deserve systems that work. Modern, compliant, trackable, and fast.

Make the switch this semester. Your staff will thank you. And your copier? It can finally retire in peace.

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.

The Security Behind Online Printing and Mailing Services at LetterStream

Let’s talk security in mailing.

Not the “reset your password again” kind of security—I’m talking about the kind that makes sure your sensitive mail gets where it’s supposed to go, without detours, delays, or drama.

Because here’s the thing: when you send important mail—statements, violation notices, ballots, financial docs—you’re not just trusting us with paper. You’re trusting us with information. And that trust is everything.

So let me pull back the curtain a bit on how security actually works around here at LetterStream.

Not Just a Mailroom—A Lockbox with Printers

People tend to imagine online printing and mailing as this kind of vague cloud system—some portal, a few clicks, and poof! Your mail is out.

And yes, that’s basically how easy it is to send with us. But behind the curtain? It’s more like a highly controlled environment with restricted access, audit trails, secure handling practices, and daily internal checks. Think Fort Knox meets FedEx meets a team that drinks too much coffee and really loves precision.

We don’t let just anyone near your data or your mail. Our employees undergo background checks. Our building has access control. Our systems have layers of protection—digital and physical. Every file that comes through is tracked, logged, encrypted, and then processed with care. We’re not messing around.

We Take Privacy Seriously—And Personally

Here’s something else you should know: LetterStream does not share or sell customer information—period.

Your data stays your data. We don’t mine it, market it, or pass it off to third-party vendors. From the moment you upload your job to the moment it’s mailed, everything stays in our secure environment. We handle it ourselves—from file receipt to final postage—because we believe your privacy isn’t just a feature, it’s a non-negotiable promise.

If you’re curious, this philosophy is baked into how we serve sensitive industries like HOAs, legal offices, financial services, and healthcare.

Your Files Don’t Roam

Unlike sending attachments via email or bouncing files between vendors, your documents stay in one secure ecosystem. When you upload them to LetterStream, they don’t leave our environment. We’re the ones printing, inserting, sealing, and mailing them. No third-party handoffs. No “we’ll get back to you.” No weird delays.

Which also means—fewer opportunities for error. (And honestly, way less stress.)

Certified Mail, First-Class, and Everything in Between—All Logged, All Secure

If you’re sending Certified Mail or First-Class Mail with us (and a lot of our customers are), you already know how critical it is that every piece goes out correctly, with tracking to back it up. But that’s only half the story.

We track every order internally too. Our systems log not only what was printed and mailed, but also when, how, by whom, and through what exact process. We’re basically your out-of-house compliance department.

Want to go deeper into how Certified Mail works? Read this: Why Certified Mail is Better Managed Online

We Keep the Data, But We Don’t Keep the Data

Here’s how it works: by default, we retain your jobs and documents indefinitely. Why? Because most of our clients like having a digital paper trail they can revisit any time. That said, if you’d rather not hang onto your files forever, we’ve got options. Account owners can configure their settings to automatically purge old jobs after a set period. So yes, you can keep everything—or nothing. Your call.

The Human Layer of Security

We also train our team not just on operations, but on why it all matters. That part doesn’t show up on an audit form, but it’s how you build a culture of care. Everyone here understands that we’re handling real information from real people—often at really high stakes.

That’s what makes the difference. That’s what makes it secure.

So, Is Online Printing and Mailing Secure?

When you’re doing it with LetterStream? Yes. Fully. End-to-end. Auditable. Traceable. Lock-it-down kind of secure.

We know trust isn’t a feature—it’s earned. So we show up every day ready to earn it.

If you’re new here and want to see how this all works in action, start here.

Easily Send Postcards Online and Why They Work

You know what’s wild? Postcards still work.

Even in a world of cluttered inboxes, push notifications constantly going off, Slack pings, and at least one text thread you forgot to answer last week—an old-fashioned postcard still finds a way to be seen. Touched. Read. Maybe even pinned to the fridge.

We send a lot of mail here, and let me tell you: business postcards punch way above their weight.

This is especially true when you’re not just sending them to say hi—you’re using them to remind, alert, warn, or get someone’s attention fast, especially from a business perspective.

Let’s break this down.

Why send postcards in the first place?

Because they skip the envelope. That’s it. That’s the post.
(Just kidding—but also kind of not.)

Okay, here it is. When someone pulls a postcard out of their mailbox, your message is right there. No extra steps, no tearing it open, no wondering if it’s junk. Whether it’s a reminder for an HOA meeting, a past-due notice, or a friendly “Hey, don’t forget,” a postcard is the fastest way to get seen.

And bonus: they’re usually cheaper than full letters, which adds up if you’re sending hundreds (or thousands).

Ok, so what’s the catch?

Honestly? The only catch used to be that you had to design them, print them, cut them, stamp them, and then physically go to the Post Office to send them. Or you had to pay to have someone else do the first part to then have them send the postcards to you, and then again, you still have to go to the Post Office to send them off.

But we built not one but two postcard options that solve all that—so you can literally upload a file, pick your postcard, and let us do the heavy lifting. (Like, within 24–48 hours kind of fast.)

What are the two postcard options?

Glad you asked. They’ve got very official names: Express and PRO.
Here’s the simplest way to think about them:

📨 Express Postcard

Size: 4.25″ x 5.5″
Image on one side
Black-and-white or color
Printed on 80# white paper
Quarter-inch white margin
Simple, fast, gets the job done
Great for reminders, updates, or “hey, you missed a payment” types of messages
Mailed First-Class

Think of this one as your reliable little workhorse. No fuss, just results.

Learn more about Express Postcards here: High Quality Postcards | Full Bleed Color | Easy To Use – LetterStream

📣 PRO Postcard

Size: 5.5″ x 8.5″
Full-color, full-bleed on both sides
Bigger, bolder, and much more “look at me”
Printed on 120# premium paper
Best for announcements, events, or anything visual you want to pop
Mailed First-Class

This one? This is your show pony. It’s got stage presence.

Learn more about Pro Postcards here: High Quality Postcards | Full Bleed Color | Easy To Use – LetterStream

But how hard is it to actually send one?

Here’s the magic:
It takes less time than it does to complain about your postage meter.

You just:

Upload your PDF (front/back or just one side)
Upload your addresses
Pick Express or PRO
Hit send

That’s it. No minimums. No templates to wrestle with. No Post Office runs. We’ll even show you a real-time proof online before you approve it.

Let LetterStream send your postcards for you

You’ve got enough to do. If you need to get a clear, important message in front of someone—fast—skip the envelope and go with a postcard. And even better, skip doing it all yourself!

If you’ve got a message to send, we’ve got a postcard for it. Click here to create a free account and start sending your postcards instantly.

(And yes, you really can send one right now. We’re ready when you are.)

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.