Happy Labor Day to Our Team and Customers

As Labor Day approaches, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate and honor the incredible dedication and hard work that fuel our success. This holiday isn’t just about a well-deserved break; it’s a time to recognize the contributions of our employees and customers—those who drive industries forward and make progress possible.

Celebrating Our Employees: The Heart of LetterStream

Like we stated above, Labor Day is more than a day off; it’s a celebration of the effort, skill, and commitment that everyone brings to their work. At the core of LetterStream’s success is our team—a group of hardworking, passionate individuals who make everything we do possible. From the folks in our production facility who ensure every piece of mail is perfectly processed, including Certified Mail, to our customer service team that goes the extra mile to assist our clients, each person plays a vital role. We’re really proud of the team that powers our business— the people who go above and beyond every day to ensure that our customers receive the best service possible when sending mail online.

The LetterStream staff together for a picture at a team building event.

Appreciating Our Customers: Partners in Progress

It’s not just our team that deserves recognition, it’s also our customers, who rely on us to keep their businesses running smoothly who also play a crucial role in our success. Whether you’re managing high-volume mailings in healthcare, HOA, financial services, legal matters or any other industry, your commitment to excellence inspires us to keep improving and innovating. From invoice printing and mailing to statement printing and mailing, your trust in us motivates us to continually enhance our services.

Our customers are more than just clients—they’re partners in progress. We understand that your businesses are built on trust, reliability, and efficiency, and we’re honored that you’ve chosen us to be a part of your journey. Whether you’re sending critical documents, statements, large packet mailings, recall notices, violation notices, or everyday communications, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Labor Day is also a celebration for you for the hard work you put into your businesses. We’re proud and honored to help you achieve your goals and keep your operations running smoothly, no matter the time of year.

Looking Ahead: Continuing Our Commitment

As we honor Labor Day, we also look forward to the future. The upcoming months are some of the busiest of the year, and we’re ready to meet the challenge head-on. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and we’re excited to continue serving our customers with the same dedication and reliability that you’ve come to expect from us.

As you prepare for the final quarter of the year, remember that we’re here to support you. Whether it’s handling an increase in mail volume, ensuring timely deliveries, or providing solutions to streamline your processes like invoice printing and mailing or statement printing and mailing, our team is ready to assist. We’re in this together, and we’re committed to helping your business thrive.

On Labor Day, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our employees and our customers. Your dedication, creativity, and problem-solving skills are what set us apart. It’s because of you that we can confidently say we provide the best solutions for sending mail online and more specifically business mail online in the industry.

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.

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.

LetterStream Attends HOA National CAI Show in Las Vegas

That’s right! LetterStream is back again this year at the HOA National CAI show in Las Vegas on May 8-10, 2024!

We’re excited to see everyone in the homeowners association and property management space and to connect with new faces we haven’t met yet. If you’ll be attending the show be sure to stop by Booth 1005 and say hi!

Easily Send HOA Letters

You might be wondering why LetterStream attends the Annual CAI conference each year. It’s because we assist homeowner associations, HOA property management companies, HOA management companies and homeowners association software companies with sending out bulk mailings.

In fact, we’ve been a leading expert in providing unique printing and mailing solutions in the HOA industry for over 20 years.

Printing and Mailing Solutions

If you’re in the homeowner association industry, here is a list of unique HOA management solutions we offer when it comes to printing and mailing to better communicate with HOA communities and homeowners:

statements
coupon books
annual meeting notices
welcome packets
violation letters
general announcement postcards
and whatever else you might need

Our website allows for perfection in job-building every time for the homeowner association management team and our API allows software companies and large management companies to easily automate sending mail. Speaking of, we accept data files from most property management software.

Simply upload your letters and notices into your online portal and we handle the rest!

To learn more about LetterStream can help with your HOA mailing click here and to learn more about the 2024 CAI Annual Conference click 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.

Now Available! Send Registered Mail Through LetterStream

We’re excited to announce that sending Registered Mail online is now available in your online portal. If you’re a company or someone who is required to send letters internationally with tracking then this product is definitely for you. We’ll dive into what Registered Mail is, the reality of sending letters this way, alternative options and how to access this feature in your account. Let’s dive in!

What is Registered Mail?

If you’re not sure what Registered Mail is here’s a quick overview:

USPS Registered Mail is basically like sending Certified Mail except it’s to international locations. You are supposed to get proof of mailing, a unique tracking code, proof of delivery and a signature confirmation upon delivery.

Now, here’s the thing, it is technically considered to be a more secure process than Certified Mail tracking is. With Registered Mail tracking the sender can potentially get more progress updates than one would if sending a Certified letter. Tracking Registered Mail is considered to be a more in-depth process. A Registered letter can be tracked from the beginning, starting with the person at the USPS Post Office, then to each location it arrives at and when, to its delivery status, delivery confirmation and recipient signature.

Sending A Registered Letter Isn’t For Everyone

With that being said, we want to be completely up-front and transparent about this new product offering. We go more in-depth about it on our blog post here, but the reality behind sending Registered Mail is that it actually isn’t as secure as the USPS claims it to be especially when sending to international addresses. After our part is done it gets sent to the Post Office and then shipped out from there. Once the letter lands in the destination country, a new courier is responsible for delivery. Because of that they may or may not follow the proper protocols and that is beyond our control.

Something else to keep in mind, the delivery timeframe can take a very long time, the cost is a lot higher (more on those later) and a signature confirmation is also NOT guaranteed.

Again, we’re only stating all of this because we want to make sure you’re aware of what to expect when sending your letters this way.

Ok, now let’s get more into the details of sending a registered letter.

The Pink Slip

Registered Mail pink slip on an envelope of an international letter

If you’ve never heard of a pink slip in the mailing world than let us explain. A Registered letter pink slip is the equivalent of a Certified Mail green card (which is also known as a Return Receipt or an Electronic Return Receipt). The pink slip is placed on the back side of a mailing envelope. It covers the envelope flap to help secure the mailing. The Post Office will also stamp on and around both the pink slip and the envelope flap so that the sender and receiver can see if either has been tampered with. Again, this is not guaranteed but it is essentially what is supposed to take place.

Registered Mail Cost

Let’s briefly talk about price. It’s important to know that the cost of sending a Registered letter is on the higher end, especially compared to sending regular mail. Since Registered Mail is sent internationally, the location changes the cost of sending it. When sending through LetterStream, the price for sending Registered Mail starts at $30 and goes up from there. Not so great, we know.

Delivery Time

Ok, here’s the other not-so-great part. Sending a Registered letter can take a while to get to its destination. Again, this all depends on the location the letter is being sent to but it’s important to note that it can take a long time for a letter to arrive. How long you ask? It can take, on average, 15 days (about 2 weeks) to be delivered but it can also take anywhere from 6-8 weeks (about 2 months). And yes, you did, in fact, read that correctly.

If you have to send a letter internationally then Registered Mail is for you. However, if you’re looking to send a secure letter within the US then USPS Certified Mail is absolutely the way to go.

Access Registered Mail in Your LetterStream Account

To send a Registered letter online through LetterStream, simply login to your online portal (if you’re new you can create a free account here) and click on ”Send Letters.”

On the right-hand side there will be a section called “I would like my mailing sent” and below that you can choose to send your letter as Registered Mail. You can then go through the process of uploading a job to the website and proofing it. From there we handle the rest, including the printing, stuffing and mailing. After your letter is sent you can go back into your account and track the process of it. Keep in mind, that only 15 sheets of paper can be sent in each Registered envelope.

Although Registered Mail is the most obvious choice when you’re required to send mail internationally with tracking, it is important to remember that the process can be more promising than it seems. Unfortunately, tracking, signature confirmation, and delivery are not actually guaranteed. Sometimes the tracking is behind or it doesn’t actually track throughout the entire process. Sometimes you may not actually receive a signature confirmation and like we mentioned above, sometimes it can take a really, really long time to arrive at its destination.

With that said, we don’t recommend using Registered Mail unless it’s an absolute must and, in that case, we’re happy to offer this product to you.

To learn more about Registered Mail click here and to learn more about Certified Mail service with USPS tracking click here.

Can Letters Be Delivered on Saturday Using FedEx 2Day?

Does FedEx deliver on Saturday? Great question. Ok, here’s the short answer. Technically, yes, FedEx 2Day as a product does make Saturday deliveries when sending from a FedEx store. Now there is a little more context that goes into this answer, but we’ll get into that more in a bit. Before we do that, let’s do a quick overview of what FedEx 2Day is.

The Essence and Speed of FedEx 2Day

If you’ve ever found yourself in a position where you quickly need to send out letters and quickly get them to the recipient then FedEx 2Day will absolutely be able to solve that for you.

The name says it all – FedEx 2Day delivers within two business days, making it a powerhouse of speed, security, and tracking capabilities.

Imagine the convenience: you upload your documents into your LetterStream portal on Monday (by 3 PM MST), and by Wednesday (5 PM local time), they’ve reached their intended destination. The ease of LetterStream’s mail printing service and efficiency combined with FedEx 2Day as a product is like a well-choreographed dance of mail delivery. No queues, no post office visits – just the simplicity of using your computer to send physical letters online.

Cost-Effective Solutions, Reliability & Tracking

Beyond speed, it’s a great cost-effective solution, particularly when dealing with bulk documents. So how much to send a FedEx letter? It’s approximately $14.20, through us, which gets you around 75 standard-sized documents delivered securely in a single FedEx 2Day envelope.

But it’s not just about the cost. FedEx 2Day tracking is offered and provides you with valuable tracking information, proof of mailing, and proof of delivery. It’s not just a service; it’s a commitment to ensuring your letter reaches its destination with the utmost precision and that is something we absolutely love.

Saturday Deliveries

Let’s go more in-depth into the big question around if FedEx delivers on Saturday. Like we mentioned above, yes most locations can absolutely get the convenience of having your letters delivered on a Saturday.

Now, just to make it clear. FedEx 2Day can be delivered on Saturday but LetterStream does not currently offer that as an option.

Technically FedEx 2Day runs Monday-Friday but they do offer the option to choose a Saturday delivery only when sending directly through them. For an extra fee, you can get that option. A little caveat is that the FedEx website states, ” Saturday delivery is also available in certain areas for an additional charge.” It’s important to be mindful that certain locations may not opt-in for Saturday deliveries and to look into the specific location you’re sending to in order to guarantee the letter makes it by Saturday.

After reading through that you may be wondering, “Does FedEx deliver on Sunday?” Unfortunately as of right now, FedEx 2Day does not make deliveries on Sundays.

Sending FedEx 2Day with LetterStream

Now that you’ve been updated on how 2Day works and about delivery days, (remember we don’t currently offer a Saturday delivery option), are you ready to experience the ease of sending FedEx with LetterStream? Our process is super easy and straightforward:

Visit LetterStream’s Homepage: Go to www.LetterStream.com.
Log into Your Account: Access your secure LetterStream account.
Send a Letter(s): Select the “Send Letter(s)” button on the main dashboard.
Create Your Job: Name your job, select the address source, and find the FedEx 2Day option on the right-hand side.
If you don’t see the option, don’t worry. For security reasons, FedEx 2Day is available to users who have been with us for over 90 days. If you have a genuine need and can’t find it, reach out to our support team for assistance.

Discover more about FedEx 2Day with LetterStream here.

LetterStream Offers Print and Mail Services Online

When it comes to your mailing needs, we take care of everything. Simply upload your files, and we handle the printing, insertion, and delivery to USPS or FedEx for mailing. Say goodbye to supply runs and trips to the Post Office or FedEx store.