send mail online | LetterStream Blog

How Your HOA Mail Process Could Actually Hurt Your Community

I’ve seen it too many times, HOAs doing their mailings in-house, and it’s hurting communities.

When we first started working with HOAs at LetterStream, I kept seeing the same thing over and over: Good boards. Hardworking community managers. Total chaos when it came to mailing important documents.

Maybe you’ve lived it, too—ballots that didn’t reach homeowners. Certified letters sent too late to meet compliance rules. Financial disclosures stuck on someone’s desk while the clock kept ticking.

It doesn’t seem like a huge deal at first. But every missed notice chips away at homeowner trust. Every late mailing risks compliance headaches. Every misstep invites unnecessary drama—and I don’t think any of us need more of that in community management.

Mailing isn’t just paperwork. It’s one of the few official ways your board communicates with your homeowners. When the mail goes wrong, it makes everything else harder.

And honestly? I think a lot of communities deserve better.

The Problem Isn’t the People—It’s the Process

In my experience, it’s never about people not caring.
It’s about asking small teams to manage too many manual steps: printing, folding, stuffing, labeling, mailing, tracking. Every one of those steps is a chance for something to get missed.

And let’s be real—HOA offices weren’t built to be full-service mailrooms.

That’s why we built LetterStream to help HOAs send mail online—real, trackable mail—without the piles of paper, the runs to the post office, and the constant worry about what fell through the cracks.

Instead of burning out your team, you can just upload your files, pick your mailing options, and get on with the work you actually want to be doing.

Because running a community is hard enough without the mailing disasters.

A Better Mailing Process = A Stronger Community

When your HOA mailing runs smoothly, a few things happen:

Homeowners trust that important information will reach them.
Elections feel clean and legitimate.
Legal compliance becomes a whole lot less stressful.
Your board looks organized and professional—and that matters.

It’s not flashy. It’s not exciting. But consistent, reliable mail builds a stronger, healthier community. Period.

What LetterStream Brings to the Table for HOAs

We didn’t build LetterStream for perfect-world HOAs with unlimited budgets and full back-office staff.
We built it for the real world—the one where you need to get 500 meeting notices out this week, track 75 certified violation letters, and maybe handle an election or two… all without dropping the ball.

Here’s what you can expect when you use our platform:

First-Class Mail, Certified Mail, FedEx 2Day, postcards and other business mailing options—all handled online.
No minimums—whether you’re sending one notice or a thousand.
Next-business-day processing to help you stay ahead of deadlines.
Return envelopes and custom options for elections and billing packets.
Detailed tracking and full reporting, right in your account—no digging through piles of green cards.
A simple, clean platform that doesn’t require hours of training to figure out.

It’s professional mailing, built for the realities of HOA management—not for some fantasy land where mailing days never get hectic.

Heading to CAI? Let’s Talk About It

If you’re coming to the CAI National Conference in Orlando, May 7–10, we’ll be there too at Booth 333.

No big sales pitch, just real conversations about how to make HOA mailings easier, cleaner, and way less stressful.

If you’ve ever wished for an easier way to handle notices, ballots, and Certified Mail, come find us. We’ll show you how it’s done. Or if you want to get a head start? You can send HOA mail online today with LetterStream.

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 Get Your Invoices and Billing Statements Out Fast

You’ve done the hard part—you generated the invoice, reviewed the numbers, maybe even double-checked the due date. Gold star. But if it’s still sitting on a desk waiting to be printed, folded, and mailed? That money you’re owed is just… chilling, sitting there.

Let’s not pretend the envelope stuffers of the world are running ahead of schedule. If you want your payments to show up on time, your invoices and billing statements need to leave the building fast. Like same-day fast. And unless your business model includes licking envelopes and dodging paper cuts, you might want to rethink the way you’re sending your mail.

The Mailroom Bottleneck (a.k.a. The Silent Payment Killer)

Here’s what happens more often than we’d like to admit: an invoice gets finalized, then it disappears into the magical land of internal processes—where it sits in a queue behind 37 other “urgent” jobs. By the time it’s printed, stuffed, and dropped in the mailbox, you’ve missed your customer’s payment cycle, your team’s sending awkward follow-ups, and the cash flow dashboard is giving you side-eye.

It’s not about when the invoice was created—it’s about when it actually hits the mail.

And if you’re relying on someone to “get to it when they can,” that’s not a process. That’s a gamble.

Fast Mail = Fast(er) Payments

Let’s be real: snail mail is already doing its best and it’s not always great in terms of timing. Don’t make things worse by dragging your feet on the front end. When you send invoices and billing statements fast—like same-day or next-day fast—you increase your chances of:

Landing inside your customer’s check-run window
Getting paid without having to follow up three times
Looking like the organized, on-top-of-it business you are

Plus, it helps your customers stay on track too. Nobody likes getting a bill late and then feeling like they’re the one behind.

You Could Be Sending Mail Online… But You’re Still Folding Paper?

There’s something charming about a hand-stuffed envelope. But charming doesn’t pay the bills. If your team is spending hours printing and mailing statements, they’re not doing the things that actually grow your business.

This is why automated mailing solutions exist. You upload a file. They handle everything else. Printing, folding, inserting, postage, mailing—done. Whether it’s First-Class letters, Certified Mail, or even FedEx 2Day, it’s out the door without you lifting a finger.

And no, you don’t need to install anything.

Who Actually Needs Fast Mailing Services? (Spoiler: Probably You)

Let’s play a quick round of “Is this your business?”:

You send billing statements, invoices, or official notices on a regular basis?
You’ve got clients who still expect (or require) physical mail?
You’ve had at least one “Did we send that?” moment this year?
You’re tired of your billing cycle being held hostage by your printer?

If you said yes to even one, congrats—you’re exactly who fast print and mail services were made for.

And if you work in one of these industries, it’s pretty much a no-brainer:

Accounting and finance
HOAs and property management
Medical billing departments
Law firms and legal services
Utility companies
Local governments and special districts
Real estate
3rd Party Administrators
Education
Construction
Insurance

These are all real businesses with real mail that still needs to move—fast.

From PDF to Post Office Without the Drama

Imagine uploading a PDF and being done. That’s it. Your job’s in the queue, your mail’s going out within 2 business days at the latest, and your team is suddenly not buried in envelopes.

Imagine having:

A secure portal to upload your files
Mailing options that actually fit your needs
Real-time tracking so you know it’s been handled with Certified Mail tracking or FedEx 2Day tracking
One less thing clogging your calendar

Not to spoil it but you can absolutely have all of this when you use us…just saying.

Final Mail Thoughts

Getting invoices and billing statements out fast might not be the flashiest part of running a business, but it sure makes everything else run smoother. Your clients get their documents. Your payments show up when they should. And your staff stops hiding when the words “mail run” come up.

Want to stop sweating your outgoing mail? Visit us online and see how easy it is to send invoices online without the hassle, the mess, or the paper cuts.

Now That You Use LetterStream, You Can Actually Take a Real Break (Yes, Really!)

Now that you use LetterStream, you can actually take a break…like a real break. We’re talking no envelopes, no stamps, no printer meltdowns. Just you, a moment of peace, and maybe even a latte you didn’t have to reheat three times.

Because when someone else takes the mailing chaos off your plate—like a reliable partner offering online printing and mailing services—guess what you get back? Time. Sanity. And maybe a full lunch hour…for once.

Goodbye Mailroom. Hello Midday Me-Time.

Let’s be honest: manually managing business-critical mail is not the glamorous part of your job. (Unless your dream was always to master the art of paper jams.) Between printing, folding, stuffing, labeling, and trying to find that one missing address, and taking a tip to the Post Office to drop it all off, your to-do list can start to look like a scavenger hunt.

But now that you’re using LetterStream’s business mailing solutions, you’re not in the mailroom anymore. You’re in control. You upload your PDF files and hit send. We handle everything else. It’s basically magic—without the wand.

**Let’s Talk About All the Things You’re Not Doing Anymore**

Since you’ve passed off your mailing tasks to an outsourced mail service you can trust, here’s a short list of things you no longer have to stress about:

Running out of toner (again)
Fighting with the folding machine (you know the one)
Spending your lunch hour at the Post Office (fun!)
Stamping envelopes until your wrist gives out
Wondering if your mailing actually got there

All of that? Gone. Poof. Out of your hands. Thanks to LetterStream’s bulk mail services, it’s not just a time-saver—it’s a mood boost.

So, What Do You Do With All This Free Time?

Ah, the possibilities.

There are so many things you can do with your free time now. You could actually take a full lunch break. You could go for a walk that’s not just to cry behind the building. You could sip coffee while it’s still hot. Or hey—maybe you use that time to think big, plan a new project, or simply not think at all.

And here’s a fun fact from the productivity gurus: real breaks help your brain recharge, improve focus, and make you better at your job. So technically, you’re still being productive… just enjoying it a lot more from your new view.

If you’re still stuck manually sending mail, it’s time to rethink the strategy. When you send mail online through a professional service like LetterStream, you’re not just improving efficiency—you’re reclaiming your day.

Everyone’s Winning (Especially You)

Your mail is going out on time. Your boss is impressed. Your customers are getting their statements, invoices, or notices like clockwork. And you? You’re no longer buried under a pile of paper cuts and postage questions.

We’d call that a win.

Take Five, Take Ten—Take the Break You Deserve

Now that you use LetterStream, the only thing you should be folding is a napkin at lunch. The busywork? It’s ours now. Your time? It’s yours again.

How to Make Sending HOA Mail Easier

Managing an HOA means juggling homeowners association dues, violation notices, community updates, and board elections—all requiring reliable communication. But sending mail the traditional way can be time-consuming and costly. That’s where online mailing platforms like LetterStream come in.

When using LetterStream, HOAs can easily send mail online, whether it’s a homeowners association annual meeting agenda, proxy ballots, or Certified Mail for violation letters. Our online platform automates the entire process, eliminating the need for printing, stuffing, and mailing letters yourself. Plus, we have an API option that seamlessly integrates with HOA management software companies like CINC, making it even easier.

The Struggles of Traditional HOA Mail

Handling HOA mail manually presents major challenges including:

High costs – Postage, paper, and labor expenses add up.
Time-consuming – Printing and mailing homeowners association dues notices and other documents takes valuable time.
Compliance concerns – Late or lost mail can create legal and financial issues.
Lack of tracking – HOAs need proof that critical letters were sent and received.

A mailing service like LetterStream solves these problems with automation, tracking, and seamless integration.

How LetterStream Streamlines HOA Mail

Simplify Sending Mail

Instead of dealing with printers and envelopes, HOAs can send physical mail online in minutes. Upload your documents, choose recipients, and we handle the rest.

HOA Software Integration for Seamless Mailings

Our API connects with HOA management software like CINC, allowing for automated mailings of homeowners association dues reminders, violation notices, and community updates—all from the same system you already use.

Proxy & Ballot Mailings for HOA Elections

For board elections and annual meetings, HOAs must distribute proxy forms, ballots, and the homeowners association annual meeting agenda. LetterStream ensures:

Accurate mailing of ballots and voting instructions.
Real-time tracking for compliance.
Address verification to reduce return mail.

Send Certified Mail Online for Legal Compliance

Some HOA communications—like delinquency notices and violation warnings—require Certified Mail tracking. Our platform allows you to send Certified Mail online with tracking and the option of an electronic proof of delivery (Electronic Return Receipt). And, you can even track it all right from inside your LetterStream account.

Cost Savings & Bulk Mailing Discounts

HOAs can send mail more affordably when sending bulk mail. When you take into account the time spent to physically send mail yourself including supplies, postage and the time it takes to the Post Office—it adds up. The ability to have it all done for you without literally having to leave your desk, the price to send online is actually priceless.

The Future of HOA Mail is Automated

When HOAs use LetterStream to send snail mail online, they can automate and streamline sending a letter—from financial statements to election ballots. Whether you need to send a letter, send Certified Mail, postcards, proxy and ballet mail or integrate mailings with your HOA software, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to Upgrade Your HOA Mailing Process?

Join HOAs nationwide that trust LetterStream for their mailing needs. Send mail the easy way today at LetterStream.com.

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

Certified Mail for Tax Time: Why Young Adults and Families Need to Get Serious About Sending Important Documents

Avoid Tax Time Trouble with Reliable Mailing Solutions from LetterStream

As tax season is upon us, young adults—and the parents who may still be helping them—are being urged to get ahead of filing deadlines and financial recordkeeping. A recent Wall Street Journal article emphasizes that many Gen Z taxpayers aren’t fully prepared for what it means to file taxes independently. Whether it’s mailing tax documents, keeping up with deadlines, or dealing with the IRS, the stakes are high—and missing paperwork could mean delays or penalties.

That’s where LetterStream comes in.

We specialize in printing and mailing services, including Certified Mail—a critical tool for anyone sending tax documents, legal notices, or time-sensitive communications. Our platform makes it simple, and everything is handled online, without a trip to the Post Office.

Why Certified Mail Still Matters—Especially for Taxes

Sending documents by Certified Mail is often recommended when dealing with government agencies like the IRS, as it provides a record of mailing and proof of delivery. Unfortunately, traditional green cards (Form 3811) are easy to lose, hard to track, and cumbersome to manage.

LetterStream eliminates that hassle with:

✅ Electronic Certified Mail receipts — Instantly available in your online account

✅ Long-term access — Our digital records outlast USPS retention windows

✅ No more green cards — Everything is tracked digitally with an Electronic Return Receipt (ERR) – add-on option

✅ Peace of mind — You’ll know exactly when your tax documents were sent and received

Whether you’re a parent helping your college-aged child file taxes for the first time, or a young professional navigating self-employment income, using Certified Mail online through LetterStream can help keep record of your filings.

Tax-Time Tips from the WSJ Article (and How LetterStream Helps)

The WSJ article offers smart guidance for young adults and families during tax season. Here are a few key takeaways—and how LetterStream supports them:

🧾 Tip 1: Keep Paperwork Organized

Save W-2s, 1099s, and proof of deductions.

How LetterStream Helps: Digitally send and archive documents via Certified Mail, knowing you’ll have easy access to mailing receipts and documents—even next year.

🧒 Tip 2: File for Dependents (Carefully)

Parents often mistakenly claim children who’ve already filed on their own.

How LetterStream Helps: Use Certified Mail to send statements or communications with legal or financial advisors—and have an electronic receipt so you know if a family member has already sent theirs.

💰 Tip 3: Report Side Income

Young adults with Venmo gigs, tutoring, or Etsy shops may need to report income they didn’t expect.

How LetterStream Helps: Submit forms or tax paperwork to your accountant or IRS with confidence—Certified Mail ensures it’s not “lost in the mail.”

When to Use Certified Mail for Taxes

You have different options when sending mail through the USPS, including First-Class Mail and Certified Mail, however, when it comes to taxes you may want to use Certified Mail for:

• Sending your tax return (if not e-filing)

• Notifying the IRS about an address change

• Responding to IRS letters or requests

• Mailing tax documents to accountants or attorneys

• Confirming delivery of supporting paperwork

Any time the date and sending of your documents matters, Certified Mail is a great option for tracking when it gets sent out and when it arrives—and LetterStream makes it effortless.

Why LetterStream Is the Smarter Way to Send Certified Mail

Instead of standing in line at the Post Office, fiddling with green cards, or losing track of receipts, you can handle it all with LetterStream.com, here’s how:

Sending Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt online with LetterStream

• Upload your PDF

• Choose Certified Mail (with or without Electronic Return Receipt)

• Check your proof

• Click send—we print, fold, insert, and mail it for you

• Easily track the status of your Certified Mail letter in your LetterStream account

Track Certified Mail online in your LetterStream account.

Your receipt and tracking are stored securely online. That’s one less thing to stress about this tax season.

Ready to Simplify Your Mailing Process?

Whether you’re a tax professional, parent, or first-time filer, LetterStream offers a fast and reliable way to handle Certified Mail—no printer, envelopes, or stamps required.

👉 Visit LetterStream.com to create your free account and start mailing smarter.

And if you want to dig into the tax tips for young adults, check out the full WSJ article here.

* Note: Check the website for actual delivery/send dates. This blog article is not meant as tax advice, but simply observation.

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 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.

LetterStream’s Q4 2024 Bonus Party: Game Show Battle Rooms Edition!

LetterStream believes in working hard and celebrating just as hard. Every quarter, we take time to recognize the incredible effort our team puts in to make sure our customers get the best printing and mailing services out there. This year, we turned up the energy for our Q4 2024 Bonus Party, taking over Game Show Battle Rooms in North Scottsdale for an unforgettable, laughter-filled showdown!

If you’ve been following our company culture (or have attended one of our legendary bonus parties in the past as an employee), you know that we don’t do dull corporate events. Instead, we go all-in—whether that means testing our detective skills in an escape room, racing as fast as we can in go-carts, or, in this case, stepping into the spotlight for some game show-style competition!

The Ultimate LetterStream Game Show Experience

Game Show Battle Rooms provided the perfect setting for our team to unleash their competitive side while reinforcing the teamwork that makes LetterStream thrive. Picture it: bright stage lights, buzzer-smashing excitement, and rounds of fast-paced trivia, wacky physical challenges, and high-energy games.

From classic game show-style challenges to creative team-building moments, every LetterStream team member got to showcase their quick thinking, problem-solving skills, and, of course, a little friendly trash talk. (All in good fun, of course!)

Winners, Laughs, and LetterStream Camaraderie

As always, LetterStream’s team spirit was on full display. Whether we were solving puzzles, testing reflexes, or facing off in head-to-head challenges, the real victory was in the camaraderie and teamwork that carried through every round. (Okay, and maybe a few bragging rights for our ultimate game show champions.)

Some highlights from the night included:

Epic team rivalries that had us on the edge of our seats
Hilarious reactions to surprise challenges
A victorious crew that walked away with ultimate bragging rights

At the end of the night, no matter which team had the most points, everyone walked away a winner—because a strong, united team is the best prize of all.

Why LetterStream Values Celebrating Wins

Quarterly bonus parties aren’t just about having a great time (though we definitely accomplish that!). They’re about recognizing hard work, strengthening our team, and fostering a company culture that values both excellence and fun.

Our mission at LetterStream is to provide outstanding printing and mailing services with speed and precision, but we know that our people are what make that possible. When we celebrate together, we build even stronger connections that fuel our success—inside and outside the office.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

With the Q4 2024 Bonus Party in the books, we’re already looking ahead to another year of growth, innovation, and celebrating our team. If you’re a customer who loves working with us, just know that behind the scenes, we’re not just a company—we’re a community.

Here’s to another incredible year of teamwork, big wins, and (of course) even more fun along the way.

Want to Work with a Team That Loves What They Do?

LetterStream brings the same energy to our printing and mailing services as we do to our bonus parties—because excellence (and fun) is just part of who we are. Let us handle your mailing needs with the same precision and dedication that keeps our team thriving.

New to us and need help with your next big mailing project, sending bulk mail or just sending mail online in general? Learn how to send your first mailing, 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 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.

How to Expedite Your Mailing on LetterStream

Get Your Mail Out Faster—Because Time is Money (And Sanity!)

Speed matters, and when you need important documents sent out quickly, every second counts. Whether you’re sending out HOA notices, legal documents, open enrollment letters, or those important business statements, you want them out the door yesterday. The good news? Expediting your mailing with LetterStream is easier than you think. Let’s break down how to get your mail moving at warp speed.

Pick The Right Mailing Option

First, let’s talk about delivery. Now we can’t guarantee when the mail will actually be delivered. However, we can guarantee that we can get it out fast, but once it leaves our facilities and in the hands of the United States Postal Service (USPS) then it’s out of our hands. However, we do offer different mailing options that can help to hopefully get your mail there quicker. Let’s break it down:

FedEx 2Day: The Fastest and most secure way to get your mail delivered. FedEx 2Day does guarantee that your mail will get there within two business days. You can also opt-in to track it and get a signature.
First-Class Mail: Considered the best bet for speed and affordability—typically delivered in 1-5 business days.
Certified Mail: This is good option for tracking and proof of mailing. However, if we’re being honest, Certified Mail can sometimes take a long time to be delivered, but you can track it right from inside of your LetterStream account for when it gets sent off and delivered. You can also choose an Electronic Return Receipt if you’d like to have proof of signature as an option.

Expedite Your Mailing

We’re fast when it comes to getting your mail out the door. How fast you ask? Well, we’re proud to say that 95% of all mail goes out by next business day. So we’d say pretty fast. But, if you have a really critical piece of mail or last-minute mailing that you need to be sure gets out the door within one business day or same-day, then the Expedite mail option is your new best friend. Selecting expedite guarantees your letters go out the same day or guaranteed the next day.

Expedite Options:

Expedite Processing: Your mail will be mailed within 1 business day.

Rush Processing: Your mail will be mailed the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time, which is typically 3 PM Arizona time.

Here’s how to expedite your mailing:

Log in to your free LetterStream account.
Name your mailing and upload your pre-addressed PDF or CSV address list and choose your mailing type.
Choose your return address and then proceed to upload any documents, inserts or return envelopes that may be needed.
Review your recipient’s list.
Review the Job Confirmation page and then continue to payment.
On the My Account – Billing Information page you will see an option for “Expedite.” It is automatically set to choose “normal processing (included).

Click on the dropdown and choose “expedited processing (additional fee)” or “rush processing (additional fee)” for same-day. Take note that it may say “Same Day Available Before 3:00 PM MST” if after the same-day cut-off time.

You can then continue on to pay for your job with the expedited processing fee included.

Upload Like a Pro in 2 Minutes or Less

Want to make sure your bulk mailing can be uploaded quickly and without any issues arising? Here are some tips and helpful resources to make your mailings a breeze:

PreFlight your PDFs with our PDF PreFlight Tool: Use this tool to make sure your PDFs are formatted correctly for easy upload without any mistakes to mailing addresses, perf lines or document discrepancies. Click here to learn more.

Address Check: Check to make sure addresses are properly formatted so there are no delays. LetterStream offers an Address Cleanup service to be extra sure your addresses are correct and up-to-date.

Bulk Upload: Uploading multiple docs? Group them together for a smoother, faster experience.

Using LetterStream to Send Mail Online Is a Breeze

Using LetterStream to send your business-critical mail online is super easy. But if you feel like you need some questions answered or resources to help make your mailing that much easier, we’ve got you!

We have our awesome Chat Help that is available 24/7 located in the bottom right-hand corner of our website.
Our Help Docs are available online to view at any time.
Our YouTube is growing and gives you step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish sending mail through us, along with other tutorials and tips & tricks for how to be successful using LetterStream.

Bottom line, we’re here to make sure your mail gets out where it needs to go—fast.

Expediting Your Mail

Expediting your mail with LetterStream is as easy as clicking “Send.” Whether you need a quick turnaround or full-on lightning speed, we’ve got the tools and expertise to make it happen.

So, ready to skip the mailing stress? Join the LetterStream family and see just how easy it really is!

Easily Optimize Your Mailing Lists

When it comes to business communication, an optimized mailing list is the key to ensuring mail reaches the right recipients efficiently, without wasted resources. Whether you’re sending invoices, recall notices, customer updates, or legal notices, maintaining a clean, accurate mailing list ensures your mail reaches the right recipients—every time.

Why Mailing List Optimization Matters

A poorly maintained mailing list can lead to returned mail, wasted postage, and missed business opportunities. Inaccurate addresses don’t just drain budgets—they can also disrupt customer relationships by delaying critical documents such as statements, compliance notices, and contracts.

By keeping your mailing list up to date, businesses can:

Reduce undelivered mail – Avoid unnecessary costs and mailing delays.
Improve customer experience – Ensure timely and accurate communication.
Enhance operational efficiency – Streamline mail processing with clean data.
Maximize ROI – Minimize wasted printing and postage expenses.

Best Practices for Optimizing Your Mailing List

1. Regularly Verify and Clean Your Data

Before sending any mail, validate your mailing list against official postal databases. Address verification tools like USPS CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System) certification ensure addresses are correctly formatted and deliverable.

Pro Tip: Run your mailing list through an NCOA (National Change of Address) update at least quarterly to catch address changes. LetterStream offers this as an added service for your mailing. You can learn more about it here.

2. Remove Duplicates and Incomplete Addresses

Duplicate entries inflate printing and postage costs, while incomplete addresses can result in returned mail. Check your mailing list for:

Multiple entries for the same recipient
Variations in name formatting
Addresses missing suite or apartment numbers

3. Segment Your Mailing List

Not all mailings are the same! By segmenting your list based on recipient type, business relationship, or mailing priority, you can:

Ensure legal and compliance documents reach the correct recipients with Certified Mail tracking
Separate customer invoices from marketing mail
Customize bulk mail campaigns for different regions

4. Standardize Address Formatting

Incorrect address formatting can cause mail delays or returns. Standardizing your list ensures every address follows USPS guidelines. If you’re not using the National Change of Address database, then here are some quick formatting tips:

Use all capital letters (optional but recommended)
Abbreviate street suffixes properly (ST for Street, AVE for Avenue, BLVD for Boulevard)
Ensure ZIP codes are correct, using ZIP+4 where possible

5. Utilize Digital Address Validation Tools

Automated validation tools help businesses catch errors in real-time before they result in undelivered mail. Many online mailing services, including LetterStream, offer built-in address verification to improve data accuracy. To utilize our CASS or National Change of Address NCOA services, click here.

6. Track and Update Address Changes

People and businesses move frequently. Using USPS Address Change Services helps keep your mailing list updated and minimizes undeliverable returns.

Best Practice: When receiving returned mail, update your database immediately to prevent future issues.

Optimized Mailing List Saves Time and Money

All-in-all, a well-optimized mailing list saves time, reduces costs, and improves business communication. By verifying addresses (especially with the help of the National Change of Address USPS), removing duplicates, segmenting recipients, and using automation, businesses can significantly enhance their mailing efficiency and success rate.

Looking for a hassle-free way to manage your business mail? LetterStream provides online printing and mailing services that make sending real mail easy, accurate, and efficient—without the headaches.

Start optimizing your mailing strategy today!

Charity Hike With LetterStream to Benefit Climb to Conquer Cancer

At the core of LetterStream, we are all about people—our team, our clients, and our community. Giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s stamped into our mission, sealed with purpose, and mailed straight from the heart. So when one of our employees brought the Climb to Conquer Cancer charity event that was near and dear to their heart to our attention, we laced up our hiking boots and took to the trails to make a difference.

Climb to Conquer Cancer Charity Event

On February 22, 2025, our LetterStream crew joined hundreds of fellow Arizonans for the 42nd Annual Climb to Conquer Cancer at South Mountain Park. This incredible, family-friendly event is a cherished tradition in Phoenix, bringing together individuals and teams to hike approximately 5.5 miles up South Mountain to honor the lives lost to cancer, celebrate the survivors, and support caregivers who give themselves to help others.

The event kicked off bright and early at 7:00 AM, with participants gathering at the base of South Mountain, ready to honor cancer survivors, raise awareness, and fundraise for the American Cancer Society. The trail was lined with supporters, entertainment and the high energy of those determined to make a difference.

LetterStream Gives Back

I climb for sign at the Climb to Conquer Cancer event

Our team, fueled by a shared commitment to the cause, took on the mountain with enthusiasm and determination. Each step symbolized our support for those affected by cancer and our dedication to funding research and patient services. The breathtaking views, the incredible energy of the community, and the knowledge that we were making a meaningful impact kept us motivated every step of the way.

Participating in the Climb to Conquer Cancer is just one of the ways LetterStream strives to give back to our community. We believe that by coming together, we can make a tangible impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. This event not only allowed us to support a worthy cause but also strengthened our bond as a team.

We’re grateful to the incredible organizers, volunteers, and fellow climbers who made this event so impactful. It’s moments like these that show the strength of a united community. We’ll keep stepping up, giving back, and moving forward—because every climb brings us closer to a future without cancer.

How to Handle High-Volume Mailings Without Leaving Your Desk

How to handle high-volume mailings? The answer is simple…you don’t. You let someone else do it for you.

Let’s be real—managing high-volume mailings sounds about as fun as assembling furniture without instructions. But what if we told you that you could send out thousands of letters without ever leaving your desk? Yep, no more paper cuts (Ouch, no one likes those), envelope-stuffing marathons, or emergency runs to the Post Office (Because no one likes standing in those lines). Welcome to the future of mailing, where all the heavy lifting is done for you.

The Mailroom Chaos You’re Avoiding

If you’ve ever tried handling bulk mail manually, you know the struggle:

Printing stacks of documents until your printer decides it’s had enough due to exhaustion.
Stuffing envelopes like you’re packing a suitcase for a month-long trip.
Wrestling with postage and logistics, wondering if there’s a better way.

Here’s the good news: There is a better way. And it doesn’t involve you leaving your desk—or spilling your coffee in frustration…we’ve all been there.

Let Someone Else Handle It

The secret to effortless bulk mailings? Outsource your mail to a professional online mailing service that will do the work for you. Look for one that offers:

Hands-free mailing from anywhere – your couch counts as “anywhere,” right?
Different options for all your mailing needs, from First-Class letters to Certified Mail and even FedEx 2Day.
Seamless document uploads—because no one has time for clunky interfaces.

Upload, Send It, Done

Instead of standing over a printer and meter machines for hours, use us, Hi! LetterStream here, just upload your files, double-check your recipient list (because typos happen to the best of us), and click send. That’s it. No stamps, no stuffing, no trips to the Post Office, no stress.

Pro Tip:

Make sure your mailing list is clean and up to date. Nobody likes returned mail—especially when it could’ve been avoided. When using LetterStream, we offer an Address List Cleanup service for an additional cost.

Let the Experts Take Over

Once your files are uploaded, the mailing service takes care of the rest, ensuring:

Your documents are printed on high-quality equipment.
Your mail is prepared according to USPS guidelines for accurate and efficient delivery.
Your letters, invoices, or notices are sorted and routed for mailing with optimal speed and reliability when getting them out the door.

No trips to the Post Office. No standing in line. No printer jams. Just efficient, professional mailing without the hassle.

Track It Like a Pro

Here’s another perk-no more guessing games! When you send Certified Mail letters you get real-time tracking right in your account. Meaning, you’ll know exactly when your mail is sent, processed, and delivered. You can also choose to opt-in for an Electronic Return Receipt which gives you an email signature confirmation from the recipient.

Easily Send Mail Online

Whether you’re sending 500 letters, 5,000, or 50,000, a professional mailing service scales with your needs—so you don’t have to hire extra hands or make room for a mountain of envelopes.

You can easily send bulk mail online, massive amounts of mail even, without breaking a sweat, wasting time, or leaving your desk. It’s fast, it’s easy, and (Bonus!) it means you never have to fight with a jammed printer, postage meter or stamps again!

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