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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
We’re excited to announce that we recently launched the option to send Registered Mail from your online LetterStream account. Now we want to be upfront and clear with you when it comes to sending Registered Mail. This product is not for everyone. In fact, it’s not for most people but it is an option to use if you are required to send letters internationally and with tracking included. If that’s not something you need but you want to track your letters, that’s where Certified Mail comes into play and is a much better and cheaper option. Ok, now that we gave you that quick overview, let’s dive a little deeper into each one to compare USPS Registered Mail vs Certified Mail so you can make a more educated decision for yourself.
Registered Mail vs Certified Mail
Basically, what we just said was that when it comes to mailing important documents, there are two options to securing your mailings using tracking and confirmation of delivery. These options include the United States Postal Service Certified Mail and USPS Registered Mail.
However, there are very key differences between Certified vs Registered Mail and we’re here to help you choose the best fit for your specific needs.
Ok, let’s start with the basics. What is Registered Mail vs what is Certified Mail?
What is Registered Mail?
According to the United States Postal Service, USPS Registered Mail is “the most secure mail service” that they offer. It offers the highest level of security, tracking, and accountability for valuable and sensitive items or information that has to make it to a specific place. You can also send Registered Mail internationally.
Registered Mail tracking is supposed to happen at every stage of the process, providing a secure chain from sender to recipient. It’s supposed to include when it goes from person to person at the post office, to tracking when it is sent off to its destination. It is then tracked when it arrives at the next post office location and then its arrival at the required destination.
The Reality of Sending Registered Mail
Because we like to be transparent with our customers and about our product offerings, it’s important for us to tell you some of the realities about sending a letter as Registered Mail.
LetterStream does not send Registered Mail domestically (within the US) and that’s where Certified Mail comes into play, but more on that later. We currently only send to international addresses.
Like we mentioned above, Registered Mail tracking is included but it’s really important to know that updated and accurate tracking details are NOT guaranteed. It’s a bummer and we wish it were different but unfortunately, 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. This can also cause a delay in the timeframe of which the letter can believed. And it can sometimes take a really long time…like weeks. Unfortunately, there is one other catch, the signature confirmation is also NOT guaranteed, which is very important to be aware of. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news here but it’s just the reality.
What is Certified Mail?
Ok so let’s talk about Certified Mail, a product that is a bit more promising for customers.
USPS Certified Mail is a service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that provides a higher level of assurance over First-Class Mail for senders.
Certified Mail offers a mailing receipt that provides proof that the item was mailed, along with verification upon delivery. With Certified Mail you also have the option to add on a Return Receipt, also known as a green card, or an Electronic Return Receipt (ERR), which is where you get a returned signature confirmation sent to you electronically.
Certified Mail is sent only within the US but it is way more reliable than Registered Mail. That’s not to say Certified Mail is a perfect service either when it comes to the USPS delivery of it. We can guarantee your bulk mailings will go out perfectly but once it goes to the post office that part is out of our hands. Sometimes the letters may take a little longer to be delivered than what was anticipated but overall Certified Mail is a reliable service to use.
Understanding the distinction between Registered Mail and Certified Mail is crucial for effective mail handling. At first glance it may seem like Registered Mail and Certified Mail are essentially the same and to be honest you’re not fully wrong.
Security Levels
Registered Mail is supposed to be like having an armored transport for your mail. provides maximum security, making it ideal for highly sensitive or valuable documents. While going through the postal service in the US, Registered Mail pieces are not left unattended and for added security, they are stamped with a seal to showcase that the letter has not been tampered with. Again, once it leaves the country and ends up in another, the guarantee of security is no longer there.
On the other hand, Certified Mail offers a standard level of security, suitable for important but less sensitive materials. The process documents when it is mailed and then delivered. For an added fee you can get a signature confirmation in the form of a Return Receipt or Electronic Return Receipt.
Proof of Mailing and Delivery
Like we just mentioned, Certified Mail offers a simple receipt as proof of mailing and delivery confirmation along with an electronic signature confirmation for an add-on. Registered Mail, can take it up a notch with step-by-step documentation that includes postal workers’ signatures throughout and then also a return receipt that includes the recipient’s signature, providing concrete proof of delivery. Just again a reminder, this is not guaranteed.
Tracking Abilities
While both services offer tracking, Registered Mail is supposed to provide more detailed tracking information. Certified Mail tracking technically is not as in-depth (although with the reality of Registered Mail, it actually can be), but we do have an in-depth explanation of it on our blog, here.
Here’s something fun to keep in mind. If you use our website to send letters then you can get Certfied Mail tracking and Registered Mail tracking updates instantly in your online portal whenever updates are made without ever having to type in the tracking number. Pretty cool isn’t it?
Cost of Registered Mail vs Certified Mail
To put it simply, the cost to send Registered Mail is more expensive than Certified Mail, especially when the international fees are included. Again, because we like transparency, sending a Registered letter through us starts at $30 a letter and can go up from there.
Certified Mail, is a more standard service and is definitely more affordable. Our prices start at $7.34 each.
Timeframe of Delivery
Certified Mail is typically faster than Registered Mail. Certified Mail takes about the same amount of time as First-Class Mail to be delivered, which on average is about four days. Now keep in mind, that that could change. Read more about that here.
Registered Mail, however, can take about 15 days to be delivered and sometimes it can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks depending on where it is going.
To Sum It Up
All-in-all, when choosing between Registered Mail vs. Certified Mail, it really all comes down to your needs, requirements and what works best for you. LetterStream now offers both options to cater to your specific mailing needs. Our services are tailored to ensure your important documents are printed and mailed out on time and with complete security included on our end each and every time.
To send a Certified letter click here. To send a Registered letter click here.
Please note: We don’t recommend using Registered Mail unless you’re required to do so. Tracking, signature, and delivery are not guaranteed. Delivery can take 3-6 weeks, or more, depending on destination country. All of your addresses must be international (outside of the US) and include the country. We cannot send more than 15 sheets of paper.
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:
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.
In the world of mailing, first impressions are often the most impactful. When sending a letter online the expectation is that your recipient opens their mailbox, retrieves your letter, and takes in its contents. This moment is crucial and we recognize the significance in that. Hence why we’re huge advocates of customers seeding their mailing campaigns a practice that may seem a bit unconventional coming from a printing and mailing company.
What is Seed Mailing?
Seed mailing or a seed mailing list is a simple yet powerful strategy that allows you to monitor the performance of your mailing provider. Essentially, it involves adding your own address or the addresses of friends and colleagues to your USPS mailing list. By doing so, you receive a copy of the mail piece alongside your intended recipients. This simple yet effective strategy offers firsthand insight into how your mailings are handled and delivered.
Benefits of A Seed List
As we mentioned above, we champion for our customers to seed their list, for numerous reasons. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of your mailing provider’s performance. By witnessing the journey of your mail piece yourself, from creation to delivery, you can assess its quality and efficiency and if it actually makes it to you in general.
Secondly, seeding your mailing list isn’t just about monitoring—it’s also about gaining confidence when sending to your marketing mailing list through USPS First-Class Mail or when sending community announcements for Homeowner Association Mailings, important notices or legal notices sent via Certified Mail. Basically, seeding offers reassurance by confirming delivery. It’s a proactive step towards ensuring accuracy and reliability in your messaging.
Check-In on Speed and Efficiency
Now that we got through all of that, let’s talk about expediting your USPS mailing online using LetterStream. There are several strategies you can use to streamline the process. One approach is to include your own name and address in the CSV file or merged file used for your mailing. This ensures that you receive a copy of the mail piece alongside your recipients.
A second option would be to utilize a seamless solution we offer in our online platform. When you’re in your account you can simply click the “Add Additional Recipient” button and type in your information to include your address directly. It’s super easy to do, just look at the screenshot below.
Add New Address
Empowering Your Mailing Campaigns
Seeding your mail job isn’t just a precautionary measure for quality control—it’s an opportunity to gain invaluable insights into your communication strategy. By proactively monitoring and optimizing your mailings you can guarantee that each communication is able to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re sending community updates, business announcements, or promotional materials to a mailing list for marketing, seeding empowers you to refine your approach and maximize your impact.
Seed Your Mail With LetterStream
Just remember in the world of communication that will live on, every detail matters. Seeding your mailing campaigns with LetterStream is about empowering your small business or company. By taking proactive steps when you mail letters, you can then take your communication strategy to new heights. So go ahead, embrace the power of seeding, and unlock the full potential of your mailing campaigns with LetterStream.
A quality we really pride ourselves in over here at LetterStream is understanding that transparency is a key component when it comes to choosing a solution to print and mail out your letters, along with one that fits seamlessly into your budget.
Recently we received an excellent question from one of our valued customers. They were asking about the monthly and yearly costs associated with our services. Although our pricing is pretty simple, we figured it would be beneficial to break it down a bit more here on the blog for our current customers and potential new customers to help alleviate any confusion.
So, let’s dive into it.
Our Pricing Philosophy: Free Access, Only Pay for Mailings – What?!
We’re extremely proud to offer a straightforward pricing model for our services based on USPS mail prices. If you’re wondering about the price to send a letter through LetterStream, keep on reading.
Our basic services come with zero monthly or annual fees – that’s right, it’s absolutely FREE to access our website and experiment with all the mail-making features.
And no, this isn’t a joke, we promise. You only incur costs when you have a specific mailing job. So, if you don’t send mail in a given month, you won’t pay a dime. It’s really that simple.
Mailing Costs: Affordable and Customizable
Ok, let’s talk about the price of mailing a letter and the costs associated with it. When it comes to printing and mailing online, we keep the costs simple.
For instance, sending a one-page letter printed in black ink on 8.5″ x 11″ and mailed via USPS First-Class Mail starts at $1.13 each. Similarly, if you want to send Certified Mail via the USPS, those start at $7.34. You can also send USPS Certified Mail with an electronic mailing receipt for an added price. If you’re looking for super fast delivery that’s where FedEx 2Day comes into play and starts at only $13.50. We also have cheaper options where you can easily send a postcard that will cost you a mere $.78.
Basically, it’s a pay-as-you-go system, ensuring that you only pay for the mailings you send.
Try Before You Buy
We encourage you to give our print and mail services a try – for free! Here’s an extra perk we forgot to mention. No credit card is needed to experience the full functionality of our website. It’s so simple to take advantage of our easy-to-use interface, explore the advanced features, and see if LetterStream meets your needs.
We purposefully designed our pricing model with simplicity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in mind.
Additional Features
Now that we’ve covered our free pricing subscription (again mailing cost and service of sending a job only), let’s dive a little bit deeper. We take pride in offering more than just mailing services. Our platform is equipped with several additional features to enhance your experience when you sign up:
Trained AI Chatbot to answer questions 24/7. Although this one is available on our website in the bottom right-hand corner even if you aren’t a member.
Traditional help pages and videos are instantly available.
Multiple-user access.
Various user-access roles.
Reporting offered by user, department and job type.
Mailing jobs guaranteed to go out on time.
Easy-to-use interface.
Different types of perforated/perf paper to select from.
Return envelope options.
Can accommodate all types of jobs, including Fist-Class Mail, Certified Mail, FedEx, Postcards, Registered Mail and Flats.
Easy-to-use ‘Search’ feature to find any job or recipient that you’ve mailed to.
And, of course, our extreme commitment to excellence to serve our customers.
For an added cost, here are some more advanced options that can be accessed:
Load a document of variable page count per recipient and we’ll sort it out for you.
Ability to send an email copy in addition to a letter for $0.20.
If you’re visiting us for the first time and want to get in on all the cool features we offer and to help you get your mailings out the door, then comment below for a new customer promo code to get $10 free added to your account to test out sending a letter online.
To learn more about Certified Mail prices, First-Class Mail prices and other services we offer, click here.
Here’s something fun for you to do on your next printing and mailing job, spend a few extra moments reviewing online proofs of your mail!
Ok, just kidding, that’s not actually the most fun thing at all. In fact, sometimes it’s downright painful for people, so much so that they just skip the process. But trust us it’s something you’ll want to start doing when you send mail online because your end product will then be sent out perfectly.
Take the time to review your letters
It’s really important to take the time to look over your proof before you zip through to checkout. In fact, it’s so important that just last year we spent some time making the link to view your proofs more prominent, in an effort to remind you to review the documents you uploaded before sending out your snail mail.
Right before you get to the checkout screen, on the right-hand side, there is a blue ‘View‘ button. This button appears next to each person you send mail to, allowing you to view each one.
Fun fact: behind-the-scenes we like to call it the Little Blue Button. We started calling it that one day when talking about improving our process for it and the name has stuck ever since.
Ok, back to it. Look, the truth is, we get it. When you’ve finished uploading your documents and are done with this portion of your work, getting the ‘Order Acceptance‘ email from LetterStream is exciting because you know your part of the process is over. It also means your mailing is moments away from cruising through LetterStream’s crazy, fast production facility. However, it’s important to note that just because you were quick to get that “order acceptance’ email, doesn’t mean you were quite ready to send it or that it was actually ready to go on your end.
Truth is, we need some help from you to make certain your job is fully ready to print and mail.
Oops, mistakes were made
As much as we like talking to and helping our customers, we also like to save them time. Here are some popular and frequent emails our Customer Support team takes after a job has been mailed that showcase why it’s a good idea to check your proofs:
“Argh! I forgot to add my return envelope, it is too late to add it in now?”
“Oops! I forgot to specify that I wanted my flier printed in color. What do I do now?”
“Yikes, I forgot to run the letter past the CFO and mailed out the wrong prices!”
As you know, we like to help our customers make the very best impression possible when using our online printing and mailing service, but we also like to go really, really fast, which everyone likes. If your mailing has mistakes in it, then that means we have to stop production on it and possibly even shred a job. In short, this just adds more time to the process.
Things to look out for when viewing your proofs
In order to avoid having to use our Chatbot on our website (although it is a great tool to utlize that’s availabe 24/7) or contact customer service to make changes to a job, here are some things that you might want to check for before the final submission that will be helpful to both you, the customer, and us here at LetterStream.
Ask yourself:
is my return address correct?
are all pages and envelopes included?
did I include the correct mailing list of addresses?
am I using the most up-to-date information?
are all dates/phone numbers on my documents correct?
are the amounts in the document correct and properly formatted?
do my addresses all seem to be properly formatted?
Many other items need to be examined for a perfect mailing, but the questions above might be a good place to start. Then maybe you can create a list of ‘things to double check’ when it comes to mailing a letter.
After all, being a printing and mailing company, we like it as much as you do when your mail goes out fast and perfect! So, while the proofing task isn’t the most fun, it’s really is fun to know that you’ve just completed another perfect mailing online!
This week our team got together and we celebrated the success of our 2023 Q4 at pretty cool escape room called Escapology. Here’s the backstory. LetterStream is a printing and mailing company that allows businesses to send mail online without the hassle of going to the Post Office.
We do it all from sending First-Mail Mail, Certified Mail, postcards, FedEx 2Day, checks and invoices, HOA annual meeting notices with proxy and Registered Mail. And you know what else we do? We provide awesome and fun events for our team members for all of their hard work helping to get all those services out the door.
Quarterly Gatherings
Each quarter we gather together to celebrate the previous quarter. We try and switch it up each time with a new location and theme. As mentioned above this time we met up after work at Escapology for a night of fun detective work. The first hour consisted of a company presentation with catered food where we discuss the strengths of the company and where we could possibly improve. We talk about our customers and how we’re serving them, how we’re handling bulk mailings, new staff we have brought onto the team, new products we have launched, like when we turned on FedEx 2Day or implemented our new Chatbot onto our SAAS website and any announcements for up-and-coming projects we need to be aware of.
Lots of Fun
On top of that we also love giving our door prizes! After our presentation we usually find fun ways to hand out hand prizes. Sometimes we play games, sometimes we draw names out of a hat and sometimes we spin a wheel. You never know until you attend the event. After the presentation, food and prizes it was time to break out into teams and head into the escape rooms! This part was extra fun that came with a lot of teambuilding moments, laughter and the chance to get to know each other a little bit than the day prior.
We won’t spoil it by telling you which group won but let’s just say it was a competitive night that was also a lot of fun!
Core Values Behind the Printing and Mailing
Here’s the thing, LetterStream lives by a set of internal core values, which we pride in ourselves as a company and take very seriously. They include not only valuing our customers but also our employees, staff and vendors. This is a way for us to showcase our appreciation for the team efforts that go into producing snail mail for business and individuals to be sent to mailboxes and P.O. boxes efficiently and effectively.
As the legal industry and law firms continue to evolve, professionals are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance their efficiency and client communication.
With that being said, LetterStream, a leading provider of printing and mailing services, is thrilled to announce that we will be attending the 2024 Community Association Law Seminar, taking place on February 14-17 in Las Vegas to help bring awareness to lawyers and law firms about more efficient ways to send out their mailings.
Simplied Communication for Lawyers
In the legal world, effective communication is paramount. Attorneys often find themselves inundated with crucial letters and documents that need to be sent to clients promptly. That’s where we come in! LetterStream specializes in simplifying this process by offering a streamlined and efficient platform for the printing and mailing of important correspondence that is secure and confidential!
Why We Are Attending
Our reason for attending the 2024 Community Association Law Seminar is to showcase our services that empower lawyers to focus on their legal expertise while leaving the task of printing and mailing in capable hands. By leveraging LetterStream’s services, legal professionals can enhance their client engagement strategies, ensuring that important information reaches clients in a timely and professional manner.
The Community Association Law Seminar is the premier conference for attorneys and insurance professionals who represent those in homeowner’s associations (HOA community management), property management, condominium communities, or housing cooperatives.
And guess what? We do a ton of printing and mailing jobs for homeowner’s associations. In fact, we also provide print and mail fulfillment to many software providers that serve community associations, so it makes sense for us to connect with HOA lawyers.
Networking Opportunities with LetterStream Experts
The Community Association Law Seminar provides an excellent opportunity for legal professionals and attorneys for HOAs to connect with the experts at LetterStream. Attendees can engage in one-on-one discussions, seek solutions, and gain insights into how LetterStream’s services can be help meet their specific needs.
We can sit and discuss all of our mailing options including Certified Mailv (key for lawyers to have access to), Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt (USPS tracking and signature confirmation), USPS First-Class mailings, FedEx 2Day, Statements, postcards for marketing purposes and more. Or, you can just come hang out with us in our booth. We promise we’re fun to be around!
LetterStream’s Commitment to Legal Excellence
With a commitment to excellence and a proven track record of serving the legal community, LetterStream is dedicated to helping lawyers navigate the challenges of sending communications out easily and with minimal effort.
To learn more about the 2024 Community Association Law Seminar, click here.
