In a world filled with Snapchats and Instagram stories, who in their right mind still sends actual mail?
And in a society where you can instantly send along a thought or request to someone via instant messenger or text message, who sends certified mail?
These are great questions since people today value instant gratification. The words "certified mail" bring images of a carrier pigeon to the minds of millennials. But people do send actual mail still. And USPS certified mail is actually still popular.
In a recent survey, the USPS Office of Inspector General found that 58% of Americans have used certified mail for personal or professional reasons.
It is also necessary for some businesses to send their mail certified for several reasons. Keep reading to find out when and why someone would send along mail certified.
Also, what should you do if you received certified mail?
Defining Certified Mail
First, it's important to understand what certified mail actually is. The United States Postal Service offers this type of mail delivery as an add-on service. It provides two important certainties for the person who is sending the certified letter.
It gives security to the piece of mail. Certified mail provides proof of item delivery.
Certified mail is trackable, too. A unique tracking number is generated when someone sends out certified mail. This is another added security benefit.
We've all likely seen it. USPS delivers the special green card, indicating certified mail. You won't be able to receive the mail until you sign for it. Most of the time you won't be able to see who sent it until you sign for it either.
USPS rules require senders of certified mail to put their return addresses on the envelope, though. So you may be able to see who sent it before you actually sign for it.
Who Sends Certified Mail...And Why?
Now, let's answer the main question, "Who sends certified mail?"
Anyone can send certified mail. It is easy and relatively inexpensive to send something certified.
But, why do people send certified mail? Even though individuals send certified mail, it's most common for businesses to send it.
People commonly receive certified mail from attorneys, the IRS, debtors, jury duty, etc. Due to the security of this type of mail, it is a great way to send legal documents. The court can use these certified tracking receipts as evidence in court proceedings.
Another great point to remember...even if you don't sign for it, by sending certified mail, it still shows that mail came for you. This is important to keep in mind because if it ever came down to a legal proceeding, you can't claim that you never received it.
The certified mail card proves that the intent to communicate is there.
How to Send Certified Mail
There are two types of certified mail choices. You can send it as regular certified mail which means that anyone at the address can sign for it. Or you can send it as restricted certified mail which means that only the intended recipient can sign for it.
If you choose to send mail this way, remember that certified mail may take some time. Certified mail normally gets delivered up to three times to get a delivery receipt signature. Then if it is still undelivered, it gets returned to the sender as "unclaimed."
United States Postal Service certified mail can be sent by going to the post office, but there are better ways to save money and time. This is especially true if you are a business. Companies like Certified Mail Labels allow you to print and pay to send certified mail right from the comfort of your office.
A Few Things to Remember About Receiving Certified Mail
Many people get anxious if they receive a certified mail notice. Most of the time it is from a bill collector, but it's not always the case. Remember that certified mail can be sent by anyone.
Jury duty isn't the best news to most people, but sometimes you will found out through certified mail. Or sometimes (this does happen!) a certified letter will come from an attorney with a check from a long-lost relative leaving you some extra cash. It's not always the "Feds" trying to get their taxes.
In fact, there are so many different reasons you may receive a certified letter. The best way to handle it is to not panic and then to sign for it. Next, come up with your plan of action.
The Final Answer: Who Sends Certified Mail?
So, who sends certified mail after all?
Here is the short answer to this question.
Mostly businesses send out certified mail. And anyone can send certified mail. Keep in mind, certified mail is not always scary.
Sometimes a person or business just wants to know that mail is getting to the recipient. It is comforting to send mail that gets received.
Even if you reject your certified mail, it can still be taken into legal action that it was attempted to be delivered. If you are sending certified mail, you can save a trip to the post office.
Sending certified mail has never been easier. In fact, you can send it right from your home or business office through the United States Postal Service.
Stop waiting in long lines at the post office. Contact us today to find out more about how to save time-saving your own certified mail.
