Wednesday 12 October 2016

How To Send A Certified Mail

Have you got something important and secure that you need to send, and that requires confirmation of receipt? Sending USPS Certified mail will ensure that your important pieces of mail, including legal and confidential documents, arrive at their intended destination. Follow this guide to either send Certified Mail from your local post office or to send Certified Mail online.

Method 1. Send Certified Mail From Your Post office

1. Visit a local post office and obtain a Certified Mail Form 3800.
This form contains a green and white sticker that includes a barcode, which will allow you to track your mail through the USPS.
The form also contains a perforated receipt, which serves as proof that you mailed the item.
Write all of the required information on the form, including the recipient’s name and address.
2. Remove the backing and place the sticker along the top edge of the envelope you are mailing, directly to the right of the return address area.
Make sure to leave room on the top right portion of the envelope to apply correct postage.
On a package, the sticker can be placed to the left of the address area.

3. Pay the appropriate postage for the specified type of mail delivery. Then pay for additional services, including a fee for USPS Certified Mail ($3.30USD as of 8/18/2014 and Return receipt (PS Form 3811) cost $2.70).
Both first-class and priority mail can be sent via certified mail.
First-class mail includes envelopes and packages that weigh 13 ounces or less.
Priority mail service offers delivery in a timely and expedited fashion, generally within two to three days.

4. Decide if you want to purchase restricted delivery service.
Restricted delivery service guarantees that a specified person receives and signs for the certified mail.
If you select this option, you need to endorse, or initial, the column on the certified mail form that is marked for this service.

5. Determine receipt service. Choose whether or not you want to pay for return receipt service, which provides you with a receipt that gives you the certified mail recipient’s signature.
You can choose to obtain this receipt via e-mail, with a PDF image of the signature included, or as a physical receipt via snail mail.
As with the restricted delivery service, you need to initial the column on the certified mail form marked for this service.

6. Keep records. Collect and keep your receipt that has been stamped with the mailing date. A number that is unique to your mailing allows you to confirm the mail delivery online.
Keep all documentation for the mailing in a safe place.
7. View the delivery information. Check online at the postal service’s Web site to see when and to whom the certified mail was delivered. The recipient must sign for the mail upon delivery, and the post office keeps a record of this signature.


Method 2. Send Certified Mail Online


1. Sign up for a free account. There are several web businesses that offer USPS Certified Mail delivery. You shouldn't have to pay any monthly fees for an account.
Look at the price for sending Certified Mail. Decide if the price is worth what you will pay for the service.
Make sure that the service offers next-day USPS tracking for your letter.
Check to see that the service provides proof of mailing and USPS proof of delivery.

2. Prepare your letter for mailing.
Write a letter in your word processing program. Print and sign it if needed.
Alternatively, use a form provided by the recipient. Again, print the form and sign it as needed.
3. Scan the document using a scanner. Save the scanned document on your hard drive. Make sure that the document is legible and easy to read.


4. Upload your document file onto the website of your mailing service. The service will then address, print and mail the letter on the same business day.

5. Keep a copy of your proof of mailing as well as the USPS proof of delivery.

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How To Make An Envelope

Homemade envelopes add a personal touch to any greeting or thank you card, and they are also a fun and easy craft to try with kids. Reuse discarded paper or buy decorated paper from your local craft store to make a personalized envelope.

Method 1. Making A Pouch Envelope

Fold a standard-sized (8.5 x 11 inches) piece of paper into four halves. An easy way to do this is folding the paper into half, then folding it into half again. This will outline the four squares you will use to make an envelope. After you fold the paper, unfold it, and you will see the outline of the four squares.

Cut the paper into two halves. You can cut down the horizontal or vertical fold, as long as the paper is in two pieces.

Fold the two halves of paper into two rectangles. The two halves of the paper will each have one crease down the middle. Fold the paper along this crease again to make each halve into a rectangle.

Tape together the open left and right sides. Use tape to securely close the two open edges of the rectangle, leaving the top open. The top is where you will insert your letter.

Fold down the top to make a flap. Make a small flap by folding down the open edge of the rectangle. This will keep the letter from falling out of the envelope. A flap that is about 1/2 of an inch will work.


Insert the letter or card. Bend back the flap, and insert your letter, card, or other contents. Fold the flap down again after this is done.

Glue the flap to keep your message enclosed. Place a thin line of glue along the inner edge of the flap, then press the flap down. This will keep the envelope closed until the recipient opens it. You can also secure the flap with decorative tape or a sticker.

Method 2. Making A Taped Envelope

Lay a standard-sized (8.5 x 11 inches) piece of paper down. Keep the paper oriented lengthwise (landscape-style) throughout the instructions.


Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Match up the edges of the paper to ensure the fold is straight, and press down on the folded edge with your fingers to make a crease. Then, you can unfold the piece of paper, and it will have a crease in the middle.

Fold the top right corner along the center crease. When the edge of the top right corner is touching the center crease in a straight line, fold the corner down. This will make a triangle shape with the top right corner.

Fold the top left corner along the center crease. Fold the top left corner down as you did the right corner. Remember to smooth out the paper with your fingers to make a straight fold. You will now have two small triangles sitting on top of a rectangle.


Fold one inch of the top and bottom edges toward the center crease. The measurement here does not have to be exact, so you can eyeball the fold. Both the top and bottom edges should be folded towards the center, leaving enough room in the center for a letter or card to fit, about one inch.
At this point, the paper should still be laying lengthwise
The triangular point of the paper should still be facing left.
Fold the right edge of the paper along the bottom of the triangle. The edge of the folded triangle on the left-hand side of the paper should be parallel with the edge of the right hand side. The triangle itself will still be visible. Smooth out the fold with your fingers, then unfold it.


Fold your message so it fits into the envelope. Large cards may be too big for this method, but regular letter-sized paper will fit if folded in half or in thirds.


Insert your message. Your note can go between the horizontal creases of the envelope. Use the bottom flaps of the triangle and the two length-wise flaps at the side to keep the message in the envelope.

Close the envelope. Fold the right hand edge of the paper back up to the edge of the triangle, just like did a moment ago. Fold the triangle top towards the center of the rectangle. Now, you will notice the back of your envelope looks like those bought in stores.


United States mail hold

Junk mail

USPS mail forwarding

tracking usps


USPS delivery times