Are you a business owner seeking a secure way to mail shipments to your client? It’s understandable, considering many parcels don’t reach their destination. Often, the blame goes to enterprises.

Certified mail offers a fast, reliable, and hassle-free delivery experience. Introduced in 1955, it has served businesses of all sizes, ensuring they send articles and receive timely payments.

But what is it? How does it work? The certified mail article below provides all the information you need to know about this delivery service.

What Is Certified Mail?

Certified mail is a USPS delivery service that offers the sender an electronic verification and mailing receipt to indicate proof of mailing and proof of delivery. The recipient signs for the item before they receive it to confirm it was sent to the correct address.

It’s available with several other services or add-ons, namely:

Certified Mail with Return Receipt- It’s the most common option among merchants. It provides proof of delivery in the form of the recipient’s signature. It comes as a ‘green card’ or PS Form 3811. The card is fixed onto the mail before it gets into the mail stream.

Certified Mail with Electronic Receipt- It’s pretty much similar to the previous service, except that the Return Receipt is electronic. This means the sender gets a proof of delivery letter as a PDF through an email attachment by requesting it from the USPS website.

Certified Mail Adult Signature Restricted Delivery- regarded as the strictest service, it ensures that the mailer sends the article to a specific authorized agent or customer. The recipient has to be 21 years or older. If they’re not, the shipment goes back to the sender.

Certified Mail Adult Signature Required- As the name suggests, this mail is sent to adults 21 years or older. Afterward, they have to sign it to confirm receipt.

Certified Mail Restricted Delivery- The deliverer can present this mail to the specified authorized agent or addressee. Any other authorized individual can also receive it, and it offers the perks of both Return Receipt and Restricted Delivery.

Please note the option you pick determines how quickly your article reaches the client. And each add-on comes with an extra fee, with the Certified Mail Restricted Delivery being the most expensive ($9.75) and the Electronic Return Receipt being the cheapest ($1.85).

Certified Mail: How It Works

First, as a sender, you are presented with a PS form 3800 that you must fill out. In it, you state your article's preferred mailing class and add-on.

Next, the form has a barcoded area on the left. Officials tear it and fix it onto your mailpiece, allowing you to track it every step of the way. You can keep the remaining portion of the form as your mailing receipt. The piece then goes to the post office.

The USPS scans it there before it goes to the automated processing and sorting center for further assessment and proper arrangement. Remember, thanks to the barcode, you can monitor it throughout the process.

Lastly, the postal worker responsible transports the article to the mailing address after receiving a signature from the addressee. This signature is kept on file for two years as proof of delivery.

The Process of Sending Certified Mail Online

You can send your certified mail in two ways: Going to the post office and having it delivered online. Does the online route seem more appealing to you? Here are simple steps to ensure you send your mail online in minutes:

1. Sign Up for An Account

Not every mailing organization offers USPS-certified mail delivery. Therefore, please research for one that does and that suits your requirements.

2. Select an Online Payment Method

There are various payment methods that mailing companies offer. The most popular are checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards. Choose the one you’re most comfortable with.

3. Decide if You’ll Mail it Personally Or You’d Like Them to Do It

Doing it yourself involves printing a label, buying certified mail envelopes, and mailing your articles.

On the other hand, a mail service that provides an online PDF scanning and mailing alternative will scan your files and upload them to the account. You’ll have to pay for the delivery charge.

4. Prepare The Document

If you have a physical document, you can scan it to digitize it. Should you choose that the organization mails it for you, upload it to their website and provide the required details.

The basic necessary information includes the recipient’s address and name and your preferred payment option. Remember to counter-check before sending it.

You can select the option of getting a copy of the electronic receipt if it’s available. At the end of the procedure, you’ll receive an email verifying that your mail delivery was successful.

5. Track Your Mail

The company will send you a tracking code after you send the certified mail. The code allows you to track your mail throughout the delivery process. You’ll receive another confirmation email confirming it has reached the specified destination. Save this information for future reference.

Bottom Line

Certified mail is a reliable and fast delivery service. It offers clients, merchants, and other business owners a chance to send and receive mail effortlessly. Just learn about it, embrace it, and use it properly, and it’ll work for you.