Certified mail provides the sender with proof that a shipment was mailed and delivered. Read this blog post to learn if it's right for your eCommerce business.
By Alexandra Ortolani
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The United States Postal Service (USPS) processes and delivers over 430 million mail pieces each day. Naturally, some mail is bound to get lost during transit, which is why merchants may want to utilize an added service to confirm delivery.
USPS Certified Mail is an extra service to give merchants the reassurance they need for their shipments. More specifically, merchants receive an electronic notice proving that a shipment has been sent and successfully delivered.
This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about this added service. This way, you know if it’s right for your eCommerce business.
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Certified Mail is an added USPS service that provides the sender a mailing receipt and electronic verification to show proof of mailing and proof of delivery. Certified Mail is also available with three other services, such as:
It’s important to note that this service is only available with USPS First Class Mail, First-Class Package, and Priority Mail.
Over 35.5 million Americans reported they were victims of package theft in the last year. Therefore, merchants should use Certified Mail to help reduce the possibility of package theft. With this service, merchants receive proof that a shipment was sent and received, which gives them peace of mind. Certified Mail is also used for other reasons, such as:
Certified Mail is also used for shipping to PO boxes. Since this service requires a signature from the recipient, a delivery notice is placed into a PO box by a postal carrier. Once the recipient signs for the delivery, they can receive their certified mail.
Both registered and Certified Mail are very similar in services, yet they serve different purposes.
Certified Mail provides the sender proof that the shipment was mailed and when it’s delivered. On the other hand, registered mail provides the sender package updates from every step of the shipment process. This distinction means you have more security knowing that more eyes and hands are looking out for your parcel.
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You’ll need a specific form to send Certified Mail. Visit your local post office and pick up copies of Form 3800 and attach them to your parcels yourself.
Once you complete the above steps, use your tracking number, which is included in your receipt, to see when and to whom the shipment was delivered.
No, a postal worker cannot leave Certified Mail without a signature. If no one can give a signature, the postal worker will leave a note saying a delivery attempt was made.
Certified Mail costs $3.75 per shipment, not including the cost of postage. If you want to add a return receipt, there’s an additional $2.85 cost. This added service is available for purchase at your local post office or the USPS website.
With Easyship you can save up to 91% off USPS shipments, instead of paying retail rates. eCommerce entrepreneurs of any size can save on USPS shipments, including all courier services that offer Certified Mail.
For example, let's say you’re shipping a 5-pound package from New York to Miami. We’ll use our Free Shipping Rates Calculator to get an instant quote for this example.
If it costs $17.03 to ship a 5-pound package with USPS Priority Mail, the final cost comes to $20.78 when you add the $3.75 Certified Mail fee. Plus, you'll receive your parcel in 2 to 3 business days with USPS tracking and free package pickup.
On the other hand, USPS costs start at $20.35, which doesn’t include the additional $3.75 Certified Mail charge. So ultimately, eCommerce merchants will save more money using Easyship to power their shipping processes.
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Up to 91% Off 250+ Couriers
Certified Mail can give you peace of mind through updated delivery statuses and delivery confirmation. Avoid the uncertainty of knowing when shipments arrive with this added-value mailing service. Receive electronic proof of package delivery for USPS courier services such as:
Create a free account with Easyship today and discover exclusive discounted rates from top couriers, with up to 91% off. With over 550+ courier solutions, Easyship can help you keep every order secure, boosting customer satisfaction and repeat sales.
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