In today’s world we can communicate in seconds by email, text or telephone. Why would we want to mail a letter that takes minutes to write and days to arrive at its destination?
Good question!
There are times when the fastest way is not the best. Such as when…
You’ve been invited to a wedding
The invitation usually comes with a RSVP card that needs to be returned. If you value your relationship with the person giving the wedding, you’ll complete it and send it back ASAP! There will be a return envelope that is already addressed and stamped so no excuses not to do it.
It actually might be the fastest method
Recently I received an invoice for a doctor’s services. The doctor only takes cash or checks. I could have driven to an ATM, then twenty minutes to the doctors office, paid the bill and driven twenty minutes home. The best use of my time, in this instance, was to write a check and mail it.
It could be the safest method
In the United States of America during this uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic we will be having an election. Voting by mail, if it is available in your state, may be the safest way to perform your civic duty.
Have I convinced you to use the US Mail?
Great, here are some tips:
What size is a letter?
According to the USPS.com website, a letter is no smaller than 5 inches and no larger than 11 1/2 inches in length and no smaller than 3 1/2 inches and no larger than 6 1/8 inches in height with a maximum thickness of 1/2 inch.
Use the right postage
At this time a standard letter is 55 cents. You can check the current rate and purchase a stamp at your local post office, by mail at USPS.com or from a local retailer.
You can mail letters and packages that are different sizes than those given for a standard letter. Go to USPS.com for the sizes and prices or visit you local post office.
What needs to go on the envelope?
- Your return address in the top left corner.
- The name and address of the person you are mailing the letter to.
- A stamp in the top tight corner.
It’s time to send it on its way
Put the letter in your mailbox, or the neighborhood mailbox or bring it to the post office.
Congrats! You are now part of history.
In the United States, the US Mail goes back to 1775 when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General by the Second Continental Congress. Great job Ben!
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