I know that I've said this before, and I will say it again. You need to start using Endicia for your mail -- not only will it save you hours upon hours of time each month, it also really helps in speeding up the actual delivery of the mail.
How does it help in delivery times?
1. Whenever I enter an address, Endicia automatically double-checks EVERY SINGLE UNITED STATES address against the USPS database, to confirm it is a valid address. 2. Once confirmed, it will "standardize" the address into the format that the post office prefers, changing "Streets" that should be "Drives", adding the appropriate suffixes and prefixes, correcting spelling mistakes, making sure the city name matches the zip code. 3. It also automatically finds the correct Zip+4 code, which helps the post office sort and route the packages tremendously. 4. It also adds that little string of little bars at the bottom of the address, so that the package can be automatically read by the huge scanners at the post office sorting facilities. No delays in having to wait for it to be hand-processed (which usually adds 1-2 days). 5. Electronic delivery confirmation is FREE - it automatically adds a e/DC bar-code at the bottom of the package, which the postman scans when the package is delivered, and confirms the exact date and time of delivery. (No more people saying "They never delivered it, give me my money back.) 6. Endicia also automatically sends the recipient an email which contains the delivery confirmation number, so they have a record of when it was shipped. And with the click of a single button, I can track the package, too. 7. With the computer-printed, confirmed-with-USPS-database addresses with the proper bar codes, packages speed through the postal system much faster and easier than hand-written packages without the bar codes. Solves 99% of my slow-delivery problems.
Not only that, but I also no longer have to affix stamps or stand in line to buy postage. Just one little click, and I buy postage in $10/20/50/100 increments, deducted straight from my checking account.
Also, no standing in line to send packages. A couple clicks of the mouse on the USPS website, and I can request Carrier Pickup for all my packages. I only have to go to the post office once a week now, to drop off international shipments.
No more hand-cramps writing out all the addresses - just type it all in and print out the labels with the postage. (And you can also have an address book, and choose names from the address book instead of having to type them in again -- like if you are sending packages to lots of subscribers). And no more tediously filling out those customs forms -- the postage software does it all for me.
I started using Endicia at exactly this time last year, and since then I've shipped out 2300 packages with it - about 45 a week. I couldn't do what I'm doing without the automation saving me huge chunks of time. Took me about one day to learn how to use the software, and haven't looked back since.
Seriously, you could save lots of time and effort. With the volume of mail you go through, it's well worth it. Even if you have to get a cheapo new printer that can handle the fine details in the bar-codes, it's worth it. It's not hard to figure out, not hard to set up. No more harried midnight runs to the post office.
How to solve 99% of your mail-transit-time problems
How does it help in delivery times?
1. Whenever I enter an address, Endicia automatically double-checks EVERY SINGLE UNITED STATES address against the USPS database, to confirm it is a valid address.
2. Once confirmed, it will "standardize" the address into the format that the post office prefers, changing "Streets" that should be "Drives", adding the appropriate suffixes and prefixes, correcting spelling mistakes, making sure the city name matches the zip code.
3. It also automatically finds the correct Zip+4 code, which helps the post office sort and route the packages tremendously.
4. It also adds that little string of little bars at the bottom of the address, so that the package can be automatically read by the huge scanners at the post office sorting facilities. No delays in having to wait for it to be hand-processed (which usually adds 1-2 days).
5. Electronic delivery confirmation is FREE - it automatically adds a e/DC bar-code at the bottom of the package, which the postman scans when the package is delivered, and confirms the exact date and time of delivery. (No more people saying "They never delivered it, give me my money back.)
6. Endicia also automatically sends the recipient an email which contains the delivery confirmation number, so they have a record of when it was shipped. And with the click of a single button, I can track the package, too.
7. With the computer-printed, confirmed-with-USPS-database addresses with the proper bar codes, packages speed through the postal system much faster and easier than hand-written packages without the bar codes. Solves 99% of my slow-delivery problems.
Not only that, but I also no longer have to affix stamps or stand in line to buy postage. Just one little click, and I buy postage in $10/20/50/100 increments, deducted straight from my checking account.
Also, no standing in line to send packages. A couple clicks of the mouse on the USPS website, and I can request Carrier Pickup for all my packages. I only have to go to the post office once a week now, to drop off international shipments.
No more hand-cramps writing out all the addresses - just type it all in and print out the labels with the postage. (And you can also have an address book, and choose names from the address book instead of having to type them in again -- like if you are sending packages to lots of subscribers). And no more tediously filling out those customs forms -- the postage software does it all for me.
I started using Endicia at exactly this time last year, and since then I've shipped out 2300 packages with it - about 45 a week. I couldn't do what I'm doing without the automation saving me huge chunks of time. Took me about one day to learn how to use the software, and haven't looked back since.
Seriously, you could save lots of time and effort. With the volume of mail you go through, it's well worth it. Even if you have to get a cheapo new printer that can handle the fine details in the bar-codes, it's worth it. It's not hard to figure out, not hard to set up. No more harried midnight runs to the post office.