I wrote yesterday about working with U.S. Post Office, trying to provide a basic introduction for those of us who incorporate shipping and mailing as part of our home businesses. Today, I want to focus more on business mailing and shipping using the Post Office and offer some tips for making things run as smoothly as possible.
There are so many ways to minimize your trips to the Post Office and you can now have much of your packages or mail either picked up or dropped off—if you prepare it correctly. Find out from your Post Office exactly what type of mailing materials to use—tape, envelope size, mailing labels, etc. in order to expedite your mail processing. If you properly prepare your mail and/or packages, you’ll run into fewer problems and delays.
If you do have problems, however, the Post Office does have a system for complaints. If you end up with a damaged mail piece or problems with delivery—you’ll need to make a visit to your branch to complete the appropriate paperwork in order to file a formal complaint. Allow extra time for the visit and filing the paperwork and try to visit during a non-peak time of day.
It may be worth your time to investigate your neighborhood and find out if there are satellite offices of the Post Office that you can utilize instead of having to visit a main branch. This could save you time and energy as you won’t have to travel as far and there won’t be as many other people to contend with. The hours of a satellite office may be limited, however.
If you are planning a bulk mailing, or designing a special marketing piece—it is a good idea to take a copy down to your Business Mail Entry Unit of the Post Office in your area. They can give you suggestions on how to keep your mailing to the regulations so it can be processed easily. Having a mailing that is too heavy, the wrong size, or designed improperly can cause your mailing to need special handling and this will be more expensive.
When it comes to dealing with the U.S. Post Office for your home business, it is a good idea to give a call if you have any doubts or concerns. It is far better to solve your problems in advance and be proactive than to have to undo and redo your mailing after the fact.