(Archived in: Online Usability Technology in Plain English)
U.S. Postal Service customers now have the option to print their postage conveniently from the "Small Office-Home Office" (SOHO). The USPS (United States Postal Service) offers the ease of its "Click-N-Ship" software, allowing anyone to print shipping labels, postage, and even delivery confirmation numbers on your computer printer.If your business is online or you are telecommuting with a virtual home office, you can take advantage of this convenience and save on mailing and shipping expenses. The software is available for download at usps.com. It installs easily and enables you to print official USPS labels with a return address, shipping address, barcode and a delivery confirmation number. You pay online by credit/debit card and have instant access to receipts and tracking numbers to track your shipments via the Internet. The USPS also has a toll free customer service number should you have any problems.
You will need to have an accurate estimate of the weight and size of each item. So, it's a good idea to purchase a decent postage scale at your favorite office supply store or online. You also can save on mail and shipping materials by stocking up on free official USPS supplies (like Overnight Letter and Priority Mail packaging) and then keep these on hand in your Small Office-Home Office.
Frequent Click-N-Ship customers will also save money over time. Some service fees, such as the 45 cent "Delivery confirmation" fee are waived when you use Click-N-Ship. Savings will add up over time. Before mailing packages with delivery confirmation, or other tracking services, be sure to retain receipts and file the necessary corresponding tracking numbers. This will be beneficial if you later need to provide "proof of service".
This technology will save you time and money, as well as frequent trips to the Postal Service. If you do need to make a trip to the Post Office, the use of the "Click-N-Ship" service will still eliminate the need to stand in line, since the postage has already been paid, printed, and placed on each item or package to be mailed.
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