TABLE OF CONTENTSHow to Write a Cheque in CanadaCheques are the most common and popular means of making payments. However, many people have resorted to modern and technologically advanced forms of payment like online transfers and the use of debit and credit cards. It is still useful to know how to write a cheque in Canada so that it comes in handy in situations where you need to make a payment by cheque. Writing cheques is a very easy-flowing process, and you can write your cheques in any order that you wish. You just need to make sure that you don’t miss any important information that’s vital for cheque processing. It is possible that you might not have written a cheque for quite some time, or it is your first time doing so. In this case, you are bound to have many queries about how to write a cheque at TD Bank (Toronto Dominion). ![]() Using the correct method to write a cheque can save you from lots of fraud and facilitate faster processing by banks. If any element of your cheque is missing or if anything is wrongly written, your cheque can be rejected by the bank, and your payment will be stopped. Keep reading ahead to know how to write the cheque with cents, what precautions should be taken while writing a cheque, and other related things. Steps to Write A Cheque In CanadaThere are a lot of fields to be filled in while writing a cheque. You should be aware of how to write a cheque Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia) to fill in the correct details in the right places. Cheque DateThe date is supposed to be written in the top right-hand corner of the cheque. It represents the day when you have written the cheque and the day when it can be cashed. You can also use cheques after the due date has been crossed for up to 6 months. If you do not have the required funds in your account but need to give a cheque to somebody, you have the option to post-date the cheque accordingly. A post-dated cheque cannot be cashed earlier, as per the Canadian Payments Association’s cheque clearing rules. Some cheques have a faded watermark on the date field to inform you of the acceptable date format. Mostly, it will be YYYY-MM-DD. If the watermarks are not there, you can still use this format or contact your bank to ask them about the acceptable form. PayeeYou need to write the payee’s name on the “pay to the order of” line. This field is the most important one, and you need to take care that only the right name with the correct spelling is written in this field. The name could be of an individual, a company, a school, a charitable trust, or any organization that has a bank account. Do not use any acronyms or abbreviations unless the person or organization officially uses them in their names. You can write the words “cash,” “bearer,” or “myself” on this line for withdrawing money for yourself. However, it is not recommended to mention “cash” and “bearer” as it can lead to fraud if the cheque is stolen. Amount in Numeric FormMany people do not know how to write a cheque in cents. If your cheque amount is 120 dollars and 50 cents, you will need to write it as “120.50”. The dollar sign is already printed on the cheque. You simply need to start writing your cheque amount using numbers in the dollar amount box. It is good to start writing these numbers from the extreme left of the box, which does not leave any space for more numbers to be added by anyone. Make sure to use two decimals for writing the cents amount. In the above example, it is $120.50 – you should never write it as $120.5. Amount in WordsThe next step is to write the same amount in words below the payee name in the respective field. This field is not legally required to be filled in, but it is highly recommended that you write your cheque amount in words as well. If the amount in numeric form does not match the amount written in words, the teller will cash the cheque with the amount written in words. If you know how to write a cheque RBC (Royal Bank of Canada), you can easily fill in this field. For an amount of $540.26 – you will write it as “Five hundred and forty dollars and 26 cents,” or “Five hundred and forty dollars and 26/100”. Alternatively, you can also write the amount as “Five hundred and forty and 26/100 dollars”. The cents amount is either written as a fraction or written in numbers with the word “cents” followed by it. SignatureThe bottom right corner of the cheque has a signature line to be signed on. You should only use a legible signature that is recorded with your bank. This signature makes the cheque valid and tells the bank that you agree to pay the stated amount to the payee mentioned. Always sign the cheque after filling in all the details and double-checking the same. If your cheque does not bear a signature, it will be rejected. Make sure to include your signature only at the right place and not anywhere else, as signatures are also used to correct errors and replace names and amounts on cheques. MemoThe memo section allows you to include a short description or a note stating the reason for that particular cheque payment. For example – “January rent payment” or “Painting bill”. It lets you remember the reason for which you wrote the cheque. Moreover, it also becomes convenient for your accountant to know the reason behind every payment and to be able to treat the transaction accordingly. The memo line enables both parties to keep a record of their payment and receipt particulars and avoid confusion and misunderstandings. The other elements of a cheque include the cheque writer’s name and address, which are already pre-printed on every cheque. You can also add your phone number and email address by contacting your bank. There is another important element on cheques known as the MICR line. It consists of your cheque number, account number, transit number, and your banking institution code. Cheque numbers are different for every cheque, whereas all the other numbers remain the same on every cheque that you write, print, and mail. The transit number represents your home branch and the institution code represents your bank, irrespective of the branch that you are using. Using A Cheque RegisterTypically, you get a cheque register attached to the front or back of your chequebook. This cheque register contains some blank columns for you to fill in each time you write a cheque. It helps you keep a record of all the cheques you wrote and reminds you about their particulars. If you didn’t get a cheque register along with your chequebook, there are probably stubs or payslips attached to each cheque that remain as it is, even after your cheques are torn out. You can simply fill in the cheque details in these payslips and store them for future reference. In cases where you didn’t receive any cheque register or attached payslips, make sure to purchase a register or maintain your cheque details in a spreadsheet. Either way, it is vital that you maintain the records whenever you write a cheque. You should enter all the required information like the cheque date, number, description, and payee name in the cheque register. A cheque register can be useful to you in the following ways:
Security Measures and Tips on How to Write a Cheque In CanadaOnce you know how to write a cheque to Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia), you can secure it from any potential fraud using general tips and preventive measures. Some very common yet useful tips to be considered while writing a cheque are:
Your cheques should be used exactly how you intended them to be used, and the right amount of payment should be made to the right person. If you take some additional security measures along with the above general ones, it is possible to keep your cheques secured from fraud. In short, by following these things, you are making it difficult for the thieves to forge or alter your cheques if they are lost or stolen.
Alternative Payment OptionsIf you are still not sure about using cheques or are confused about how to write a cheque BMO (Bank of Montreal), there are always other modes of payment available. Furthermore, you can use cheques as well as other payment options. Electronic payments are simple to use as everything gets stored automatically, and these records are accessible to you at any time. There are no physical things involved that can be stolen and altered for fraudulent purposes. These transactions are very easy to track and already exist in a searchable and downloadable database consisting of all the necessary details.
You need to take care while using any payment method as fraudsters can find their way to conduct any kind of fraud – whether online or offline. There are many kinds of risks involved in using online payment methods also. Hence, you need to take some basic precautions while using cheques as well as electronic means of payment. If you know how to write a cheque at CIBC Bank (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), you can easily follow the general guidelines and save yourself from fraud. What Should You Do If You Make a Mistake While Writing a Cheque?Sometimes, it happens that you mistakenly write the wrong payee name or amount. Your check might either get rejected due to wrong details that do not make sense, or your payment will be transferred to whoever’s name is mentioned on the cheque. Hence, you need to be aware of these things and take extra care while writing cheques. If you know how to write a cheque in Canada, you would know how to void a cheque. Voiding the cheque means to state that a cheque is invalid so that no one uses it. This step is essential in discarding cheques. For correctable mistakes, you can cross out the error with a horizontal line and rewrite it correctly. You are needed to insert your signature next to these corrections to send a message to the bank that you approve them. If the errors are uncorrectable, you should discard the cheque and use a fresh one. Write VOID in capital letters across the cheque, covering all the fields of the cheque. Make sure to not write it over the MICR line. For added security, destroy the cheque after marking it void. Voided cheques might be asked for by some landlords, insurance companies, or employers, in order to verify your bank details. How To Cash or Deposit a Cheque?To cash a cheque means to get access to the cheque amount by depositing it in your bank account. Either you are paid in cash, or the amount is simply transferred to your bank account; it depends on what is written on the “pay to the order of” line. For depositing a cheque, its date and the date you are depositing it on should be the same. Otherwise, you can deposit the cheque after the due date has passed. The cheque’s due date must have arrived. Banks do not process post-dated cheques; in fact, your cheque might get bounced if someone deposits your post-dated cheque and you don’t have that many funds in your account. An NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee is also charged by the bank when your cheque gets bounced. Please keep in mind that cheques are valid for a period of 6 months only from the date mentioned on them. After that, your cheques will be considered “stale-dated” and might be titled as “invalid” by your bank. The easiest way to cash a cheque is to take it to any bank branch with which you have an account. The teller is likely to ask you to swipe your debit card and enter your PIN to confirm your identity. You can also deposit cheques using an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) – you will have to insert your debit card and enter the PIN, after which the ATM will guide you through the further steps. These steps differ for every ATM. Once the cheque is cleared, and your bank has received the money, the funds will be credited to the payee’s account. Write, print, and mail cheques without stocking any inventory, worrying about the format and standing in a queue at the post office – PostGrid‘s print and mail automation platform can get it all done. The post How to Write a Cheque (Canada) appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/how-to-write-a-cheque-canada/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/686571481770115072 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/686578520353374208
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TABLE OF CONTENTSBanks Drafts Vs. Certified Cheques - Meaning and DifferencesBusinesses use several types of payment instruments to honour their daily transactions. We know that the most common methods are cash and cheque. Also, most companies use online banking as their prime way to settle transactions. Though these payment methods are ideal for small payments, what about receiving large sums of money? In this case, companies need a more trustworthy instrument like bank drafts and certified cheques to guarantee payments. ![]() Some clients might ask you to give them a draft or certified cheque before completing their orders. At such times, you must know the difference between bank draft vs. certified cheque before deciding which to use. Each of them has a purpose and a list of advantages and disadvantages. Hence, it is a must to know about your options in-depth before making a decision. In this blog, we have discussed the difference between a bank draft and certified cheque. Keep reading ahead to know which one you should use more often. What Is a Bank Draft?A bank draft is a payment method through which the issuing bank guarantees payment to the payee. It does so on behalf of the payer who also has an account with the bank. Here the bank checks whether there are sufficient funds in the payer’s account to complete the payment. If yes, it signs and issues a bank draft to help you transfer the payment. A bank draft does not require the payer’s signature but has their account details. How Does a Bank Draft Work?To get a certified bank draft, visit your bank’s local branch with a government-issued ID. The teller would then ask you for the payee’s name and the amount you intend to pay. Tellers or banks representatives act as intermediaries in such transactions. They check whether you have enough funds to cover the amount and then issue a bank draft accordingly. After the verification and issuance, the said amount is deducted from your account and kept with the bank until the payee cashes the draft. In short, the bank freezes the amount in your account so you cannot withdraw it, and the transaction completes successfully. There are two sections in a bank draft. The first one is the negotiable part that you need to give to the payee, whereas you can keep the second part (also called the receipt or the non-negotiable part) for your files. In case the draft is stolen or lost, you can use this receipt to stop payment. Once you get the bank draft, you can give it to the payee. Then, the payee can cash it at the bank or deposit it into their own account to finish the transfer. Pros of Bank Drafts
Cons of Banks DraftsA bank draft payment cannot be stopped or revoked. If the funds reach the wrong party, the issuing bank does not do anything about it. What to Do If You Lose a Bank Draft?Sometimes, you may misplace a bank draft by mistake. Or maybe it was torn or destroyed and cannot be used anymore. What can you do in such scenarios? If you have the non-negotiable part, take it to your bank. The teller verifies that the draft is not deposited, yet, and there are still sufficient funds in your account, and issues another draft if you want. But, you are still responsible for the earlier bank draft and need to make sure that it is unused. If you lose the non-negotiable part of the receipt, you can still trace the bank draft under certain conditions. But, it can take several weeks, and you need to pay extra. Also, sometimes you get a bank draft but don’t want to use it anymore—for example, when you put up funds for a bid but lose the contract. In such situations, you can take both parts of the draft to the bank and claim a full refund. What is a Certified Cheque?What does a certified cheque look like? Well, it is a personal cheque, so it also looks like one. But, it works in a very different manner. To begin with, you don’t get a cheque book filled with certified cheques; you need to visit your bank and request a certified cheque. You are also charged a fee for it. Certified cheques are signed by you but guaranteed by your bank. The bank issues a certified cheque only after verifying whether you have sufficient funds in your bank account to pay for it. Hence, these cheques cannot get bounced. How Does a Certified Cheque Work?Banks issue certified cheques only to their customers, so visit a bank where you have an account. Carry some form of personal identification and your account details. Request the bank staff to give you a certified cheque. The teller will verify your account and check your balance. If it’s enough to cover the amount, they will print out a cheque for you and stamp it with the word ‘certified.’ Apart from this stamp, certified cheques also require the signature of the payer. Once stamped and signed, you can hand over the cheque to the payee. The payee can deposit or cash the cheque before its validity is over, say 60 to 90 days. Please note that you cannot stop payments once the cheque is issued to someone. Pros of Certified Cheques
Cons of Certified Cheques
So, is a bank draft the same as a certified cheque? The answer is clearly no, even though there are quite a lot of similarities. We will discuss them below. Similarities and Differences Between Bank Drafts and Certified ChequesSimilarities
Differences
The above points regarding certified cheque vs bank draft RBC should be able to help you select the right option. It is advisable to also consider the amount you need to pay and the transaction type before using any of these tools. How to Prevent Bank Draft and Certified Cheque Frauds?While talking about bank draft vs. certified cheque TD, we mention that these methods are highly secure. Yet, they can be stolen and misused by scammers. After knowing what is a bank draft vs a certified cheque, you should also know how to deal with fraud. If a seller wants to pay via a bank draft or certified cheque, you should be careful regarding its authenticity. Make sure that the draft or cheque they provide is not fake or forged. But, sometimes, it is difficult to identify such fake drafts and cheques, so contact the issuing bank to check their authenticity. Ask the bank to check whether that particular draft or cheque is issued through them or not. Another red flag to look for is when someone sends you to pay more than what you owe and asks you to return the surplus. After handing back the excess amount, you will notice that you never received the money in the first place. Hence, if you receive payments via such methods, cross-check its authenticity with your bank and the issuing bank. PostGrid’s cheque API uses several security features like micro prints, watermarks, etc., to keep your offline payments instruments safe. Bank Draft Vs Money Order Vs Certified ChequeThere is another payment tool called the money order that people confuse with bank drafts and certified cheques. So, let’s clear the confusion by discussing money order vs. bank draft vs. certified cheque. As we have already discussed certified cheque vs. bank draft Scotiabank, we will focus on money orders. A money order allows you to transfer funds up to $999.99. You can get a money order at the post office as the payment is guaranteed by Canada Post. It means that you don’t need to have a bank account to get a money order. Money orders are ideal to pay bills and buy something across Canada. They are a great alternative to make a payment as you can’t mail cash. A money order has two parts:
Postal money orders don’t need you to share your bank account information or other financial details. You have to pay the amount on the money order and the service fee. Canada Post charges a fee of $7.50 per money order. Please remember that the post office only accepts cash or debit card payments, so you cannot use a credit card. Print and Mail Cheques With PostGridOur cheque API can help you print and mail cheques with complete security and in very little time. It can help you create valid cheques with your account details. Moreover, our API also prints and mails those cheques to the correct mailing addresses on your behalf. Find some of our features below: Pre-built Cheque TemplatesIf you want to print your own cheques, designing them might be a concern. But, with PostGrid’s cheque templates, you can get started in minutes. Our print and mail API already has the templates of all banks in Canada. Just enter your bank name, download the template, and you are good to go. You can edit these templates to add customizations like your company name and other details. Added Security FeaturesPostGrid is compliant with PIPEDA, HIPAA, SOC-2, and many other data security laws. You can be assured that your data is safe and confidential. Also, there are many security features that we use to create and print your cheques, like:
API IntegrationYou can integrate your accounting software with our API. It will help you fetch data from your CRM in seconds and write cheques in an automated way. This way, you can save a lot of time filling in cheque details and printing them one by one. Our API can write cheques, print them on cheque paper stock, and get them mailed by itself. Validate Mailing AddressesTo send cheques to the correct postal addresses, you need to validate your mailing lists. This step is very important as mailing a cheque to an incorrect address can lead to theft and scams. Hence, PostGrid enables you to standardize and verify your mailing addresses before mailing cheques to them. Pay On TimePostGrid can create, print, and mail your cheques via Canada Post in just two days. Therefore, you can make your payments in time. Track Your ChequesOnce you send out a cheque, you can track it through our easy-to-use dashboard. The interface is simple to navigate, and you can view your mail status hassle-free. Over to YouBoth certified cheques and bank drafts work in almost the same way. Here, the main objective is to offer assurance and confidence to the person receiving the payment. Using these payment forms guarantees that the amount is paid without the risk of a payment bounce. But, take care that the cheque or draft is deposited into the concerned account only. Also, try saving the receipt as it can come in handy in case of any fraud. While comparing a bank draft vs. a certified cheque, please note that both are excellent ways for businesses to pay someone. With some effort and a small fee, you can avail of their benefits and carry out your transactions smoothly. Want to design, print, and mail certified cheques without spending much and taking any effort? Try PostGrid’s direct mail API that can make it all happen for you! The post Banks Drafts Vs Certified Cheques appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/difference-banks-drafts-vs-certified-cheques/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/686571480961744896 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/686578519570022400 TABLE OF CONTENTSHow To Use C/O In Mailing AddressHave you ever ended up sending mail to the wrong person due to incorrect addressing? Oftentimes, we forget to double-check details like the recipient’s name, delivery address, etc., before mailing something. It leads to a lot of issues like lost and misplaced mail. ![]() The mailing address you provide helps Canada Post to complete a delivery. If you mention the wrong person’s name or address, there are chances that your mailpiece may not reach the correct location. So, what can you do to ensure accurate deliveries? The answer is simple- start using c/o mailing addresses. They can help you direct your items to the right person without any trouble. A c/o address consists of an additional line to write the person’s name who will receive your mail. In this blog, we will talk about the c/o address meaning, uses, and examples. Also, we will cover how to use it while sending a mail item to someone. What Does C/O Mean in An Address?C/o stands for “in care of” and is written along with the mailing address on an item. But, what does care of mean? It means that a mail item is “in care of” another person. “Care of” addresses are used in situations where the intended recipient is different from the actual recipient who collects the mailpiece. They help ensure that the mailpiece is not returned to the sender if the postal service does not identify the recipient and refuses delivery. Suppose you have a roommate who is home all day and usually receives the mail, and you always come home late from work. In this case, anyone mailing something to you can write your roommate’s name on the c/o address line. While writing the mailing address, your name would come on the first line followed by this line. So, your roommate collects and signs (if required) for the mail and then pass it on to you. This way, the mail reaches the right hands even though you weren’t originally able to collect the mail yourself. Mailers can also use c/o addresses when they are unsure of the intended recipient’s home address. Thus, they add a c/o line and send mail to that person’s business address. When to Use “Care of” in Addresses?Apart from the above reasons, there are several other occasions when you may use “care of mailing addresses”. Using such addresses benefits the sender and recipient both- the senders assure that their mail does not return to them and the recipients can get their mail safely. Plus, it prevents other issues like misplaced or stolen mail, failed deliveries, data breaches, etc. Find below some situations where it is advisable to use a c/o line: Sending Mail to a HotelIf you want to mail to someone currently residing in a hotel, you should write the room number in your mailing address. But, sometimes, you may not know the room number. In such cases, you can add a c/o line and mention the hotel name where you need to mail. When the mailpiece reaches the hotel, any staff member can collect it and drop it in the recipient’s room. Sending Mail to the Recipient’s FriendSuppose you don’t have the mailing address of your intended recipient but have the address of one of their friends. You may add c/o to the address and send your mailpiece to the friend instead. The c/o line lets the person know that the mail is sent for someone else and not themselves. Sending Mail Elsewhere to Secure ItFor example, you want to mail someone living in a bad neighbourhood. It is better to send the mail someplace else with a c/o line to assure its security. Sending Mail to Someone’s AttorneySometimes, some clients request to get their account statements, invoices, or cheques mailed to their attorney’s offices. Hence, you send the document to the attorney’s office using a care-of address. You may direct the mailpiece to some other trusted place as well. Make sure to contact the recipient beforehand regarding where to send their documents. It will help both parties keep the documents safe and confidential. How to Address a Letter In Care of?Now that you know the benefits of using a c/o line, let us see how to use c/o in mailing addresses. Collect the Correct DetailsIf you use a c/o line, there are chances that you are mailing to a secondary address (different from the recipient’s home address). It depends on the situation under which you are using a c/o address. The point is that you should make sure the secondary address you are mailing to is correct. You may call or email the recipients to confirm their secondary addresses or use PostGrid’s address verification API to speed up the process. Add the Recipient’s NameYour intended recipient’s name should always appear on the first line. It doesn’t matter if the address below belongs to someone else. Include the C/O LineThe second line of your mailing address should be the c/o address line. If you are mailing something to a business address, write “c/o” followed by the company’s name—for example, c/o Tatia Apparels. Similarly, you can add the hotel’s name if you need to mail a hotel. In the case where you are mailing a person, write “c/o XYZ.” Write the Civic AddressThe third line should consist of the civic address—for example, 1248 George ST. Take care to include correct directionals and abbreviations to avoid any misinterpretations by the postal workers. Mention the Municipality, Province, and Postal CodeAs per the Canada Post guidelines, all mailing addresses should have the municipality, province or territory, and postal code on the last line. Write the city name followed by the 2-digit province abbreviation and 6-character postal code. The last line of your care of mailing address should look like this: Victoria BC V8P 5H5 Add Your Return AddressWrite your return address on the upper left-hand corner of your mailpiece. You may also mention it on the back of your envelope on the opening flap. In the case of non-delivery, Canada Post is able to return your mail back only if you add a return address. Attach Proper Postage and SendCalculate your postal charges and affix the correct number of stamps. If you are having any difficulty knowing your postage, you can take your item to the Post Office. Care of Address ExamplesLet us see some examples of care of letter examples to help you understand the concept better: Example 1: Here’s how do you use “care of” to send mail to a friend, relative, family member, or neighbour Rebecca Gillies c/o Matt Jeffries 123 Greene AVE Montreal QC H4C 2J8 Example 2: Here’s how you can mail to your recipient’s company address Kol Tremblay c/o Starfleet Inc 45 Connors Rd NW Edmonton AB T6C 4N7 Example 3: Here’s how you should write a c/o address to mail to a hotel, hostel, university, etc. Kaley Anderson c/o The Myriad Hotel 8 Brunswick ST Chester NS B0J 0A9 Over to YouIt is not hard to use c/o in a mailing address before sending an item to someone. But, remember to avoid mixing up the recipient’s name and the other person’s name who will be receiving the mail. A care-of address consists of an additional line to write the name of the company, hotel, or person you are mailing. This line starts with “c/o” to make it clear that the mailpiece is not meant for this party. Instead, they are responsible for passing on the item to the recipient. PostGrid’s direct mail API can help create, print, and mail your items in an automated way. It can also help you cross-verify your recipient’s primary and secondary addresses to ensure that you send mail to the correct addresses. This way, you can mail effortlessly and at lower costs. Plus, you can track your items in real-time to check if they reach the correct location. Sign up to know more about how we can assist you in conducting your mailing campaigns and verifying your c/o addresses? The post How to Use C/O in Mailing Address appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/how-to-use-c-o-in-mailing-address/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/686439336365998080 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/686442633990635520 TABLE OF CONTENTSHow To Address Letters, Mails, and Envelopes in Canada with Mailing Address FormatIf you are wondering how to address an envelope to be sent to Canada, this blog is the right place for you. While sending out letters, envelopes, and other documents or even parcels – it is important to know the mailing address format of the destination country. In this article, we are going to focus on Canadian addresses, the direct mails sent from Canada, and the format that is followed by Canada Post. ![]() By following all the guidelines of the mail service about addressing an envelope, you can avoid unnecessary delays, and lost mailpieces, and also facilitate efficiency. If the official format is not followed, it may lead to a lot of trouble, and your letters and mails might not reach on time. The address reading machine used by the mail service should be able to read your addresses easily and without any issues that can be created due to missing details or an improper format. Many people do not know the exact guidelines that are required to be followed while writing a postal address. Hence, they should know and understand how addressing works. Mailing Format for Canadian AddressesThere is a specific format for all types of Canadian addresses that needs to be followed while addressing an envelope. Civic addresses:
Rural route addresses:
Rural route addresses that contain civic addresses:
Elements of a Canadian AddressAbbreviationsKeep your mailing addresses short and precise so that there is less scope for guesswork and interpretations. The Canada Post has approved a lot of short forms that you can include in your mailing addresses. Individuals and companies both should know how to address an envelope using abbreviations. Street types: Many street types in Canada need to be clearly mentioned while writing a Canadian mailing address. Following are some of the examples of street type abbreviations.
Street directions: North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest can be written as N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE, and SW. Secondary Unit DesignatorsApartment, suite, and unit numbers are referred to as secondary unit designators. Although Canada Post allows the mention of other designators, you can mention these unit identifiers by using the abbreviations APT, SUITE, and UNIT. The unit number should be mentioned after any of these abbreviations—for example, APT 201 or SUITE 5. Provinces and TerritoriesThe Canada address format requires you to mention a province code. The province names are not written as complete words – for quick processing by the mail service. You can search for your province code on Canada Post’s website easily. Postal CodePostal codes are an essential requirement for addressing an envelope in Canada. It can help customers in presorting their mails, letters, and envelopes to reduce delivery times. The mail service is also able to sort your mails mechanically and manually using postal codes. They aid distribution and delivery. Postal codes consist of both numbers and alphabets. The format used for a postal code is “ANA NAN,” wherein A stands for an alphabet and N represents a number. All Canadian postal codes are divided into two parts:
The starting three characters constitute the FSA part, and the remaining three characters form the LDU part. For example, V8K (FSA) 2L6 (LDU). The forward sortation area represents a major geographical region within a location, whereas the local delivery unit states the smallest delivery unit within that geographical location. Guidelines to Address Letters, Mails, and Envelopes in CanadaYou can refer to these guidelines on how to address envelopes to be sent within Canada. They can help you write your postal addresses speedily and accurately.
Other Things to Know While Addressing Mails in CanadaMilitary AddressMilitary addresses belong to the people who serve at the Department of National Defence, their personnel, civilians, and family members. The Canadian Forces Post Office handles the mails to be sent to these addresses. This postal service also operates Fleet Mail Offices. Instead of a postal code, the Army Post Office (APO) number is used for sending military mail. Ahead of that, you are supposed to mention the code AE representing mailing to the Armed Forces who are serving in the Middle East, Europe, Canada, and Africa. The remaining format can remain the same. Bilingual AddressWhile addressing an envelope according to the Canada address format, you need to take care of a couple of things relating to bilingual addresses. These addresses are used to send mails in two languages for various reasons. There has to be a black vertical line of at least 0.7 mm between both addresses. You should leave a space of about 10 mm on both sides of the black line. The addresses can be written beyond this space. Return AddressYou can write the return address in the same format as the delivery address. Do not print the return address in larger font size as compared to the delivery address. Moreover, it should be clearly distant from the mailing address. Although it is recommended to place this address on the top-left corner of the envelope, you can mention it on the back of the envelope at the top. USA AddressThe mailing address format to send USA mails from Canada is:
PO AddressPO addresses also use the same format as the civic addresses. Only replace the street name with a PO box number. The Bottom LineThere are a number of advantages of using the right mailing address format. You can save costs, increase mailing accuracy, avoid delays and lost mails, and reduce your letters and direct mail’s carbon footprints. All the guidelines on how to address an envelope are mentioned above so that you can accelerate the speed of your mail deliveries and prevent any misplacements. You no longer need to reship your documents or take care of additional handling. All you have to do is follow the Canada address format and start mailing your letters and envelopes. The post How To Address Letters, Mails and Envelops in Canada with Mailing Address Format appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/how-to-address-letters-mails-and-envelops-in-canada-with-mailing-address-format/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/686439335519797248 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/686442633447538688 TABLE OF CONTENTSWhat Is Postal Code and What Is Its Significance?If you have ever written a postal address, you know that there is a specific code mentioned in the end. But, what is meant by postal code? Such codes represent the geographic areas of addresses and help the concerned postal services deliver mail to them. ![]() They can contain alphabets, numbers, or both. Courier companies and postal organizations use postal codes to sort their mail items in an automated way, speeding up delivery. With increasing global trade and eCommerce, postal codes have become more important than ever. Hence, you should know what is postal code and how to use it. Postal codes work differently in every country and they all have their own postal system. In this blog, we will talk about Canadian postal codes, what they represent, and how you can find your postal code. Postal Codes in CanadaCanadian postal codes contain six characters and form an integral part of postal addresses in Canada. Similar to Dutch, British, and Irish postcodes, they are alphanumeric. These codes are divided into two parts with a space separating them. The format followed is A1A 1A1 with A being an alphabet and 1 being a number. If you are wondering “what is my postal code Canada?” you can search it on Canada Post’s website and application for free. Or buy CD-ROMs and hard-copy directories at the post office. Postal codes in Canada change at every block and are assigned to all street sides. Even two next-door neighbours might have different postal codes owing to this reason. Businesses that receive a lot of mail every day are likely to have their own postal codes. Hence, there are hundreds of thousands of postal codes all across Canada. Canadian postal codes are often compared to ZIP codes in the US. They do the same job but there are a lot of differences. One US ZIP code covers around 100,000 mailing addresses. However, only a single Canadian postal code is assigned to one side of one street. It is why there are about 876,445 postal codes and only 41,692 ZIP codes. The History of Canada Postal CodesIntroduction of Postal ZonesNumbered postal codes date back to 1925 when they were introduced in Toronto for the first time. For example, if you needed to mail to an address in zone 4, it was written in the below address format: 71 Edgemont Way South Toronto 4, Ontario In 1943, Toronto was segmented into 14 zones and numbered from 1 to 15. The numbers 7 and 11 remained unused. In 1944, Montreal also saw the implementation of postal zones. Later, other Canadian cities were also split into postal zones, inclusive of Vancouver, Ottawa, Quebec, and Winnipeg. The addresses in these cities were also written with one-digit zone codes. However, in the late 1960s, Canada Post introduced the three-digit code system replacing the earlier one-digit and two-digit zone codes. It was first implemented in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Find below an example of an address in Vancouver with this new system: 862 Kinniburgh Blvd Vancouver 106, Alberta But, this three-digit zone number scheme was short-lived as Postmaster General Eric Kierans soon announced that they are cancelling it and introducing a new national postal code system. Planning of the New Postal Code SystemCanadian cities started growing in the 1950s and 1960s leading to massive growth in the mail volume passing throughout the country. The volume grew from billions of mail items to tens of billions in no time. As a result, it became difficult for the postal services to hand-sort mail and remember all the carrier routes within cities. It added a lot of pressure on the employees to get the deliveries completed on time. In 1969, the House of Commons discussed the potential impact of environmental change on Canada Post’s operations in the next 25 years. It was suggested that the post office should begin using automation and mechanization to deal with the growing mail volume and improve delivery efficiency. And that’s when the postal code design was first talked about. Finally, Eric Keirancs announced the introduction of a six-digit postal code system in December 1969. This system completely replaced the three-digit zone number system. Later in February 1970, he tabled a report named “A Canadian Public Address Postal Coding System” put forward by Samson, Belair, Simpson, Riddell Inc. ImplementationBefore introducing the postal code system nationwide, it was first tested on 1st April 1974 in Ottawa. It was then accompanied by a provincial-level rollout in Manitoba. The system was then gradually implemented in the remaining provinces and territories between 1972 and 1974. However, the use of this new system was still 38.2% by the time 1974 ended. It helped Canada Post handle around 26,640 items per hour using sorting machines. The organization was now able to complete deliveries in less time and in a more efficient manner. Eventually, companies also found it easier to complete orders on time and expand their operations. But, the system got a strong pushback from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. The reason was that workers who still sorted mail by hand received more wages than those who ran the automated mail machines. The Union also declared a National “Boycott the Postal Code” Day on 20th March 1975 which did not go for long enough. The boycott was struck off in 1976, and the Canadian postal code system was fully implemented in the country by then. It was among the last code systems to be implemented in the West. Components of Canadian Postal CodesNow that you know the history, it is important to understand its components. You can refer to the image below for a better understanding: Forward Sortation Areas (FSAs)FSAs make the first part of the Canadian postal code format. Basically, a forward sortation area is a region wherein all postal codes begin with the same three characters. For example, M4B in Toronto covers at least 600 geographical areas. All of these areas come under the same FSA. The first character (an alphabet) of the FSA code indicates specific “postal districts,” which cover an entire province or territory. However, Quebec and Ontario are divided into several postal districts as they are large provinces. Quebec has a total of three postal districts, while Ontario has five. Both of these provinces have at least one very populous urban area to have a dedicated postal district (“M” for Toronto and “H” for Montreal). On the other hand, some places with low populations shared postal districts. For example, the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Nunavut continue to share the same postal district even after their separation in 1999. Coming the second character (a number) of the FSA, it primarily identifies areas as urban or rural. All rural regions have the number 0, whereas all other numbers denote urban regions. The third character (an alphabet again), in combination with the other two characters, identifies a more accurate geographical district. It represents a section of a large metropolitan area, a medium-sized city, or a particular rural region. Local Delivery Units (LDUs)The last three characters of the postal code stand for an LDU which may denote a single address or a group of addresses. An LDU can correspond to:
As you can see, even single places or small units of these places can have LDU codes. So, it is not surprising that Canada has hundreds of thousands of LDUs. The LDU code 9Z9 is exclusively assigned for Business Reply Mail. All LDU codes ending in zero are assigned to postal facilities including sortation plants, small post offices, and retail postal outlets. Note that postal codes use only 20 alphabets; the alphabets D, F, I, O, Q, and U are never included. Importance of Postal Codes in CanadaWith the increase in global trade, postal codes are now more important than ever. The international logistics and shipping industry is completely dependent on mailing addresses with accurate postal codes. Writing correct postal codes help the postal workers deliver your mail pieces without any delays, errors, or damages. It helps make the process more efficient and fast. Using postal codes, a company director in UAE can send something to an investor in Canada or vice versa. Or, a Canadian company can expand its operations nationally. The point is that postal codes simplify mailing. Postal codes are also used as social or demographic identifiers. They can differentiate between urban and rural areas. This information can be used by decision-makers of various companies. Postal codes can help them make decisions like where to open a franchise or where to promote their services. Without this knowledge, many businesses might end up making the wrong decisions like advertising in the wrong areas or opening a store where the population is very low. Importance of Postal Codes in CanadaPostal codes are mainly important for mail items to reach the correct addresses. However, you need to write down other parts of mailing addresses correctly as well. Find the postal address format as prescribed by Canada Post below: For domestic addresses- Jacob Mikaelson 16A Bay ST Wolfville NS B4P 1L6 For international addresses- Howard Doherty 770 Carnaby St London, W1F 9PS United Kingdom As mentioned above, the name of the recipient always comes on the first line. If you are mailing to a business, add the company name on the second line. Then, write the delivery address on the next line. This line consists of your apartment number and the street name. Don’t forget to include the street directions. Make sure to use the right abbreviations for words like street (ST), circle (CIR), an avenue (AVE). The next line is also the last line of a Canadian postal address. Write the city name followed by the state abbreviation and the mailing postal code. Note that there should be two spaces left between the state abbreviations and postal codes. For reference, find a list of the state abbreviations below:
As for international addresses, the only major difference is that you should write the country name on the last line. Find below some additional Canada Post address guidelines to avoid surcharges and delays:
Urbanization of Rural Postal CodesCanada Post uses the term “urbanization” to the process of converting rural postal codes into urban. As we discussed above, the second character of the code of rural areas is zero. In this process, this character is changed into another number. The vacated postal code of the concerned rural area can be reassigned to another area or retired. When the population of rural regions reaches a certain number, Canada Post decides to urbanize that region. There are several r factors other than the population that is considered while urbanizing areas. For example, the postal code G0N 3M0 (assigned to Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, Lac-Saint-Joseph, and Fossambault-Sur-le-Lac, Quebec) was urbanized in 2008 and changed to G3N 3M0. Santa ClausIf you are discussing Canadian postal codes, talking about Santa Claus is a must. The tradition of writing letters to Santa Claus is quite famous in Canada, so much so that Canada Post decided to come up with an address for Santa. In 1974, the Canada Post workers noticed that many letters were addressed to Santa Claus. Apparently, these letters were considered undeliverable. Finally, Canada Post launched an official letter-response program for Santa Claus in 1983. By the end of 2011, 11,000 volunteers helped Canada Post handle all these letters across multiple locations in Canada. Around 1,000,000 letters are written to Santa Claus each year, inclusive of some sent from outside Canada. All of these letters are answered by the volunteers in the same language they were written in. A special mailing address was introduced for the same along with a unique postal code: SANTA CLAUS NORTH POLE H0H 0H0 CANADA In french, it can be written as: PÈRE NOËL PÔLE NORD H0H 0H0 CANADA The postal code H0H 0H0 has a special meaning. Firstly, it sounds like “HO HO HO” which is enough to give it the Christmas feel. The second character “0” stands for a rural delivery area and the “H” indicates the postal district of Montreal. Canadian Forces Postal ServicesCanada Post uses three special postal codes to convert civilian mail to mail handled by the Canadian Forces Postal Service. All these three codes belong to the military post offices in Canada itself. Depending on the end destination, these codes are:
All of these postal codes represent a group of international military post offices, which are indicated by FMO or CPFO numbers instead of postal codes. In this case, LDUs do not correspond to physical addresses, but rather represent virtual delivery units. This is because mail items are not delivered locally, but forwarded to the delivery units of Canadian military bases to ship abroad. Find below an example: Name of the Addressee Slot # PO Box 4829 Stn Forces Victoria BC V9A 7N2 CANADA In the above example, the postal services will deliver the mail to FMO in Victoria. Then, the Canadian Forces Postal System will further deliver it to the recipient at FMO 4829. All such deliveries are completed as per the timing and means deemed fit by the military. Difference Between ZIP Codes and Postal CodesZIP is the abbreviation of Zone Improvement Plan. In 1963, the US introduced the concept of ZIP codes to facilitate mailing across the country. It was first used post World War 2 due to the increase in population and mail stream. Primarily, ZIP codes are used to identify delivery locations to deliver letters and packages. They divide regions into smaller geographical areas such as landmarks, businesses, or residential areas. Earlier, ZIP codes had only 5 digits. But, later on, the USPS decided to add 4 more digits to improve deliverability. With passing years, companies started using ZIP codes for various purposes like data verification and so on. There is a very thin line between ZIP codes and postal codes. Both are important to determine the delivery location and speed up the process. Furthermore, they are also useful in gathering demographic information about a region. Now, let us find out what is difference between ZIP code and postal code. Meaning
ZIP codes are a group of 9 numbers that are simply a postal system used by the USPS to identify locations and complete deliveries. Postal codes are a string of 6 characters that help Canada Post to track postal addresses and deliver mail to them. Year of IntroductionZIP codes were introduced in 1963, whereas postal codes were implemented in 1959. ObjectiveThe main motive for using ZIP codes is to determine the region mentioned in the address and reach there at the earliest. Postal codes are used for much more than that. They also help in the census and carrier route planning. CountriesZIP codes are used only in two countries around the world: the US and the Philippines. Postal codes are used in all countries except the two mentioned above. Hence, in the postal code vs. ZIP code debate, it is clear that postal code systems are more popularly accepted and used. CharactersZIP codes contain only numbers. They are used in the format 11111 1111. The last four numbers are also called ZIP+4 codes. Postal codes are alphanumeric and are written in the format A1A 1A1. What is the ZIP Code of Canada and What Is My 5 Digit ZIP Code Canada?Some people ask what is the ZIP code of Canada. But, there are absolutely no ZIP codes in Canada. The postal code system is an alternative to the ZIP-code system used in the US. However, there is one way you can find out the ZIP code of a Canadian address. If you are prompted to enter a ZIP code on a website or anywhere else, use this method: Enter the three numbers in your postal code along with two zeros. For example, if it is A0H 9Z9, your ZIP code would be 09900. It can also be referred to as your postal code number. So, if you are thinking about what is my postal code number, use this way of conversion. Then again, others ask what is the postal code for Canada? As we said above, Canada has 876,445 active codes. There is no single postal code that applies to the entire country, helping people in Canada and outside mail to Canadian addresses efficiently. If you simply want to find your Canadian postal code, click here. How Can PostGrid Help You?Postal codes are an important aspect of address verification. They help companies maintain cleansed and updated mailing lists to be used for several reasons. Correction of ErrorsPostal codes help you correct errors like typos and misspellings by identifying the exact locations. For example, if your user enters “George ST” instead of “George ST,” the postal code can help you know where the user is actually located. PostGrid uses postal codes to employ fuzzy logic and modify incorrect abbreviations, acronyms, and so on. Address StandardizationStandardizing addresses is essential to write down an address correctly. Canada Post has laid down many address guidelines and specifications to help their workers sort your mail properly. Postal codes make it possible to standardize addresses the right way. If they are incorrect or missing, PostGrid’s address validation API can do the needful. Verifying DeliverabilityPostGrid also uses postal codes to verify whether your mailing addresses are deliverable. Even a small error in your postal code can lead to your address being marked as invalid. So, our address verification software and API first makes these corrections and then continue to validate your addresses. Translate AddressesYou no longer need to think twice before sending mail abroad. PostGrid can transliterate international addresses for you and also standardize them in the destination country’s format. Postal codes not only tell you the country or state in which an address is situated, but also the exact part of an exact city. This information is crucial in both domestic and international address validation. Identifying Fake AccountsSome people shop on various websites using fake or imaginary addresses. Mailing to these addresses can lead to the wastage of time, effort, and resources. PostGrid can help companies filter out such fake accounts by checking the mailing addresses provided by them. Print and MailApart from address verification, PostGrid offers automated print and mail services. Hence, you can design, print, and mail your postcards and letters with us efficiently. ConclusionZIP codes and postal codes are very important in the postal system of every county around the globe. They make our lives easier and help us mail anything to anyone. This way, these codes bring the world closer and give rise to various opportunities. With PostGrid, you no longer have to think about “what is the postal code of my location?” We can help you find your postal code along with all the postal codes of those addresses where you wish to mail. Verify your postal codes with PostGrid and deliver mail on time. Sign up here and get started now! The post What Is Postal Code and What Is Its Significance? appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/what-is-postal-code/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/686073210789347328 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/686076511964577792 TABLE OF CONTENTSThe Latest Canada Postage Rates 2022 [Updated]The Canadian postal organization is a Crown corporation and has been operating for several decades. It works under the trade name “Canada Post,” which is also called “Postes Canada” in French. The Canada Post is known for providing affordable and reliable mailing services all across Canada, the US, and many other countries globally. They offer several mailing options to their customers in terms of delivery time and a lot of complimentary services like delivery confirmation and mail return to sender. ![]() The postage rates in Canada in 2021 were quite nominal and offered an affordable means of mailing. For 2022, there are some new rate changes proposed by the organization, which will be discussed below, along with the mailing options and the other postage rates that shall remain unchanged. Canada Post Postage RatesThe Canada Post postage rates depend on the mail item, its weight, and the destination country. The rates to send mail domestically are quite affordable and offer Canadians a reliable way to send mail across the country. Sending mail to the US is also quite cheaper as shipping to the US from Canada is faster as compared to other countries. Canada Post also offers international shipping to many other countries around the world. Standard Size Mail
Standard-sized mail includes postcards and letter envelopes of the standard size as prescribed by the Canada Post. The dimensions of a standard size mail should be a minimum of 5.6″ x 3.6″ with a thickness of 0.007″. The maximum size allowed is 9.6″ x 6.1″ with a maximum thickness of 0.2″. Square envelopes are acceptable and priced in the same way as long as they stay within the required dimensions – minimum 5.51″ x 5.51″ x 0.007″ and maximum 6.14″ x 6.14″ x 0.19. Mail weighing between 30 grams to 50 grams or consisting of up to 9 paper sheets, the postal rate to ship nationally is $1.30. The rates to ship to the US and other countries are $1.94 and $3.88, respectively. Items that are over 50 grams cannot be priced as standard size mail. Non-standard/Oversize MailUnusually shaped envelopes and large documents are defined under the non-standard or oversize mail category by the Canada Post.
The maximum dimensions allowed for sending non-standard mail are 15″ x 10.6″. If these dimensions are crossed, the mail will be charged as a parcel. The delivery of your mail items will be done within two business days if they are sent within a town or city, three business days for mailing within a province, and up to 4 business days for shipping to other Canadian provinces. Mailing to the US through Canada Post takes 4 to 6 business days. International shipping of both standard and non-standard mail is done within 4 to 7 business days. ParcelsMail items weighing more than 500 grams are considered parcels by the Canada Post, and the rates are determined accordingly. Varying with the Canada postage rates, delivery time, and other features – parcels can be sent through any of the four options provided by Canada Post. 1. PriorityTMPriority, Xpresspost, flat rate box, and regular parcels are all charged differently and have different features. For the priority mailing option, the delivery is executed the very next day across all places in Canada. On-time delivery, delivery confirmation, and tracking are the key features of this option. The Canada postage rates for sending parcels through priority mail, weighing up to 0.75 kg or 1.7 lbs, start at $20.08. The return to sender and hard-copy signature services are available for an extra fee. Prepaid envelopes can also be sent using the priority mail option. The rate for mailing medium-sized prepaid envelopes regionally is $26.57, whereas the rate is $38.69 for mailing these envelopes nationally. 318 mm x 241 mm x 15 mm are the dimensions required for medium-sized prepaid envelopes. Large-sized prepaid envelopes can be set at the cost of $27.43 within the same province. For mailing large-size prepaid envelopes across provinces, the postal rate increases to $44.03. 394 mm x 314 mm x 30 mm are the main specifications for large-sized prepaid envelopes. You can also use prepaid labels for sending parcels across Canada. However, these labels are only available to those customers who have signed an agreement with Canada Post regarding prepaid products. For the first 1.36 kg, the rates are $30.86 and $56.32 for regional and national mailing, respectively. For mail weighing up to 5 kg, prepaid labels can be availed at $37.61 for regional shipping and $90.89 for national shipping. 2. XpresspostTMThe next option to mail parcels across Canada is Xpresspost which delivers items the next day if the destination address falls within the same province. All the services are the same as priority mail. The main differences are that it takes up to two days to deliver nationally, and the recipient’s signature is taken if you pay an extra fee. The rate starts at $10.61 for mail weighing up to 0.75 kg. Small, medium and large-sized prepaid envelopes are sent using the Xpresspost mailing option for different rates. For regional mailing, the rates are $11.94, $13.50, and $16.59 for small, medium, and large-sized envelopes, respectively. Similarly, the rates for nationally sending these envelopes are $18.12, $19.04, and $29.67 as per the size.
Prepaid labels can be purchased for mail up to 1.36 kg at $18.50 and $34.75 for regional and national shipping, respectively. You will have to pay $24.35 for sending mail weighing up to 5 kg regionally. National shipping for mail items of up to 5 kg will cost you $62.21. 3. Flat Rate BoxesThe next option to ship your parcels is by using flat rate boxes that come in three small, medium, and large sizes. The small flat rate box should stay within the required dimensions of 10.375″ x 14″ x 2.125″. The price for sending a small flat rate box across Canada starts at $17.99. Medium flat rate boxes are of the size 15.375″ x 10.25″ x 4.75″. The Canada Post postage rate for sending such a parcel is $22.99. Large flat rate boxes fall under the dimensions of 15.75″ x 11.8125″ x 7.50″. The cost jumps to $29.99 for sending large flat rate boxes. All flat rate boxes should be of the maximum weight of 5 kg and should be dropped at the post office. However, small flat rate boxes can also be dropped off at your nearby street letterbox. On-time delivery guarantee and tracking are the two prime benefits of sending parcels using this option. 4. Regular ParcelFor sending mail using the regular parcel option, you need to pay a minimum of $9.67 for up to 0.75 kg. The delivery for sending mail to a local address takes up to 2 business days, whereas regional mail can take 3 to 5 business days to reach its destination. All national mail deliveries are completed in between 4 to 9 business days. There is noon-time delivery guaranteed, and mostly all the add-on services are available for a fee. Features of Canada PostShipping with Canada Post will unlock several benefits and features as the leading parcel delivery company in the country. Let us highlight everything Canada Post has to offer. Here is what we are talking about: Real-time Tracking: Customers can track and manage their packages easily with Canada Post’s free tracking services. You can receive real-time updates via email, telephone, or website. Signature confirmation: Xpresspost, Priority, and Flat rate boxes offer signature and confirmation services. So, until the package is signed for, the courier will not release it. For those who wish to receive their recipient’s signature confirmation in hard copy, you can also choose Hard-Copy Signature. Flat Price Rate: Only packages of 12 are available as flat rate boxes online. It’s simple to send direct mail assets anywhere in Canada or outside the country. You just need to buy a box. The box can be shipped as long as it does not weigh more than 5 kilograms. There are small, medium, and large boxes available for you to choose from. Collection on Delivery: Payment can be made upon delivery of the package. Senders can collect from the person receiving a delivery a fee of up to $5,000. This service is available to Canadian customers only. COD fees of $7.25 plus shipping fees for this service must also be paid by the sender. International Shipping: More than 190 countries worldwide are served by Canada Post. You’ll also save 70 percent off international courier rates. Updated Postage Rates:Below are the updated postage rates from Canada Posts as of 2021: Personalized Direct Mail Pieces:
Business Reply Direct Mail Pieces
Lettermails
Incentive Lettermail Prices
Source: https://hemlockharling.com/canada-post-price-changes-2021/ The Recent Canada Postage Price Change AnnouncementsCanada Post has announced some postal rate changes that are in effect from 11th January 2021. The Canada Post postage rates for sending a letter domestically have been increased by two cents. This rate is applicable for letters that are less or equal to 30 grams. The cost for a single stamp has been increased to $1.07, and the cost per stamp in a booklet has been increased to $0.92 from $0.90. Canada Post has stated that the new rate changes will not make a great impact on the average postage that households spend annually. With the price inflations, the extra postage that a household will have to pay annually is less than a dollar. The total postage increase for small businesses will be around $6 annually. You can visit the Canada Post website for more information on the announced changes and new prices. The good news is that, even though the rates have been increased, you can save up to 2 cents on every domestic letter that weighs no more than 100 grams. When compared to the rates of paper stamps, postage meter users are likely to benefit from the latest price changes as they can now automatically save some cents while using letter mail. The Bottom LineCanada Post postage rates to ship nationally and internationally are both affordable. Moreover, the additional services and the level of service quality provided make it one of the best postal organizations worldwide. Similar to the USPS, it provides several mailing options with different rates and services so that Canadians can easily avail themselves of an option according to their budget and the urgency of sending their mail item. PostGrid lets you manage all Canada Post shipping activities. Canada Post rates can be compared with other couriers on our platform. You can also access the affordable rates, and we can streamline your shipping processes remotely. PostGrid offers print and mail automation solutions for mailing all across Canada, the US, and 300+ countries worldwide. You can now print and send your mail effectively and efficiently. The post Canada Postage Rates appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/canada-postage-rates/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/685986375205584896 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/685989658057932800 TABLE OF CONTENTSA Comprehensive Guide to Knowing PHI (Protected Health Information) HIPAAWe have all heard the terms HIPAA and PHI, but some might not know what they truly mean. HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and ensures medical data security. It enhances efficiency in healthcare and protects patients’ privacy. This medical data that we refer to is known as PHI—Protected Health Information. It includes a vast range of patient details that a hospital or other medical institutions tend to store in their database for several purposes. ![]() The PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA is a federal law that dictates numerous guidelines for using and sharing such sensitive data. Therefore, you need to check if your company is liable to follow these rules. Otherwise, you may have to pay hefty fines and remember, ignorance of the HIPAA laws does not work as a defence. Hence, more and more businesses educate their staff members about HIPAA and PHI. It helps them understand what to do and avoid, keeping their operations legal. It might sound hard to become HIPAA-compliant and follow all the regulations. But, it is worth it to educate yourselves and dodge any potential legal trouble. Therefore, we have attempted to reveal what is PHI and how to secure it. Also, this blog includes the 18 identifiers of PHI that can help you become HIPAA compliant. Let us dive in! What is PHI Information?Several organizations struggle with understanding the details covered under PHI. Thankfully, HIPAA specifies all the information you should consider as PHI and the necessary steps to protect it. All identifiable health details that a HIPAA-covered entity collects uses, stores, maintains, and transmits are Protected Health Information. HIPAA-covered entities could be healthcare providers, insurance agencies, or healthcare clearinghouses. However, other businesses related to these institutions are also obligated to follow the rules of this data privacy law. PHI includes a patient’s health information in every format- spoken, electronic databases, and physical records. It consists of past, current, and future healthcare details, from treatment programs to payment histories. Knowing what is PHI can help you spot sensitive data immediately and treat it securely from the beginning. All health records, patient bills, test reports, diagnoses, etc., come under PHI. However, the scope of PHI does not restrict to a person’s health information. It also extends to their demographics such as name, licence numbers, birth dates, etc. Basically, anything that allows you to identify a person individually is PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA. So, PHI comprises:
For instance, a diagnostic report or lab invoice is PHI because these documents consist of the patients’ names and other similar identifiable data. On the contrary, a health survey that reports the average age of diabetes patients does not count as PHI. Though this survey collects information from healthcare records, it does not reveal the members’ identities. Thus, such data is not PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA. What Are the 18 PHI Identifiers?According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Protected Health Information includes:
This identifier also comprises other dates such as date of admission, date of discharge, date of death, and exact ages of citizens older than 89 years.
Many companies believe that email addresses that don’t have the person’s name are not PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA. But, it is simple to find the individual by conducting a reverse email lookup or via social media. Even if these tools don’t give you a name, they help you find enough information to identify them. Hence, all email addresses with or without the patients’ names are PHI.
All location-based identifiers smaller than states—apartment numbers, street names, municipalities, cities, etc. They do not include the starting three digits of ZIP codes if the unit formed by combining all the ZIP codes with the same digits covers more than 20,000 people. Also, these identifiers consist of the geographical units having 20,000 or fewer people whose ZIP codes have 000 in the beginning.
A database having one or more of the above identifiers is classified as PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA. The HIPAA Privacy Rule provides restrictions on the uses and disclosures of such patient details. However, you might face some accidental disclosures at times that are beyond your control. Fortunately, HIPAA has specific rules regarding incidental disclosures to protect you from paying penalties for unforeseen or uncontrollable factors. For instance, if a healthcare insurance provider recognizes a patient at your clinic when they visit you, your organization is not at fault. In this case, you are not in breach of the Privacy Rule even though you revealed your patient identity coincidently. Who Uses PHI (Protected Health Information) HIPAA and Why?Now that you know what is PHI information, you should also understand its use cases. So, here is a list of medical-related institutions that you can refer to as covered entities:
Our next category of organizations covered under HIPAA is business associates. Business associates help covered entities with their healthcare functions according to a written contract—the business associate agreement (BAA). All covered entities dealing with PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA should have a functional BAA to delegate responsibilities and hold the engaged business associates accountable. Here are some examples of business associates:
Hence, organizations spend tons of time understanding what is PHI for:
Please note: Under the PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA law, a covered entity may act as a business associate for other organizations. What Type of Patient Details Does Not Count As PHI?Contrary to popular belief, all health data is not PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA. There are a few exceptions, but they are very subjective. Often, it depends on who collects and records the patient information. For instance, consider health trackers that people install on their mobile devices or the physical ones they wear on their wrists. The trackers capture the person’s blood pressure or heart rate, which is considered PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA when a hospital or health plan provider uses them. However, the HIPAA rules only apply to business associates and covered entities. Thus, the information that such app developers or device manufacturers record is not PHI unless HIPAA-covered organizations have a contract with them. The same exception applies to employment and education records. A company may store the health information of its employees. But, such employment records do not count as PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA. Similarly, a business that stores the education records of a person or employee (including demographic and geographic data) is not dealing with PHI. Under the HIPAA law, you can de-identify PHI by eliminating the identifiers that tie the data to individuals. Also, there must be a health-related connection between people and their personal information. For instance, the names and contact numbers in a phonebook are not PHI because they are not healthcare-related. What Is the Difference Between PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA and EPHI?EPHI stands for electronic protected health information and refers to patient data collected, stored, received, and transmitted electronically. There are specific guidelines to assess ePHI according to the HIPAA Security Law, and they include:
The prime difference between PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA and EPHI is the method of storage and transmission. The HIPAA Privacy Rule regulates PHI, whereas the HITECH Act and HIPAA Security Rule overlook the processing of ePHI. More Things You Should Know About PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAABelow, we have listed some more facts or rules of HIPAA PHI that you should acquaint yourself with to get a better understanding of the topic: PII, IIHA, and PHI Are All Different TermsPII stands for Personally Identifiable Information that falls outside the medical context. Also, it has nothing specific to do with healthcare organizations or patient details. IIHA is short for Individually Identifiable Health Information and means the same as PHI. Covered entities and business associates use these terms interchangeably because the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules apply to them in the same manner. Incomplete Patient Data Is Also PHIImagine if a patient walks into your clinic and gets a quick checkup, but the only data you have on them is “Mr. White, Medford.” The person neither revealed their full name nor mentioned their mailing address. So, are such incomplete details considered PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA? The answer is yes—even incomplete or missing patient details are PHI under HIPAA. In the above example, we could have hundreds or thousands of Mr. Whites in Medford. But, HIPAA cannot speculate whether it is the name of just one person or thousands of people, which is why the rule applies to it usually. Patients Need to Give Their Consent to their Healthcare Provider To Discuss Their Records With Their EmployersCompanies cannot contact the healthcare providers of their existing and potential employees and ask for their health records. They need to ask employees to give explicit consent to their medical professional for doing so! Otherwise, the patient can sue the hospital or clinic under the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Hence, though it is legal to discuss PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA with employers, you need the patient’s permission. But, there are a few details you are free to talk about with employers, of course, in a confidential setting. For example, suppose the employer acts as a middleman between the patient and their health plans. In that case, the conversation between the two parties is not PHI. The USPS, Canada Post, and Other Mailing Companies Are Not Covered Entities or Business AssociatesCourier companies like the USPS, FedEx, Canada Post, etc., merely transport items from one place to another. They do not have access to the PHI inside the mail pieces. Hence, they are not covered under HIPAA regulations and can operate freely. However, you need to have a BAA with automated direct mail services like PostGrid that help you send your medical documents effortlessly. Fortunately, PostGrid is 100% HIPAA-compliant and strives to protect your PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA at all stages. How Can You Safeguard Your PHI Database?The Security Rule needs all covered entities to identify potential threats and develop ways to protect their PHI in advance. Hence, it is not enough to learn what is PHI information. You need a robust mechanism that enables you to comply with HIPAA. You need to implement security features to ensure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of Protected Health Information. HIPAA has not laid down technology-specific safeguards; hence, you can employ any privacy systems that suit you. But, ensure that your safeguards protect your PHI in all physical, administrative, and technical ways.
How Can PostGrid’s HIPAA-Compliant API Help You Send Medical Documents Legally and Securely?PostGrid’s direct mail solutions can help you send your marketing items and medical related letters to patients effortlessly. You need not worry about securing PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA or following the federal rules. With PostGrid, you can draft, print, and ship your mail pieces 50% faster and five times more efficiently. Here are some examples of medical documents that you can produce and mail using our automated direct mail API:
PostGrid for healthcare teams works excellently to save your time and money. Also, the best part is that we are compliant with several data security laws like HIPAA, PIPEDA, and SOC-2. Hence, you can protect PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA while boosting your mailing efficiency. We also offer several features that can turn heads and make your mailing experience memorable, like:
Wrapping UpIt may not be simple to secure PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA and conduct your day-to-day operations the right way. You need to understand and implement a pool of regulations, which can be daunting. Therefore, you can outsource most of your tasks, like claims processing, billing, payment collection, patient appointments, direct mailing, etc. It allows you to save enough time and effort to focus on complying with HIPAA. Our automated direct mail solutions ensure that you don’t have to spend weeks of your precious time handling print jobs and logistics. Nor do you have to figure out methods to secure your mail pieces according to the HIPAA rules. PostGrid has got you covered! Do you want to learn further about how PostGrid helps healthcare organizations deal with PHI (Patient Health Information) HIPAA while mailing? Talk to our sales team now! The post What is PHI (Protected Health Information) Under HIPAA? appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/what-is-phi-protected-health-information/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/685982582219866112 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/685985873506041856 TABLE OF CONTENTSHow Medical Collection Letter Help You Avoid Overdue Payments And Grow Patient RelationshipsHealthcare is expensive but also necessary for people. It is a bad combination that often leads to overdue payments. And if you work in the healthcare industry, you are all too familiar with it. There is no way of avoiding outstanding medical charges for a healthcare institution. ![]() However, the proper medical collection letter can help you sort out your healthcare organization’s overdue payments. A sensitive collection letter can help you form better patient relationships and boost their loyalty. But, for most healthcare organizations, sending a collection letter is a considerable effort that yields subpar results. This article will help you change that and help you create a compelling and empathetic collection letter for your patients. What is A Medical Collection Letter?As customers, all of us are well familiar with collection letters, and we have all received one at some point. A collection letter is a written notification that informs the recipient about their payment dues. A medical collection letter is any collection letter sent out by healthcare organizations like hospitals and clinics. Like a regular collection letter, healthcare organizations can also include reminders and enquiries with the warning of legal action. Unlike consumer products and services, healthcare is an essential requirement and unavoidable for the patients. The patient indeed owes you money, and you are fully entitled to ask for your due payment. However, that does not mean you can ignore civility and be less courteous in your medical collection letter. Hence, your letter must always remain polite and avoid using offensive and abusive words. What Are The Information To Include In a Medical Collection Letter?Writing a good collection letter for your healthcare organization requires you to provide all the necessary details to the patient. The details provided in the collection letter must effectively convey to the patient everything they need to make the payment. Just remember that the purpose of the medical collection letter is to encourage the patient to make their due payments. And yet, many medical institutions make the mistake of not including all the details required by the patient. Here are the details you must include in the collection letter for your healthcare organization. Account NumberThe first and foremost thing the patient needs to make their healthcare payment is the account number. Perhaps the patient didn’t make the payment until now because of their financial situation or other reasons. And the last thing you want to do is delay the payment further by not including the account number in the medical collection letter. Balance DueThe next thing you need to include in the collection letter is the balance due for the patient. If the patient’s medical claim was successful, you need to subtract that amount from the total amount. In addition to that, you must expressly state that the balance due is after the insurance payment. Account StatusUsually, the healthcare organization and the patient know that their medical payment is overdue. In some rare cases, the patient may still be unaware of their outstanding medical costs. Nonetheless, you still need to mention the account status in your medical collection letter. Patient ResponsibilityAlthough you should avoid any accusation in your collection letter to the patient, you still need to highlight the patient’s responsibility. Blaming the patient for delayed payments and pointing out their commitment are two different things. Due DateThe due date is a must for every collection letter, and you must not exclude it from the letter under no circumstances. Furthermore, you must expressly state the consequences if the payment is not made within the due date. Office HoursThe patient may need help or assistance from your healthcare organization regarding their medical payment. Always make it a point to provide your medical institution’s contact number and mention your working hours. It ensures that the patient can communicate with you without any delays. Financial ReliefPeople don’t seek medical help unless they need to, and fraud is significantly low. Hence, if you are willing to provide any form of financial relief, the patient is likely to take your offer. So, it would be good to mention that you’re willing to provide financial relief in the letter to the patient requesting payment. How To Write a Letter To Patient Requesting Payment?It is relatively easy to find a collection letter template for financial institutions online. These templates are good enough to give you a broad understanding of your medical collection letter. However, a collection letter for your healthcare organization is not the same as collecting letters from a debt collector. Unlike the financial services industry or any other industry, the chance of fraud is relatively low in the healthcare industry. No one wants to get hospitalized for fun and waste time and money. And if a patient fails to make their medical payments, it is most likely because they don’t have the financial means. Hence, you might want to consider taking a more delicate approach when writing a collection letter to a patient. Find Out Why The Patient Has Not Paid Their BillLike marketing messages, you can ensure the best result for your communication efforts when you personalize them. Did you know that you can split patients who do not pay their medical bills into four different categories? The four different groups you can categorize your patients into are as follows:
You can create a medical collection letter template for each of these categories. It enables you to provide a more personalized message that is more relevant to the patient. You can use an advanced direct mail tool to personalize your mailers. However, most non-bill payment cases fall under the third category, where the patient can not afford the full payment. Categorize Your Mailing List For Sending Mail Collection LetterYou can start categorizing your mailing list by going through your collections list. It might be a bit difficult at first, but you may group at least some genuine cases. Apart from this, you can ask experienced medical practitioners for insights. The attending physician or nurse can also help you categorize the patients. And then, you can send them the medical collection letter that’s best suited for each category. It is worth noting that the first three groups of patients are treated differently from the last group. You can use much sterner language in your letter to patients who are likely to commit fraud. In such cases, you need to ensure that your letter underlines the consequences of non-payment of medical bills. Easy Personalization Through AutomationDrafting four different collection letters for your healthcare business can be challenging. However, you can use an automated direct mail automation system like PostGrid to simplify the process significantly. You can use different medical collection letter templates for the various categories of patients. As a business organization, you must never underestimate the significance of personalization, even in collection letters. It can be a deciding factor which determines the success of your marketing and communication efforts. You can find more details about personalized mail here. Furthermore, you can use specific mailing lists for each template, minimizing the scope of error. Best of all, PostGrid also offers an address verification tool that ensures the validity of your patient’s Address. Hence, you can ensure that the patient receives your collection letter. Catch The Reader’s Attention At First GlanceDo you remember the last time you received a bill in your mailer? How long did it take to realize that the letter you received was a bill and not just another junk mail? Did you ever miss a bill payment because you accidentally threw away the mailer with the junk mail? The point is that it is so easy for the patient to miss your medical collection letter. And it makes more sense to prioritize audiences who may have missed your collection letters. Why? Because they might have made the payment if they had received and read your letter. The 3:33 RuleThe 3:33 rule is a unique technique for direct mail marketers. Yes, we know that collection letters are not marketing mailers. But, the method can work just as perfect for your medical collection letter as it can for marketing mailers. Because by the end of the day, you want your audience to read your mailer. According to the 3:33 rule, your mailer envelope needs to stand out within three seconds of receiving the mail. Once it is opened, your mailer has thirty seconds to engage with the reader and 3 minutes to generate the desired response. Hence, the name 3:33 rule. 3 Seconds Before The Mailer Goes Into The GarbageAccording to the 3:33 rule, you have 3 seconds after receiving the mail. In these three seconds, the letter recipient will decide whether to open it or throw it away. In other words, you have to ensure that the recipient knows the mailer is from your medical institution within three seconds. The 3 second part is the most crucial aspect of sending your collection letter to the patient. Because once your patient realizes that the letter is from you, they are likely to read it. Whereas a marketing mailer is much more complicated, and getting a response is much more difficult. Design The Look Of Your Mailer Before Writing ItIn the case of a medical collection letter, one could easily argue that the design precedes the content. Here, you are not convincing your prospects to spend their money on a product or service. The patients owe you money, and they usually feel obligated to respond. However, that does not mean getting a response is guaranteed or even easy for collection letters. But, we’ll discuss the content side of the collection letter a bit later. First, you need the mailer to notice the recipients before they open and view its content. To ensure that the design of your collection letter to patient is good enough as yourself, questions like:
It would be best to consider all the factors we have listed above before you move on to create a collection letter for your patients. And no matter what the size of your mailer is, you must always include your logo and branding on it. Doing so is the most effective way to ensure that your patient understands that it is from you. Be Mindful Of The Tone Of Your Medical Collection LetterAbove, we saw the significance of the design’s role in your medical collection letter. But, merely having a good design or even opening the letter is not enough. You also need to get a response from your patients. As we have explained, the design of your letter is great to increase its open rate. And even though the patient owes you money, using the wrong tone in your mailer could delay the payments. It is, after all, a sensitive topic, and if you don’t use the right style, you may scare the patient or end up fuelling their ego. So, you must always be mindful of the tone of voice in your medical collection letter. Communication through text can often be misleading and can cause unnecessary confusion. Hence, it would be best to make sure that the letter’s tone is calm and empathetic towards the patient. Let the patient know that you are there to help them. The fact that you are willing to develop an amicable solution may be enough to push the patient to contact you. Ask How You Can Help The PatientIt is not uncommon for patients to ignore your collection letters because they are sure they can’t make a full payment. So, when you offer to assist the patient with their medical expenses, the patient may feel relieved and reach out to you. Offer Financial AssistanceOffering financial assistance shows that your healthcare organization has the patient’s best interest at heart. There is nothing better for a medical institution than being trusted by its patients in the long run. However, the patient’s help doesn’t have to be financial. Add An Open-Ended QuestionSometimes adding an open-ended question like “How can we help?” in your medical collection letter can generate a response. The patient may request more time or even help to mediate with their insurer. Boost Patient LoyaltyIn effect, asking how to help your patients in the medical collection letter help you build good patient relations. The better you are at sensitively handling a billing conversation; the better are your chances of building customer loyalty. A medical crisis can often be stressful for the patient, and empathy can go a long way. Sample Medical Office Letters To PatientsWe have already explained how to write a collection letter to a patient. But, we know it is always easier for you to understand it with the help of medical collection letter templates. Here are a few examples of collection letters for your healthcare organization. Sample Collection Letter To Patient #1[Practice Name] [Practice Address] Billing Phone Number) [DateDate] [Patient Name] [Patient Address] [Account #] [Balance Due:] Dear [Patient Name], We are writing you this letter to notify you that your account is overdue. We have sent multiple statements to you over the past few days, but we have not received any response. The balance due mentioned above is the sum after the payment made by your insurance company. As per the hospital policy, you need to make the payment within 15 days of receiving this letter. We understand this may be a tough time for you, and we are more than willing to help you in any way possible. If you need any further assistance or have any questions, you can contact us at [Phone Number] between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. If you cannot make the full payment, we can discuss a payment plan to meet your needs. We hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, [Patient Accounts Coordinator] Sample Collection Letter To Patient #2[Practice Name] [Practice Address] Billing Phone Number) [DateDate] [Patient Name] [Patient Address] [Account #] [Balance Due:] Dear [Patient Name], We are writing you this letter as we are concerned about your overdue payment of [$___]. It is our sincerest hope that you will make this payment without involving a collections agency. As your healthcare provider, we understand that the times may be challenging, and we are happy to help you in any way we can. It is not our wish to put you through the tedious collection process. Hence, we request you to get in touch with us to discuss your payment options. Please let us know if you need any help extending terms, finding financing, or something else. We sincerely hope to help you and have made numerous attempts to contact you. But we need to hear from you to discuss a solution for the amount you owe. If you need any further assistance or have any questions, you can contact us at [Phone Number] between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Or you may also submit your payments to: [Practice/Company] [Address] [Info For Credit Card Payments] Sincerely, [Patient Accounts Coordinator] ConclusionHealthcare can often be expensive, and it is common for people to miss out on their medical payments. Healthcare providers often use medical collection letters to reach out to their patients in case of overdue medical payments. Categorizing your patients who have not made their medical payments and sending personalized collection letters can boost the response rate. Healthcare organizations can use advanced direct mail tools like PostGrid to send these personalized letters. Automated direct mail solutions help send collection letters to your patients. It can be a crucial part of optimizing your hospital communication and offering better patient services. Furthermore, PostGrid offers a secure direct mail solution with PIPEDA and SOC – II compliances. In addition to that, you can use PostGrid’s advanced address verification tool to ensure that your medical collection letter always reaches its destination. The post Medical Collection Letter appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/medical-collection-letter/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/685805180023898112 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/685808427175411712 TABLE OF CONTENTSHow to Send Urgent Items to Clients Using Same-Day Mail Delivery?Often, you may need to ship some documents, like invoices, statements, forms, contracts, etc., urgently. Hence, you must stay ever-ready to draft, print, and mail your items promptly and ensure that they reach the desired destination on time. Luckily, we can help you get there! ![]() Choosing the right service provider for same-day mail delivery allows you to prepare for emergencies in advance. You should communicate your needs and budget with your vendor beforehand to confirm if they can deliver according to your expectations. In this blog, let us discuss how to send letter with a same-day delivery service and the features you should look for in a vendor. We will also discuss some most commonly-used options to help you make the right choice. Things to Look For While Selecting a Same-Day Delivery Service ProviderIt is advisable not to settle for the first mailing choice you come across while searching for “same-day mail delivery near me”. These services are costly, so make sure that you get your money’s worth. Here are the top features you should consider: Pickup ServicesMost providers will offer to pick up your envelope or parcel from your doorstep. The purpose is to save time and expedite your mail delivery from the start of the journey. Also, inquire about the time frame of the pickup service, say 30 minutes, an hour, etc. 24-Hours AvailabilityYou may need same-day mail delivery at any time of the day. For example, imagine your client contacts you at 7 PM and asks you to send a confidential document urgently. In such situations, you cannot wait for a mailing company to open the next day at 9 AM. Instead, you need a provider who is open to initiating your delivery process at the earliest. Hence, try choosing a company having no cut-off timings for same-day letter delivery. Country-Wide ShippingCountry-wide mail delivery is another crucial characteristic you should consider. It allows your staff to mail documents and other items to any destination—without wasting much time. Some service providers offer same-day mail delivery only in specific zones. Thus, discuss such queries openly and get your answers before placing an order. Delay-Free ServicesIt is not uncommon for some vendors to promise same-day letter delivery but delay the process later. Hence, look up customer reviews online before selecting a mail company and discuss money-back guarantee schemes. Furthermore, their delivery estimates may differ from place to place. For instance, they might deliver on the same day if your mailing destination is within the city. Otherwise, they process it on the next business day. Ask your vendor about the exact delivery times across various locations to avoid surprises. Weekend DeliveryThis feature may be hard to avail of, but you can still try to convince your same-day delivery service vendor to offer weekend delivery. Of course, you may need to pay some surcharges. Yet, it is worth it during emergencies. CostingAs said earlier, same-day letter delivery is an expensive service. It requires your vendor to prioritize your items over others and conduct direct delivery. Thus, try to talk about your exact requirements and let the mailing company present a quote. If it’s reasonable, you can go ahead. Or else, try to negotiate rates and look for other options. Being informed regarding the current same-day mail delivery rates can help you in these situations and help you negotiate better and grab the best prices. Tracking UpdatesNaturally, you would want to know if the mailing company delivered your items within the specified time. It also enables you to follow up more efficiently with your recipients. Look for vendors that provide live updates regarding your mail status and enable tracking. You don’t need to keep guessing where your envelope or package is at the moment. Thankfully, some automated direct mail services like PostGrid offer real-time tracking to help you stay informed always. Reliability and SecurityThe same-day delivery service you choose ought to be reliable and secure. The courier company should be responsible for delivering your items in their original condition. Often, some providers fail to meet this requirement because they focus more on expedited delivery and ignore the process. Hence, place an order only when you are sure that your vendor is authentic and credible. How to Send a Letter Same-Day Delivery?In Canada, there are three popular options to help you get your mail delivered to your recipients on the same day, and they are: UPS Express CriticalThis same-day mail delivery service is ideal for all lightweight and heavy shipments. Moreover, you can use it to send your mail items to any part of the world. The UPS offers several ways to use this option:
The method you select depends on the type of item you want to mail and its destination. Here are some of the features of UPS Express Critical:
FedEx 1Day FreightFedEx 1Day Freight helps you send time-sensitive items across Canada between Monday to Friday. It guarantees delivery by 5 PM on the next business day, so it is not a same-day letter delivery service in the conventional sense. However, FedEx provides a money-back guarantee and reasonable rates for using this service, making it a good option that you should know about. Priority MailPriority Mail is your best bet if you are trying to find options for same-day mail delivery in Canada Post. It lets you send time-critical parcels and documents anywhere in Canada. This mailing service also offers a signature on delivery and on-demand pickup for free. However, the next-day delivery feature is merely an estimate, and your items might get delayed occasionally. Tip: Try to speed up your mail drafting and printing process using automation to accelerate same-day letter delivery further. How Can PostGrid Help You Send Your Time-Sensitive Mail Pieces Speedily?PostGrid’s direct mail API and automation software are in-built to process your items as quickly as possible. Get started by creating a PostGrid account and integrating our API into your CRM. Then, PostGrid helps you design your items using our HTML and PDF templates. You can customize your mail pieces according to your requirements and preferences. It is not easy to send a letter on same-day delivery; hence, PostGrid also gets your documents printed and initiates delivery on your behalf. Below, we have listed more ways in which PostGrid assists you in your mailing tasks:
Request a demo now to see how PostGrid aids your same-day mail delivery activities and helps you save costs with 75% cheaper pricing plans! The post Same Day Mail Delivery Service appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/same-day-mail-delivery-service/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/685254054842155008 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/685257323549245440 TABLE OF CONTENTSPhysical Address Vs. Mailing Address: Know the DifferenceWhen was the last time an eCommerce website asked you to provide a mailing address? If you ever had to deal with such situations, you already know that people use more than one type of address. So, are mailing addresses and physical addresses the same? ![]() Well, the answer is a clear no. Both of these addresses mean two completely different things and serve distant purposes. In simple terms, a physical address describes a physical location, and a mailing address is a place where you can receive postal mail. A mail address can be someone’s physical address as well, but not always. To understand the reasons behind such scenarios, let us first learn the meaning of the different types of mailing addresses. Physical AddressA physical address is a place that is physically located somewhere and falls under the local authority’s jurisdiction. For example, if your house address is 852 MacLaren Street, Toronto, Ontario M1S 1T4. It is called a physical address. Other names for a physical address include residential address, street address, physical home address, etc. If you are looking for an apartment to rent or buy, its physical address is the first thing to consider. This location helps you know whether there are good schools, hospitals, and other places nearby. Now, let’s talk about business organizations. What is the physical address of a business? How can you decide whether a location is apt to become your physical address? In general, the place where a business conducts its operations is its physical address. Usually, companies look for a well-connected area to set up their office. You may think that every company has an office somewhere. So, all companies have a physical address. But, in reality, a lot of companies operate online or are home-based businesses. So, they don’t have a particular office space to term as their physical address. So the question arises: how will these companies receive postal mail? That’s when mailing addresses come in. Mailing AddressAs the name goes, a mailing address is where you can receive your mail items. It is also called the postal address or delivery address. For example, if you are shopping online, you will enter the address where you want to receive your parcel. It doesn’t matter where you live or what your physical street address is. Mailing addresses are tied to the postal services of a country. Here, Canada Post is the concerned postal authority that keeps records of all the mail addresses in Canada. Some companies have a separate mailing address due to a variety of reasons, primarily home-based businesses. They do not opt for receiving mail at their homes and instead choose another location for this purpose. However, it is different with large organizations. Usually, their physical and business postal addresses are the same. Not Every Mailing Address Is a Physical AddressThe prime differences between these addresses are geographic locations and mail deliverability. While visiting a place, you would need a physical address and not a mailing address. On the other hand, you need a mailing address for sending a letter to someone. So, you need a different type of address for both of these reasons. But, you can still use a single address as your physical and mailing address both. If you are wondering about the possible reasons why someone’s physical and mailing address are different, we have a list below: PO BoxesIt is the most common reason why someone has two different addresses. If your physical address is in a PO box-only area, you cannot receive mail there. Instead, you must use a PO box for receiving all your mail items. So, you must mention your PO box address rather than entering your physical address to order something online. Unique Postal CodesSome large buildings, universities, government agencies, and organizations are assigned unique postal codes. By unique postal codes, we mean those codes that serve only one location. Since these places receive mail items in high volume, it makes sense that they have their postal codes. However, in such cases, Canada Post business addresses are different from mailing addresses. It delivers all the mail items to the mail department of the place, which then internally distributes them. Extreme Weather ConditionsPlaces with extreme weather conditions or hard-to-reach tracts are deemed as non-serviceable by Canada Post. The post offices near such areas drop the mail items at a post office box. The recipients can then collect their mail from there. It also applies to highly rural areas where it is difficult to reach. Residents can arrange for different mailbox services to get their mail. Military AddressesYou cannot mention physical addresses to mail to someone in the military. Instead, you must write a separate mailing address that helps Canada Post deliver mail to the military forces. Remember to mention the FPO or APO address along with the unit designation to get your mail delivered accurately. Canada Post sends the mail items to these military post offices that further distribute them. Clustered MailboxesYou would often find people debating about residential address vs. postal address. However, there’s another reason why your office or home address is entirely different from your postal address – clustered mailboxes. In many places, Canada Post does not deliver to individual mailboxes. Instead, it drops off mail at a community mailbox which is a cluster of those individual mailboxes. Hence, your mailing address will be the address of this community mailbox and not your physical address. Which Type of Address Do I Need?Before deciding which type of address you want for your business, consider your company type. All companies need a mailing address to receive crucial correspondence, but not all require a physical address. For example, if you run a company that conducts online webinars, you would not need a physical space. In this case, you can use a virtual address (more on that ahead) or rent a mailbox. But, if you are planning to own an office address and hire some people as full-time employees, you surely need a physical address. Virtual AddressesA virtual address is a boon for small and home-based businesses. If you work from home or do not have an address to receive mail, you can use a virtual business address. These addresses act as a mailing address for you. It is known as “virtual” because you don’t need to go anywhere to get your mail. This virtual mailbox helps you receive postal mail without renting or buying a place for that. You can also use Canada Post mail forwarding business services to redirect your mail anywhere. Just provide a mail forwarding address, and your virtual post office box will send the items straight to you. Moreover, some companies also use virtual offices to conduct meetings. It can be very beneficial as having a space to conduct meetings and meet customers improves brand credibility. Difference Between a Street Address and a Mailing Address?Before we talk about the difference between street addresses and mailing addresses, let’s talk about what a street address is. Typically, a street address is the same as your physical address. It describes the place where something is geographically situated. However, you may not always receive your mail delivery at your street address. For example, if it’s a PO box-only area or has clustered mailboxes, your mailing address is bound to be different. How to Write Mailing Address Canada?For sending and receiving mail accurately, you must know the mailing address format in Canada. In addition, it helps the Canada Post mail sorting machines to read your mailing addresses correctly. Follow the below guidelines for addressing an envelope:
Find below an example of the Canada Post address format: Liam Tremblay In case you have any troubles standardizing and verifying mailing addresses, use our mailing address lookup services. Also, our address validation API can help you validate your mailing lists in minutes and continue sending mail without any issues. Over to YouWhile running a business, you must understand the difference between a physical address vs. mailing address. This way, you can make better decisions and also send and receive mail without any confusion. PostGrid’s address verification API and software can help you verify your mailing addresses. So, you don’t have to spend any more on lost and returned mail items. Thus, companies can maintain their professional image and complete deliveries on time. Want to know more about how our API can help you update your database and improve the efficiency of your mailing activities? Sign Up Now! The post Physical Address Vs. Mailing Address: Know the Difference appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/physical-address-vs-mailing-address/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/684710449392091136 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/684713752684314624 |