Blog – The Architect’s Log

Almost exactly one year ago, Netdrafter stopped receiving our mail via the US Postal System and switched to a more appropriate method for our already digital business – digital snail mail. That’s right, no more trips to the physical PO box, no more sorting through all that excess junk mail, and no more filing real mail. We use EarthClass Mail to collect and deal with our mail for us.

Here’s how it works:

1. EarthClass Mail sets up a special PO box address where our customers and vendors send us mail. Our special address is: PO Box 96503 #83685 Washington, DC 20090. (Street addresses throughout the US and Europe are also available, as well as prestigious addresses in Manhattan, LA, Hollywood, etc.)
   
   
2. Our mail is collected at that location and sent to EarthClass’ secure mail processing facility, where the front of each mail piece is digitally scanned.
   
   
3. We get an email notification that mail has been received and we choose what to do with each mail piece. Choices are: open and scan, shred, recycle, archive for later, or forward to another address. We manage each piece right from the notification email or from the EarthClass Mail web site.

How we use it:

1. For Vendor Invoices: we have their security-cleared team open the envelope and scan the contents for us to download in .pdf format.
   
   
2. For Incoming Checks: we have them forwarded to a local address and then take them to the bank. (EarthClass Mail will soon be offering a check scanning and deposit service. We can’t wait!)
   
   
3. For Junk Mail: goes straight to the recycling bin or shredder.
   
   
4. For Packages and Catalogs: these items should be sent to a traditional address, although we occasionally get a catalog that we forward on.

This service is perfect for us because we store everything digitally and not having to scan important mail saves us time. Having a permanent EarthClass Mail address means if we move our office location, we don’t have to change our address with customers and vendors. Our address follows us forever. This is the perfect “eco-friendly” solution for other digital businesses, frequent travelers, concierge and virtual office-type businesses, military and State Department families, college students, and people just sick of sorting through junk mail.

Give it a try; there’s a 30 day free trial and we wouldn’t steer you wrong.

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