Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Snail-mail in the Wire

Computers are so much a part of our life these days, that it amazes me. Other day I was looking for my car key at my home and wished I could google-search for the same :). Similarly, when I had to post some documents( yeah through snail-mail) , it occured to me whether there was a service on net that could save my effort of visiting a courier waala or a postoffice (where I havn't been to in ages, dont even know where it is located :( ).

It turns-out there are many. Whats more is you can attach files and even pictures and it will be delivered to your requested address. While some of these are chargeble some you can even try for FREE. Here is a list of some:





http://freepostit.com : Lets you send 5 mails a month for free and you can even attach 4 pictures per mail. You dont even have to register. You might get some ads with the mail, but its ok as long as its free :). I tried this just now, lets see if the mail reaches to my address.






http://www.zoomin.com : This I have tried and I am fully satisfied with it. This is the site where you can upload your pics and have them delivered at any postal address. It has amazing features like collage, callanders, Postcards, etc. Nominal charges.











http://www.esnailer.com : Not tried this but this also seems like a free service. You might have to register to some advertised services though. Although, it provides payment option as well.








http://www.hallmark.com : This site lets you post greeting cards, that you buy from them.









http://www.postful.com : This can be used for your similar business need. Professional service, you pay for what you send. Creates your account and keeps tracks of your mails.



Some of these even lets you recieve the postal mails through net. How? Well, you give their P.O box number and if anyone sends you mail on that P.O box they willl scan it and send it you you as a softcopy in mail.

Although it has its advantages but there are always two sides to a coin
  • You can't send original documents
  • If its not paid, its not reliable
  • It obviously lacks personalization, hand-written is still hand-written