Mail Forwarding services
Nov 20, 2009, 9:09 pm
#46
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London
Posts: 610
I am currently with Earth Class Mail but working to find an alternative after they hiked their rates. My needs are fairly simple - no packages, with an occassional mail item that is required to be forwarded post scanning. One service provider I found is Mailboxforwarding.com. Another one is paperlessmail.com (not sure if they provide forwarding). Any comments or reviews on these two? Thanks.
Nov 20, 2009, 11:15 pm
#47
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,606
However, do they forward any of it physically?
I couldn't find this on the site, and would be one option I would like to have...
Update:
"What happens to my original mail pieces?
Original mail pieces are archived by number in Paperlessmail.com's secure warehouse. They are stored for 3 months. Mail pieces are available upon request for a modest shipping and handling charge."
Link: http://www.paperlessmail.com/PageTyp...lang=EN#Other3
Nov 22, 2009, 12:15 am
#48
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London
Posts: 610
Thanks for posting paperlessmail.com - I think it offers very good value for scanning mail.
However, do they forward any of it physically?
I couldn't find this on the site, and would be one option I would like to have...
Update:
"What happens to my original mail pieces?
Original mail pieces are archived by number in Paperlessmail.com's secure warehouse. They are stored for 3 months. Mail pieces are available upon request for a modest shipping and handling charge."
Link: http://www.paperlessmail.com/PageTyp...lang=EN#Other3
However, do they forward any of it physically?
I couldn't find this on the site, and would be one option I would like to have...
Update:
"What happens to my original mail pieces?
Original mail pieces are archived by number in Paperlessmail.com's secure warehouse. They are stored for 3 months. Mail pieces are available upon request for a modest shipping and handling charge."
Link: http://www.paperlessmail.com/PageTyp...lang=EN#Other3
Nov 22, 2009, 1:43 am
#49
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,606
Nov 22, 2009, 10:14 am
#50
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London
Posts: 610
Paperlessmail has responded on their mail forwarding charges - "We pass on our expenses for retrieving the mailpieces from our storage facility and for preparing and shipping the items. We charge a handling fee of $4.95 for the first mailpiece then $1.95 for each additional mailpiece. We then pass on the actual charges for the shipping method you choose (FedEx Ground, FedEx Express, or USPS First Class Mail)." So not exactly cheap, unless you are happy with a scanning only solution.
I have decided to try out Mailforwarding.com with their first month free offer.
I have decided to try out Mailforwarding.com with their first month free offer.
Nov 22, 2009, 8:38 pm
#51
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,606
Paperlessmail has responded on their mail forwarding charges - "We pass on our expenses for retrieving the mailpieces from our storage facility and for preparing and shipping the items. We charge a handling fee of $4.95 for the first mailpiece then $1.95 for each additional mailpiece. We then pass on the actual charges for the shipping method you choose (FedEx Ground, FedEx Express, or USPS First Class Mail)." So not exactly cheap, unless you are happy with a scanning only solution.
Last edited by SuperFlyBoy; Nov 22, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Nov 27, 2009, 8:48 pm
#52
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1
USAMail1
I too have found the advice in this thread useful and thought I would share my experiences with USAMail1.
Pros:
Setup was quick
Monthly and annual rates are good
Postage rates (to Australia) are good if you are happy to use DHL
Website is easy to use
Cons:
I have made a comparison between BongoUS and USAMail1 based on my likely usage pattern and my updated knowledge of the postage rates and other fees. If I am happy to use DHL for delivery, USAMail1 is 10 to 15% more expensive for me--and that's without factoring in the extra $45 per parcel for alleged "Quarantine Levies" (which I usually refuse to pay). If I use the next cheapest postal service with USAMail1, they are about 30% more expensive than Bongo.
Once my 3 months with USAMail runs out, I think I will be shifting over to Bongo (or another service, if I come across a better one)!
I hope this helps someone
Pros:
Setup was quick
Monthly and annual rates are good
Postage rates (to Australia) are good if you are happy to use DHL
Website is easy to use
Cons:
- Hard to find a list of fees on the website, even now that I am a member.
- Consolidation fee of $3.95 per item. (i thought this was $1.95 when I joined them only a month or so ago.)
- Sales tax is payable on items bought from on-line retailers, as USAMail are based in NY state.
- I hate DHL here as they have tried to charge me unsubstantiated Quarantine inspection fees on 3 out of 4 parcels so far (at $45 each time). The other postage rates are much more expensive, more than Bongo for example.
- Their process is slow for consolidation and shipping. e.g. I know I have two parcels there and want them consolidated and shipped. This process can take up to a week!
- First I request the consolidation.
- Overnight I get a bill for the consolidation ($3.90).
- Once I've paid it, they will consolidate the items.
- Next day I can see the total weight/size and choose a shipping method. I select the shipping method and ask them to ship.
- Overnight I get an invoice for the shipping, and pay it the next day.
- Overnight (if i'm lucky) they ship the item.
- No customer service on weekends. So the process of consoliodating, shipping or personal shopping completely stalls over weekends!
- Personal shopping is slow:I have also used their personal shopping service and that had similar delays due to time-zone issues for shopping at US sites--make the request, they send an invoice, pay the invoice, then they place the order. So if you are trying to catch something on sale, the process will quite likely be too slow for you--the item will be gone, the sale over or the coupon invalid.
I have made a comparison between BongoUS and USAMail1 based on my likely usage pattern and my updated knowledge of the postage rates and other fees. If I am happy to use DHL for delivery, USAMail1 is 10 to 15% more expensive for me--and that's without factoring in the extra $45 per parcel for alleged "Quarantine Levies" (which I usually refuse to pay). If I use the next cheapest postal service with USAMail1, they are about 30% more expensive than Bongo.
Once my 3 months with USAMail runs out, I think I will be shifting over to Bongo (or another service, if I come across a better one)!
I hope this helps someone
Jan 27, 2010, 11:52 pm
#53
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 122
Lowest rates
I actually own similar shipping company for mail, magazines and packages.
http://www.shipito.com
For example a magazine can be shipped from U.S.A. anywhere in the world for $2.65 in postage.
FedEx rates are with huge discount. Please try to compare as the saving is often half off. http://www.shipito.com/calculator
We even have USPS rates with discounts - cheaper than at the post office
There are several shipping methods offered. So you can choose what is the best for you.
Consolidation is $2 for two packages, $4 for three packages.. cap at $8.50 for as many packages (in case you have a lot of small things to ship).
Our fee $8.50 for mail out (consolidated package or individual).
Letter or magazine fast mail out option for $1 only + postage.
http://www.shipito.com
For example a magazine can be shipped from U.S.A. anywhere in the world for $2.65 in postage.
FedEx rates are with huge discount. Please try to compare as the saving is often half off. http://www.shipito.com/calculator
We even have USPS rates with discounts - cheaper than at the post office
There are several shipping methods offered. So you can choose what is the best for you.
Consolidation is $2 for two packages, $4 for three packages.. cap at $8.50 for as many packages (in case you have a lot of small things to ship).
Our fee $8.50 for mail out (consolidated package or individual).
Letter or magazine fast mail out option for $1 only + postage.
Jan 27, 2010, 11:58 pm
#54
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MAD
Programs: DL, UA, AA, BA, Marriott
Posts: 599
I have been with EarthClassMail for a little over a year now, and while the servcie is great, and the support was great in the begining when i needed it, the prices have more than tripled for what I required.
Luckily I've got another year on my 2 year contract, but next year I don't know what i'm going to do, the whole point was to not ever have to switch my address again.
Be aware that if you go with EarthClassMail, the price is subject to change at any point, and they are known to up the prices and change everything around completely.
Also, the website is excellent feature wise, but I find it a bit slow (not that its a big deal, but I probably spend 15 minutes a week going through mail on it as opposed to 5 if the site were faster).
Luckily I've got another year on my 2 year contract, but next year I don't know what i'm going to do, the whole point was to not ever have to switch my address again.
Be aware that if you go with EarthClassMail, the price is subject to change at any point, and they are known to up the prices and change everything around completely.
Also, the website is excellent feature wise, but I find it a bit slow (not that its a big deal, but I probably spend 15 minutes a week going through mail on it as opposed to 5 if the site were faster).
Feb 9, 2010, 2:23 pm
#55
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2
What to look for in a Mail Forwarding service
I think it's great that people are taking time to investigate their options. I want to offer some advice on what to look for when choosing an online mail forwarding service. There are many different applications for this kind of service, so there are many aspects to take in account.
I can’t speak for the other services, so I will only speak for Earth Class Mail:
Features – Multiple recipients and business names, B&W or color scanning, posting images of all incoming mail, Check Deposit, character recognition scanning, scan downloader, not locked into forwarding address or frequency, and many others. We frequently add new features based on customers suggestions, like the option to attach PDF images to notification emails. There is even an iPhone app.
Address network – There are currently 24 addresses across the US, including street addresses in Manhattan, Seattle, San Francisco, West Hollywood, and Delaware. Mail received at any address is directed into the same online account.
User friendliness – Our user interface has been designed to resemble popular email clients. Customers of all ages quickly learn how easy online mail management can be. We even have an automated assistant to help you complete the required Postal Consent Form (USPS Form 1583). Our interface will quickly show you all items images, inside your account. Content scans can be viewed in your account, or downloaded to your computer. Switching between recipients inboxes is easy as well as the navigation for selecting operations.
Expertise – Earth Class Mail did not one day decide to start scanning mail. We were designed from the ground up to give you complete online access to postal mail. We’ve been doing this for five years, so you know we know what we’re doing. We have an expert team of engineers to keep all facets of Earth Class Mail at their best. This is what we do, and we’re good at it. We have the most capable staffing and employees to make sure your mail is processed promptly and securely. Mail is in your account the day we receive it, and content scans are consistently done by the end of the next business day, if not sooner. You can trust us to take care of your mail, and your packages.
Credibility – Out of all the companies claiming to offer online mail management, Swiss Post, the national postal service of Switzerland, chose to partner with us to bring this service to their customers in Europe.
Customer service – We are convinced that we have one of the best customer service teams around. There are no elaborate automated phone systems. Call us, we answer, and we help you. Email us. You’ll promptly get a helpful response and not just some pre-written guess at what you need.
Security – You don’t want just anyone reading you mail. All our employees are highly screened. Operators are not allowed to carry any recording devices (camera phones, pens, pencils, etc.) and are monitored by live, color video when in the secure scanning room. We design our own systems and user interface to ensure the highest levels of safety.
I hope this offers some insight as to what to keep in mind when evaluating your options for online mail forwarding. This is a condensed list of what we have to offer. This is why we believe you won’t find a better value than Earth Class Mail.
- Features
- Address network
- User friendliness
- Expertise
- Credibility
- Customer Service
- Security
I can’t speak for the other services, so I will only speak for Earth Class Mail:
Features – Multiple recipients and business names, B&W or color scanning, posting images of all incoming mail, Check Deposit, character recognition scanning, scan downloader, not locked into forwarding address or frequency, and many others. We frequently add new features based on customers suggestions, like the option to attach PDF images to notification emails. There is even an iPhone app.
Address network – There are currently 24 addresses across the US, including street addresses in Manhattan, Seattle, San Francisco, West Hollywood, and Delaware. Mail received at any address is directed into the same online account.
User friendliness – Our user interface has been designed to resemble popular email clients. Customers of all ages quickly learn how easy online mail management can be. We even have an automated assistant to help you complete the required Postal Consent Form (USPS Form 1583). Our interface will quickly show you all items images, inside your account. Content scans can be viewed in your account, or downloaded to your computer. Switching between recipients inboxes is easy as well as the navigation for selecting operations.
Expertise – Earth Class Mail did not one day decide to start scanning mail. We were designed from the ground up to give you complete online access to postal mail. We’ve been doing this for five years, so you know we know what we’re doing. We have an expert team of engineers to keep all facets of Earth Class Mail at their best. This is what we do, and we’re good at it. We have the most capable staffing and employees to make sure your mail is processed promptly and securely. Mail is in your account the day we receive it, and content scans are consistently done by the end of the next business day, if not sooner. You can trust us to take care of your mail, and your packages.
Credibility – Out of all the companies claiming to offer online mail management, Swiss Post, the national postal service of Switzerland, chose to partner with us to bring this service to their customers in Europe.
Customer service – We are convinced that we have one of the best customer service teams around. There are no elaborate automated phone systems. Call us, we answer, and we help you. Email us. You’ll promptly get a helpful response and not just some pre-written guess at what you need.
Security – You don’t want just anyone reading you mail. All our employees are highly screened. Operators are not allowed to carry any recording devices (camera phones, pens, pencils, etc.) and are monitored by live, color video when in the secure scanning room. We design our own systems and user interface to ensure the highest levels of safety.
I hope this offers some insight as to what to keep in mind when evaluating your options for online mail forwarding. This is a condensed list of what we have to offer. This is why we believe you won’t find a better value than Earth Class Mail.
Feb 9, 2010, 10:03 pm
#56
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plt
Posts: 2,607
Wirelessly posted (Blackberry8700c: BlackBerry9630/5.0.0.419 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)
EarthClassMail: have you considered a lower price point than the current 19.95 a month? For expats with very low volume this is rather prohibitive. I'd rather pay a higher per item fee than such a large upfront. I have family in the US and the cost of your service now is making me rely on them again to just send a mail packet each month for $5 shipping.
EarthClassMail: have you considered a lower price point than the current 19.95 a month? For expats with very low volume this is rather prohibitive. I'd rather pay a higher per item fee than such a large upfront. I have family in the US and the cost of your service now is making me rely on them again to just send a mail packet each month for $5 shipping.
Apr 11, 2010, 3:51 pm
#57
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 49
I switched from EarthClassMail to PaperlessMail a month ago, and this weekend received a notice that PaperlessMail will stop providing individual service at the end of the month... have to go through the whole address change routine again! :-(
I didn't see it mentioned upthread, but I'm giving virtualpostmail.com a shot, the site seems pretty slick and if you use the promo codes the prices aren't all that bad. Will still be half of what I was paying ECM and the forward shipping looks much more reasonable. Might be worth a look for anybody else in the market.
I didn't see it mentioned upthread, but I'm giving virtualpostmail.com a shot, the site seems pretty slick and if you use the promo codes the prices aren't all that bad. Will still be half of what I was paying ECM and the forward shipping looks much more reasonable. Might be worth a look for anybody else in the market.
Apr 12, 2010, 6:49 am
#58
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 10
I am currently with Earth Class Mail but working to find an alternative after they hiked their rates. My needs are fairly simple - no packages, with an occassional mail item that is required to be forwarded post scanning. One service provider I found is Mailboxforwarding.com. Another one is paperlessmail.com (not sure if they provide forwarding). Any comments or reviews on these two? Thanks.Last edited by hermaleg; Apr 13, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Apr 12, 2010, 7:21 am
#59
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Nice
Programs: Marriott Titanium, AA Concierge Key, Delta, United, Emorates, and others
Posts: 4,694
I have used a UPS Store for this function for five years. They do not have all the features you're asking for, to be sure.
However, after some time the mail began to take on a regular pattern so I have them discard junk mail, and define that as anything not received from specified recipients or First class.
I also send them lots of packages.
Their forwarding to France and/or Brazil is reasonably priced.
The specialists that have cropped up since I began this have all either seemed questionable or not had the features I wanted. In the end, knowing my UPS Store people seems to be a decent solution to the problem, but not perfect.
I'll be interested in a comprehensive review of options.
However, after some time the mail began to take on a regular pattern so I have them discard junk mail, and define that as anything not received from specified recipients or First class.
I also send them lots of packages.
Their forwarding to France and/or Brazil is reasonably priced.
The specialists that have cropped up since I began this have all either seemed questionable or not had the features I wanted. In the end, knowing my UPS Store people seems to be a decent solution to the problem, but not perfect.
I'll be interested in a comprehensive review of options.