Examples of Smart Choices

These examples show how mailing services can be combined to meet your needs.

Example 1: Sending a Valuable Item

Jane’s niece is getting married next month, and Jane wants to send a piece of heirloom jewelry to the bride. The jewelry has a lot of sentimental value, so Jane wants to be sure that it will arrive safely. Jane identifies three possible options:

Option A - $$$ - Priority Mail Express

Priority Mail Express automatically includes insurance up to $100 and guarantees delivery to Jane’s niece in 1 to 2 days. Additional insurance may be purchased. Jane will also receive a mailing receipt and confirmation that the package has been delivered and, if requested, and has been signed for by her niece.

Option B - $$ - USPS Ground Advantage-Retail with Registered Mail

USPS Ground Advantage-Retail offers delivery at a low cost and can be combined with Registered Mail, a service that provides the highest level of mail security during transit. Insurance can be purchased for items up to $50,000 in material, but not sentimental value.

Option C - $ - USPS Ground Advantage-Retail with Insurance

USPS Ground Advantage-Retail offers delivery at a low cost and with $100 of included insurance. This will cover the jewelry's material value should the piece get lost or damaged. Should the jewelery have a material value of greater than $100, Jane can opt to increase insurance coverage up to $5,000. Please note that the insurance coverage is material value, not sentimental value.

Jane's Decision

Jane decides that speed is less of a priority than security. Jane chooses USPS Ground Advantage-Retail and, because the jewelry has greater sentimental than monetary value, she decides to add Registered Mail service so she can feel confident that her heirloom will be as secure as possible during transit.

Example 2: Sending an Important Document

Maria recently sold her car and needs to transfer the title to the new owner. Maria wants to be certain that the new owner gets the title to complete the sale. Maria considers these options:

Option A - $$$ - Priority Mail Express

Priority Mail Express will arrive at many locations the day after it is mailed. Priority Mail Express also provides Maria with proof that she mailed the title, the ability to track it online or by phone, and notification that it was delivered. Maria can also request a copy of the recipient’s signature.

Option B - $$ - Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation Service

Priority Mail will get the title to its destination in 1-3 days. Priority Mail with tracking lets her obtain delivery information online or by phone. If Maria uses Signature Confirmation she gets the same delivery information, plus she can request a copy of the recipient’s signature.

Option C - $ - First-Class Mail with Certified Mail and Return Receipt

First-Class Mail will get the title to its destination in 1-3 days. Certified Mail with Return Receipt will give Maria proof that she mailed the title and will return a card to her with the date the title was delivered and the signature of the person who received it.

Maria's Decision

Maria wants a copy of the signature returned to her to prove that the title was delivered, and she wants to get the lowest price she can. Maria decides that First-Class Mail with Certified Mail and Return Receipt is the best option.