What happens if i mail a letter with insufficient postage
If you mail a letter with insufficient postage, it's likely that the letter will not be delivered to its intended recipient. Here's what might happen:
- Postage Due: The postal service will mark the letter "Postage Due" and return it to the sender. This means that the letter will be sent back to you, and you'll need to affix the correct postage before re-mailing it.
- Additional Fees: You might be charged additional fees for the return of the letter, which can range from $0.30 to $1.00, depending on the postal service and the type of mailpiece.
- Delayed Delivery: If the letter is not returned to you, it might be held at the post office or a processing facility until the correct postage is applied. This can cause delays in delivery, which might result in the letter being delivered late or not at all.
- Undeliverable: In some cases, if the letter is not returned to you, it might be considered undeliverable and be discarded.
To avoid these issues, make sure to check the postage required for your mailpiece before sending it. You can:
- Use a postage calculator or online tool to determine the correct postage.
- Check the postage rates on the USPS website or at your local post office.
- Use a postage meter or a self-adhesive stamp to ensure the correct postage is applied.
Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and use the correct postage to ensure your mailpiece is delivered efficiently and effectively.