Sending a parcel abroad is now more clear-cut and easier than before, what with online courier services where all you have to do is book your order and they’ll even pick it up for you. Yes, the process is now a breeze, but is it the same for sending envelopes as well?
The simple answer is yes. Sending an envelope for delivery within the UK or in other countries is more convenient, too, what with online booking forms and a variety of payment methods that include PayPal, debit or credit card. But even though everything is easier and more convenient nowadays, you still have to do your bit to make sure that your envelope gets to its destination. This includes properly labelling and addressing your envelope. So how can you do it right? Here’s how you can properly label and address your envelope for assured delivery.
When you are addressing your envelope
Addressing your envelope can be clear and straightforward; everyone who knows how to send an envelope properly will confirm that you have to include your delivery address and shipping address and other pertinent details. But before you do this, check if your envelope and its contents may be in the list of restricted or prohibited items (you want to make sure that your envelope does get through).
When it comes to addressing your envelope, here are some guidelines:
- The recipient’s name, as well as their address, will go on the envelope’s bottom leftmost corner; write it down on the envelope’s front
- If you are writing down the address by hand, make sure your handwriting is clear and legible. If you are printing out the address, choose a font that’s easy to read
- When using ink or a pen, choose a colour that’s easily distinguishable against the envelope’s colour
- It is best to align your text to the left. Avoid the use of ‘stepped’ or centred lines
- Don’t use any full stops or commas
- It’s also best to leave a good-sized margin around the recipient’s address and your shipping address, so it is clearly seen
- If you are sending your envelope through an online courier, you will be presented with a shipping label that you have to print out, so stick this on the envelope and make sure it is also clearly visible
- Avoid writing down any details such as email addresses or telephone numbers on the outside of the envelope. This is to protect both you and your recipient.
- When writing down the address, divide it into lines: the top line should be dedicated to the person or recipient’s name. Indicate their surname as well. If sending the envelope to an organisation, then add the name of the organisation underneath the person or individual’s name. The middle lines should include the street name and property number, and the next line after this should be the village or local area name. The succeeding line should be the name of the town and write or print this in capital or upper-case lettering. If the destination of the envelope is in the UK, the last line should be the postcode (in capital or upper-case letters as well). If you are sending it internationally, the last two lines should be the area code and then the name of the country, also in upper case.
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