Is Sending Snail Mail Still A Thing?
Why would anyone want to send a card? Valid questions to be sure, and I can understand why you might ask them. These days we thrive on instant gratification. We get most of our information and communication more or less immediately. It would seem that email and texts have made snail mail obsolete and certainly unnecessary. That being said, let me play Devil’s Advocate for a moment and ask, why AREN’T you sending snail mail to your friends and loved ones?
Let’s chat a bit about snail mail and maybe clear up some misconceptions and misinformation. Snail mail IS NOT dead, in fact, it’s alive and well and still a vital part of our healthy lives and economy here in the United States. Here’s why.
What Is Snail Mail?
First of all, if you’re wondering what we’re talking about, “snail mail” is paper mail that’s delivered by the postal system. It got its name because it moves slower than an email or a text. Email’s delivery may be “instant,” or sort of, but it’s far less personal and is easily lost in the deluge of messages we get on a daily basis.
Snail mail is incredibly thoughtful and personal, and these days, a “unique” way to send a message. Your card will stand out because it took time and effort and thoughtfulness to write, and deliver. Best of all, it isn’t a bill or junk mail, and that’s a big deal.
Is Snail Mail As Slow As The Name Suggests?
Well, not really, but compared to an email, yes, it is much slower. From a business standpoint, email performs best in work environments, where answers are needed quickly. But, I argue that the slowness of snail mail is what makes it so perfect. There’s a certain romance to putting pen to paper and sending your thoughts and feelings through the mail. Beyond that, it’s well worth the time and effort or the ROI- your return on investment here is high.
Yes, snail mail may cost more than an email at first glance. I argue that if we’re willing to spend upwards of $5 for a cup of coffee – often several times a day – spending less than a dollar to put a long-distance smile on someone’s face is well worth it.
Email, on the other hand, is quick and almost free, you do still have to pay for the connection. But, it’s common, crowded, and impersonal. AND, that email could be ignored by the recipient – IF it actually makes it to their inbox, and not their spam folder. Another problem, no internet, no email – the internet goes down more often than you think. Plus, the less snail mail that’s sent, the more Post Office jobs could be in jeopardy, taking income away from those workers and their families.
We’ve Become An Instant Gratification Society
Fewer and fewer people are willing to wait for much of anything. The romance of sending your thoughts and feelings through the mail and waiting for a response is waning. To me, THAT’S the beauty of snail mail. It takes time to write and send and receive – and there is NOTHING wrong with that. Slowing down in an increasingly fast paced world is good, it’s healthy, it’s necessary.
Writing by hand helps to rewire your brain. Keyboards and screens, and all the demands that come with them, keep the brain moving at a breakneck pace. They don’t allow the brain to slow and become calm. Revisions are simple, just a click of a mouse, so taking the time to think about and plan your message isn’t necessary.
Slowing your mind to really think about what you want to write in your card forces you to calm your nervous system, slow your breathing and lower your blood pressure. Planning your note and writing by hand forces you to use parts of your brain that you go days without using. So not only does the recipient get benefits, but so does the sender – it’s a win-win.
Life Is Busy
It’s so easy to fall out of touch these days. It seems we’re always so busy. Connecting or reconnecting with friends and family can be difficult. It’s not easy to pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t seen or heard from in a while. The words don’t come easily and it can all seem pretty awkward.
But, when you take the time to write out what you want to tell that person, it’s a much less stressful experience. Plus, the fact that you took the time to write that note won’t be lost on the recipient. They’ll feel special and important, and they won’t forget how that note from you made them feel. Snail mail, or as I like to call it, “Happy Mail” has a way of doing that.
The Ball’s In Your Court
So, now that you know what snail mail is, and how great it can be for so many people, it’s your turn. Make that lasting impression. Stand out from the crowd. Send more snail mail. Send some cards to friends and loved one – even for no particular reason. Rewire your brain and calm your nervous system. You won’t be sorry, and maybe, just maybe you’ll start a happy mail trend, and you’ll start getting some snail mail in return. Wouldn’t that be great?
Want to see what the hype is about? People will appreciate that you took the time, and your cards will be the ones they keep. Shop for just the right cards HERE.
Oh, and if you haven’t already done so, Join my mailing list and receive my (mostly) weekly newsletter – The Anchor Drop – about all things Anchor And Inks and happy mail. You’ll see what I’ve been up to in the studio, get some tips and tricks for making and keeping mail connections with your loved ones and get first access to new products and sales. Fill out the form below so you don’t miss out!