mailorder

Mail order is a method of selling goods through catalogs or other remote means in which customers place orders without visiting a physical store, and the seller then ships the products to the customer’s address. Historically it relied on printed catalogs and postal services to reach rural or underserved customers who lacked easy access to shops.

In the United States, the mail-order model expanded rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with catalogs from firms such as Sears, Roebuck and Montgomery Ward, offering a broad range of goods across large geographic areas. The approach helped democratize access to products beyond local merchants. With the rise of the internet, mail-order shopping evolved into online and multichannel retailing, and many traditional catalogs now operate online as well as in print.

Operations typically begin with selecting items from a catalog or website and submitting an order via mail, telephone, or online checkout. Payment methods include cash, checks, credit or debit cards, and increasingly digital wallets. Fulfillment centers pick, pack, and ship orders, with delivery times ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on distance and service levels. Returns are typically governed by stated policies, and shipping costs or insurance may apply.

Advantages of mail order include convenience, access to a wider selection, and potential price competitiveness. Disadvantages can include longer wait times, additional shipping or handling costs, and the complexity of returns or exchanges, especially for international orders or fragile items.

Today, mail-order practices are closely integrated with e-commerce. The term remains in use to describe remote ordering channels, though online and multichannel shopping are now the dominant forms.