servicebymail

Servicebymail is a service delivery model in which a range of services are initiated or completed primarily through postal mail and related physical correspondence. The approach combines traditional mail logistics with digital tools to track requests, issue documents, and deliver outcomes to customers who prefer or require non-digital channels.

Its origins lie in mail-order catalogs, government notices, and other processes that relied on physical mail to reach customers. Over time, servicebymail has evolved to incorporate online intake, barcode tracking, and secure mailrooms, creating hybrid workflows that preserve paper trails while improving handling speed and traceability.

Operations typically begin with a customer submitting a request by mail, scan-to-email, or a web form. The workflow commonly includes identity verification, form standardization, and batching for printing, stamping, and envelope preparation. Completed outputs are sent by mail, with optional delivery confirmation and archival storage.

Common use cases include legal notices and court documents, invoicing and bill remittance, subscription fulfillment, document notarization or certification, and transfers of physical records. The model is favored where regulatory requirements, privacy concerns, or customer preference favor physical receipt or offline processing.

Advantages cited for servicebymail include mandated audit trails, accessibility for users with limited internet access, and compatibility with compliance regimes that require physical documentation. Disadvantages include slower turnaround times, higher operating costs, environmental impact from paper, and security risks if mail is intercepted or misdelivered.

See also postal service, mail order, document management, electronic mail.