We all remember the episode of Seinfeld in which the beloved Kramer attempts to cancel his Mail Service.
This clip is hilarious for the way the eccentric character, Newman, paints a portrait of the USPS as this ominous villainous corporation, which we know is obviously untrue. But this clip is also interesting because it deals with certain issues we face when we ask ourselves the question: Which is better, carried mail or electronic mail?
To say that Email is superior because it is newer and faster is to miss a huge part of the question. Consider that Seinfeld was popular in the 1990’s, making this clip over 30 years old, so questions concerning carried mail’s obsolescence have clearly been in the cultural forefront for some time, and people still use carried-mail, or “snail-mail”.
To put this question to rest, and to help you judge for yourself, we’ve created this list of the pros and cons of snail mail versus Email. Some of the benefits and pitfalls of either method can be surprising!
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Carried Mail |
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Text Messages |
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Reliable – Many businesses require the correspondence of invoices to be handled via snail-mail because the reliance on hard copy financial forms makes them easier to trace and reference |
Cheap – A single email costs almost nothing to send, so in terms of the transfer of information, email is much less expensive. Each carried parcel costs money in either stamps or shipping costs. |
Instant contact - Texting someone is often the most convenient and quickest way to get in touch with someone, especially in time-sensitive cases. |
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Less Solicitation – When compared with emailed correspondence, Snail mail has a much lower rate of spam and business solicitations; 50% of snail mail is considered spam, while email is 80% spam. |
Fast – The most obvious benefit of Email is its speed. Snail-mail gets its name from its obvious drawback, but if you need to get a message to someone in the blink of an eye, email may be the most reliable way to do so. |
Convenience- Unlike laptops and mailboxes, phones come with us wherever we go. People are more likely to see a and respond to a direct text message over an email. |
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More personal – A recent post from Forbes argues the point well, but handwritten snail-mail is generally a more personal, intimate means of communication. You have more room to write and include your thoughts when compared to email. |
Easy, Universal – Despite what your grandmother might tell you, Email is extremely easy to use and is, more or less, universally accessible. While you do need a computer, once you send an email it is carried through “gateways”, which allow for anyone, anywhere to access the message. |
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Slow – Snail Mail got its name for a reason. When compared with the lightning speed of E-mail, the pace of carried mail can seem absolutely glacial. |
Insecure – Email correspondence can be dangerously insecure. It seems like there are new online security threats with each passing month. There are hundreds of resources dedicated to safe email practices to combat these issues, but how do you know which to use? |
Encryption limits - Phones don't consistently use the highest level of security for texts. While Apple provides end-to-end encryption with iMessage, that only stands for messages between two iOS devices. Anything else is not encrypted. |
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Expensive – Obviously, every parcel carried by the Postal Service is taxed. For companies that rely on carried mail for distribution, shipping costs are often the most expensive portion of overhead. |
Impersonal – Because Email is a text only medium, the personal human touch can sometimes be left out of the conversation. Emails can seem cold or terse because they’re only text and often done so quickly. |
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Ultimately, your choice is your own. Regardless of how you plan to send and receive important information, it's important to practice safe steps that can greatly improve your security against mail and identity thieves.
Carried mail
Use a locking mailbox. Locking mailboxes are the ultimate form of security against mail theft. A good one, like a Mail Boss model, puts an anti-pry lock, anti-phishing technology, and a durable metal body between your mail and a potential risk.
Don't send important mail from your mailbox. Locking mailboxes are designed to keep incoming mail secure, but outgoing mail can't be stored behind a locked door because the mail carrier won't have a key to get to it. If you're sending important or sensitive mail, it's safer to drop it off at a USPS blue box or directly in the post office.
Encrypt important files attached to your emails. This adds an extra layer of security to your files, especially if your connection isn't the most secure.
Employ two-factor authentication. Another way to give your important information a second layer of security aside from your password. This usually entails an extra passcode, a link sent to an account or device of your choosing, or Face ID verification.
Text/SMS messages
Opt for an authentication app. These apps usually generate a time-sensitive verification code, much like a straight-to-email or straight-to-text verification system. However, these apps usually provide a higher level of protection.
Avoid sending sensitive information, especially over unencrypted connections. Unencrypted connections, such as those between an iOS and Android device, leave you and your information open and susceptible to interference.
Still Have Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us with additional inquiries!