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Outbox Is Shutting Down

blog.outboxmail.com

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Re: Outbox Is Shutting Down

#91

Post by prostoalex »

jlas wrote: post #20

Just a FYI there are a handful of companies already doing something very similar. Except instead of physically picking up your mail, they receive it on your behalf (made possible by USPS form 1583 [1]). Then they digitize and forward (you pay S&H.) [1] http://about.usps.com/forms/ps1583.pdf

Wonder why Outbox didn't follow this model. Any advantage to sending out a messenger to do a physical pickup vs. 1583?

Re: Outbox Is Shutting Down

#92

Post by cjoh »

untog wrote: post #69
cjoh wrote: post #62

Earlier quoted context omitted.

2,000 customers is substantial, especially when the feedback from those 2,000 seems to be "I would like to pay you more money"

Not in startupland it isn't. pg's hockey stick growth and all that.

I get the startupland thing. The point I'm making is -- couldn't they have tried Flippa or something? Startupland isn't "valuable asset land" when it comes to folding.

Re: Outbox Is Shutting Down

#93

Post by dnr »

prostoalex wrote: post #91
jlas wrote: post #20

Just a FYI there are a handful of companies already doing something very similar. Except instead of physically picking up your mail, they receive it on your behalf (made possible by USPS form 1583 [1]). Then they digitize and forward (you pay S&H.) [1] http://about.usps.com/forms/ps1583.pdf

Wonder why Outbox didn't follow this model. Any advantage to sending out a messenger to do a physical pickup vs. 1583?

The 1583 form is a big hurdle for potential customers to get past. You have to get it notarized, which is something most people don't do regularly, so they have to spend time looking up a local notary, and there's usually a small fee involved.

Also, of course, then you have to contact everyone who sends mail to get them to send it to the new address. (I did it as part of a move, so I had to do that stuff anyway.)

Re: Outbox Is Shutting Down

#94

Post by oregondan »

Hey everybody. Earth Class Mail is currently running a promo (OUTBOX2014) for people feeling aimless in the wake of Outbox's closure. It'll give you two months free and waive your sign-up fee. Shameless plug, I work there. I can vouch for the service, though; it's legit, and we're working really hard to grow the company.

Re: Outbox Is Shutting Down

#96

Post by rdl »

tsmith wrote: post #58
jlas wrote: post #20

Just a FYI there are a handful of companies already doing something very similar. Except instead of physically picking up your mail, they receive it on your behalf (made possible by USPS form 1583 [1]). Then they digitize and forward (you pay S&H.) [1] http://about.usps.com/forms/ps1583.pdf

I'd been wanting something like this as I have a few physical mailboxes but rarely need the physical mail itself. Do you have any useful links to the 1583-based providers?

I've been a happy earthclassmail customer for years; a few other mom and pop forwarding services since 1998.

Re: Outbox Is Shutting Down

#97

Post by rdl »

oregondan wrote: post #94

Hey everybody. Earth Class Mail is currently running a promo (OUTBOX2014) for people feeling aimless in the wake of Outbox's closure. It'll give you two months free and waive your sign-up fee. Shameless plug, I work there. I can vouch for the service, though; it's legit, and we're working really hard to grow the company.

ECM is still a bit pricey for many individuals (although if you travel, or order a lot of stuff online and need it reshipped, it is a great deal.)

For a startup, especially a smaller one w/o an office manager or formal office, it is an amazing value. The SF office in particular is very helpful.

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