Here’s an example of a site that effectively combines online automation with with offline deliverability.

According to the site:

“We make it our business to make sending even single letters inexpensive and easy.

PixelLetter is a gateway between your computer and the real mail system. You send us your letter online, we print, fold, envelope, prepay and send it out within 24 hours.

Whether invoices, business letters or info-mailings. We deliver everything you either: type in online; upload as a document; send us by e-mail or a short message service (SMS). ”

This service is primarily for EU residents, but I was told by Jan Hatterscheid at pixelletter.com that, “in a few weeks we can start a cooperation with a service partner in the USA. I will send you an e-mail when we start with this service. ” Of course, as soon as I know, you will too.

But he also said that you can use the service to send letters to the US, but if you’re in the US you might want to wait until their partner is up and running, otherwise it could be expensive sending letters from the EU to the US
Check them out at pixelletters.com

But, if you’re in the US, the USPS has NetPost for sending direct mail through your computer. I used them this past year for a small mailing (under 300 pieces) and was not entirely happy with the results. It was a 8 page Special Report I sent to subscribers and the report came “crumpled” - like it got stuck in a laser printed and spit out. It wasn’t a good impression.

Another service you might want to check out it if you’re in the US is ezgram.com. They have some value adds that are interesting, such as a library of ‘pre-done’ letters for all kinds of occassions in case you get writer’s block.