Avoid using red envelopes or very dark envelopes. The post office uses red ink to mark your stamp and for other notices. Well guess what? The red ink can't be seen on dark envelopes.

When entering contests or filling out forms, you can change the spelling of your name. This way, if you receive a piece of mail with that misspelling, you'll know that company sold your information.

Think your mail looks suspicious? Is your mail missing a return address? Does it have a strange odor? Does it have excessive postage? Don't open it, smell it, taste it, or shake it. Isolate the package, wash your hands, and call the authorities. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Use Zip+4 zip codes to ensure that your package will arrive promptly.

Do not mail a thick object in a letter envelope. It could be rejected by the postal service. Sometimes the object is damaged as a result because they run these envelopes through automated machines. If ever in doubt, be on the safe side and just use a small box.

Are you bulk mailing? Don't forget to check with your post office for bulk rates.

It's better to type addresses than use hand-written addresses. Hand-writing is sometimes hard for mailmen to read. It increases the chances of your letter or package not arriving in a timely manner.

Take good care of your mailman. They have a hard job. Offer them a drink now and then. If you have a curbside mailbox, be sure not to park in the way of the mail truck.

When shipping express letters or packages, be sure to save all receipts. You'll need them for insurance purposes if anything were to happen to the mail along the way.

Be sure to include as much information as possible on the envelope. Some people leave out "Street" or "Road". Some people leave out the country name when shipping outside of their country.

Be a "weight watcher" when it comes to your mail!

If you're unsure about how much postage you need for an envelope, use a scale to weigh it before you put it in the mailbox. A small postal scale (or a food scale if you use one for your weight-control program) will give you a better idea about how much your letter weighs, and could save you a few bucks if you mail a lot of letters!

And, while most post offices don't have the self-service postage vending machines anymore, they still have a scale in the lobby at which you can weigh your envelopes!

Most people do not put enough protective packing material in their packages or tape on the boxes their mailing. Your package could take quite a beating during shipment. It's best to be safe than sorry. Wrap fragile items in large bubble wrap a couple of times. Be sure everything is surrounded with styrofoam peanuts or newspaper.

Upset over the ever-increasing cost of postage? Purchase plenty of the first-class "Forever" stamps at your local post office. The postage on these stamps is locked-in, regardless as to whether or not you use them tomorrow or twenty years from now!

If you have a mish-mosh of leftover stamps of various denominations, remember your post office sells stamps that will help you bring your postage rate up to date.

Two cautions here:

Avoid buying too many holiday stamps! It looks silly to use a Christmas stamp to pay your March utility bills...

And be aware that, due to past terrorist attempts, postal inspectors look with suspicion on letters and packages with too many postage stamps on them; if you have any questions, check with a post office counter clerk before mailing!