Ways to Send a Demand Letter

Does someone owe you money?  If so, a demand letter is the most efficient and effective way to get your money back. A demand letter is a formal request for your money. 

How you send the demand letter can impact whether you get your money back.   You are likely wondering; Can a demand letter be sent by regular mail? What is the difference between regular mail and certified mail?  Can I send it by email, fax, or private courier? In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways you can send your demand letter to maximize impact.   

If you haven’t written a demand letter, you can quickly create one for free with JusticeDirect.

1. USPS Mail

Can a demand letter be sent by regular mail? In short, yes. However, if you use this method, consider how you will prove that you indeed sent the letter to your intended recipient demanding payment. Proving it was sent and received can be tricky, but the next option offers an easy solution!

2. USPS Certified Mail or Registered Mail (Recommended)

Sending your letter demanding payment by certified mail helps let the other side know you are serious about getting your money back. However, you must personally go to the U.S. Post Office, stand in line, and pay for this service. Keep your receipt and the tracking information!  

Have JusticeDirect Send It for You!

Use JusticeDirect to build and send your letter to save time and effort. No printing or going to the post office. No need to worry about printing out the demand letter, going to the U.S. Post Office, standing in line, mailing it by certified mail, and keeping track of it. With JusticeDirect, you can build and send a demand letter in as little as 10 minutes.  All you will need to do is:

1. Provide details, such as how much you are owed, who owes you the money, and when it happened
2. Customize your letter by choosing how you want to be paid and deciding when you must be paid. 
3. Send your letter via certified mail, complete with tracking.

3. Email

You may be wondering if you can just email the letter.  One of the big drawbacks of this approach is that it’s difficult to prove that the email was received.  You can attempt the following to prove receipt: 

Enable Read Receipts

If you want to send the demand letter via email, check your email program for a “read receipt” feature and turn it on if there is one. This feature provides a notification to you when the person opens the email.

Consider a Plugin

If your email does not have a “read receipt” feature, search for a free plugin to prove that the recipient opened your emails. Print out the notification and a copy of the email from your “sent” email folder.

4. Facsimile (fax)

If you have access to a fax machine, you could fax the demand letter if you have the fax number of the person you are writing to. You may fax the letter, but most people use email these days.

5. Private Courier

If you can afford to do so, consider using a private courier company to deliver the demand letter. You might be able to purchase a special service in which the envelope is delivered to and signed for by the person to whom it is addressed.

Additional Things to Consider When Sending a Demand Letter

• Keep Receipts. As with every expense, keep your receipt from sending your demand letter! If you go to court and win, the judge may award you extra costs on top of the amount you seek. Be sure to have receipts for all expenses related to reclaiming your property.
• Make Copies. If you have to hand-write the letter, find a way to make photocopies. Local libraries and convenience stores almost always have photocopy machines, or you could visit a printing shop. Keep the receipt even if it only costs you one or two dollars. These “one or two dollar” items add up.

To sum up, sending a formal demand letter is one of the first steps you can take to get your money back. How you send your letter matters. You will want to send it to show that the person received your letter.  You can use USPS Mail, Certified Mail, email, fax, or a private courier. Each has pros and cons. No matter the method, keep your receipts for expenses in case you need them for court.