Sending a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) is an efficient way to streamline processes that require a response by mail, such as requesting autographed photos from celebrities.
In its simplest form, a SASE involves sending an envelope enclosing another envelope you have pre-addressed to yourself, which contains sufficient postage for the return mail.
This saves the sender and recipient time and ensures that your materials are returned promptly to the correct address.
How To Send A Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE)
Table Of Contents:
- How To Send A Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE)
- Preparing & Sending Your SASE
- Understanding Self-Addressed Stamped Envelopes
- Definition Of SASE
- Types Of Mail For SASE Use
- Advantages Of Using SASEs
- Components Of A SASE
- Choosing The Right Envelope
- Addressing The Envelope
- Applying The Correct Postage
- Common Uses For SASEs
- Handling International SASEs
- Extra Services & Upgrades
- Working With Third-Party Vendors
- What To Expect After Sending
- Personal Use
- Business Correspondence
- About The Author
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Provide an envelope that is either empty or contains some initial correspondence or documents.
- Write your own address in the envelope’s center, where the recipient’s address normally goes.
- Affix the correct postage to the envelope in the top right corner, covering the cost of the recipient mailing the envelope back to you.
- Fold and insert this self-addressed stamped envelope inside another envelope, which is addressed to the recipient and has sufficient postage.
- The recipient opens the outer envelope, retrieves the contents and the SASE, and then uses the SASE to send you a response or requested documents. This way, they don’t have to pay for postage, making it much easier to respond promptly.
A SASE is common when the sender requests information, documents, or a reply from someone and wants to make the process easy and cost-free for the recipient.
Examples include submitting manuscripts to publishers, requesting celebrity autographs, entering sweepstakes, and sending rebates.
Preparing & Sending Your SASE
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
When creating a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), the correct preparation is essential to ensure it reaches the recipient and returns to you without issues.
Pay particular attention to proper folding, securing adequate postage, and sending the envelope through the proper channels.
50,000+ Verified Celebrity Addresses
Contact Everyone Who Is Anyone
Includes 30 Days FREE Online Access
Edited by Contact Any Celebrity
690 Pages, Softcover, 4 lbs.
🇺🇸 Made in the U.S.A.
* As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission.
Understanding Self-Addressed Stamped Envelopes
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
Creating a SASE is straightforward, but attention to detail is critical. A SASE involves two envelopes — one that you will send to the recipient and another that you insert inside the first, which is addressed back to you.
Affixing the correct amount of postage to cover the return trip is crucial. As postal rates can change, verifying the current postage requirements is important to ensure your envelope is delivered without delay.
A self-addressed stamped envelope, or SASE, is a practical tool in your mailing arsenal, whether for business correspondence or personal mail.
It’s a pre-paid return solution that streamlines the response process and offers both sender and recipient convenience.
Definition Of SASE
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) is an envelope with the sender’s name and address, along with a stamp to cover the postage cost for its return. It is provided by someone who wishes to receive a response or document back through the mail without imposing the postage cost on the recipient.
Types Of Mail For SASE Use
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
Use a SASE for a variety of mail types depending on the required security and delivery speed:
- First-Class Mail: For everyday correspondence and lightweight items.
- Certified Mail: When a confirmation receipt or a delivery record is needed.
- Priority Mail: For a faster delivery service, often 1-3 business days domestic.
With international mail, the process may require special international coupons or postage that the recipient in their country can use.
Advantages Of Using SASEs
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
Sending a SASE has several benefits:
- It expedites the response process, as the recipient doesn’t need to find an envelope or stamps.
- It shows regard for the recipient’s time and resources, often leading to a quicker reply.
- In a business context, it can improve the efficiency of direct mail campaigns by increasing the chances of recipient engagement.
- It saves the recipient time and money, making it quicker and easier to reply.
- While it’s a little more work for you to send a SASE, you have a better chance of getting a response.
Integrating SASEs into your correspondence routine can enhance the overall communication experience for everyone involved, fostering timely and hassle-free exchanges of mailed materials.
Components Of A SASE
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
When assembling a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), you must consider the type of envelope, how to address it adequately, and the required postage to ensure successful delivery and return.
Choosing The Right Envelope
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
Select an envelope large enough to contain the items you expect to receive. Standard sizes are typically sufficient, but opt for a large envelope for more oversized items like an autographed photo. Ensure it’s a flat, rectangular envelope to comply with postal service guidelines.
Large 9×12″ brown manila envelopes are suitable for sending SASEs for autograph requests.
Addressing The Envelope
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
On the front of the envelope (the side without the flap), write the recipient’s full name and address in the center. The return address, which should be your full name and address, goes in the top left corner.
If you are sending an autograph request, search our online database of celebrity contacts to get the celebrity’s correct mailing address.
Applying The Correct Postage
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
Ensure you have enough postage stamps to cover the cost of mailing both ways. You can buy stamps at local post offices or online.
Attach the correct amount of postage to the top right corner of the envelope. Ask your local post office if you have questions about the proper postage amount.
Common Uses For SASEs
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
When you include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) in your correspondence, you are providing a convenient and efficient way for recipients to respond to you. They’re handy when you want a quicker reply, whether in personal or business contexts or when requesting autographs.
Handling International SASEs
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
When sending a SASE internationally, you need to ensure the inclusion of adequate postage that is valid for the return trip from the destination country back to yours.
You can buy International Reply Coupons from USPS, which the recipient can exchange for stamps in their country. Be mindful of varying sizes and types of envelopes that different national postal services may require.
If you have any questions about how to send your SASE internationally, ask your local post office.
Extra Services & Upgrades
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
For peace of mind, consider insurance or tracking services such as Certified Mail or Priority Mail Express. These extra services provide proof of mailing, delivery confirmation, and expedited handling.
Remember that each service incurs an additional cost and that you should apply the corresponding postage stamps or labels on the outbound and return envelopes.
Working With Third-Party Vendors
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
Utilize reputable third-party vendors like Stamps.com to purchase postage and shipping supplies. These vendors often offer a range of products, including stamps and pre-stamped envelopes.
When you cannot directly access postal services—or if you are seeking convenience—they can be a reliable alternative. Always ensure that the stamps they provide are valid for use with USPS if sent within the United States.
What To Expect After Sending
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
- Once the envelope reaches the recipient, they will use your prepaid SASE to return the response.
- If you require proof of delivery or a delivery confirmation, consider using USPS Mail services that offer a return receipt.
- Remember that the turnaround time will vary depending on the recipient’s processing time and mail service efficiency.
These steps will increase the likelihood of a successful exchange via your self-addressed stamped envelope.
Personal Use
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
A SASE is handy for your mail when you’re seeking a reply. If you’re sending out invitations to an event, a SASE included with your invitation makes it easy for invitees to send a prompt RSVP.
Collecting autographs from your favorite personalities is another situation where sending a SASE is customary, ensuring that they can send your items without incurring postage costs.
Business Correspondence
Contact 59,000+ celebrities, influencers, and public figures using our online database.
In the business world, SASEs streamline the process of exchanging documents and information. When sending out contracts, confidential documents, or even invoices, including a SASE encourages a swift response.
This can be particularly beneficial for sectors that rely heavily on paper-based direct mail, as it facilitates a more efficient business communication cycle.
About The Author
Jordan McAuley
Founder of Contact Any Celebrity with ‘Shark Tank‘ judge Barbara Corcoran
Jordan McAuley is the author of ‘Celebrity Leverage: Insider Secrets to Getting Celebrity Endorsements, Instant Credibility & Star-Powered Publicity,’ ‘Secrets to Contacting Celebrities: 101 Ways to Reach the Rich & Famous,’ & ‘The Celebrity Black Book: Over 56,000+ Verified Celebrity Addresses‘. He is featured by American Express OPEN Forum, CBS News, CNN, E! News, Entrepreneur Magazine, Fast Company, Forbes, FOX News, New York Post, USA Today, The Guardian, Tim Ferriss‘ The 4-Hour Workweek, The Mirror UK, The Wrap & more. He graduated from the University of Miami with degrees in Motion Picture Business and English Literature from the School of Communication and College of Arts & Sciences. Jordan is a former 90s high school video store clerk who has lived and worked in Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York City.