Types of Membership

Most companies offer their customers more than one type of membership.  There is a typically a basic or a standard membership and then there is the enhanced membership or several versions of the enhanced membership, typically named premium, premium+,…  All membership will provide a US Address and forwarding services so the difference is primarily the add-on services and the fees.

 

In most cases, the Standard Membership covers the basics, a US Address and package forwarding services. Believe it or not, most companies associate Mail Forwarding Services with their Premium Memberships.

So, the bottom line…

Standard Memberships are typically offered with a no fee or one-time setup fee (typically around $5.00).  You’ll get a US address to receive packages and they’ll provide you “non discounted” shipping rates for your packages to be shipped.  It’s that simple besides three things – 1) an inactive fee, 2) an annual renewal fee, and 3) how long or how many times do you get to use your address.

Premium Memberships are offered with a Monthly Membership Fee, typically around $10.00.  No other charges to maintain the account.  That’s the simple part.  Because Premium Memberships offers more services, you’ll have to do more calculation when it comes to pricing out a shipment.  So why pay $10 a month versus free or $5.00, if you don’t need the additional services, it’s primarily due to “discounted” shipping rates.  Before you do the math to figure how much you would save, know the time commitment.  Also, see if they offer the ability to change Memberships for periods of inactivity.

There’s also one more thing than selecting a plan and just paying for it, if you plan on receiving mail and/or packages from the United States Postal Service (USPS), there a couple things you need to know.  There is a form required by the USPS for anyone to act as a Receiving Agent, it is USPS From 1583 (http://about.usps.com/forms/ps1583.pdf).  It may look overwhelming, it’s not.  There are several sites you can refer to for instructions.  Most companies will either pre-fill the information or provide you step-by-step instructions.  Also, look closely at section #8 as

“Two types of identification are required. One must contain a photograph of the addressee(s). Social Security cards, credit cards, and birth certificates are unacceptable as identification. The agent must write in identifying information. Subject to verification.

Acceptable identification includes: valid driver’s license or state non-driver’s identification card; armed forces, government, university, or recognized corporate identification card; passport, alien registration card or certificate of naturalization; current lease, mortgage or Deed of Trust; voter or vehicle registration card; or a home or vehicle insurance policy. A photocopy of your identification may be retained by agent for verification.”

There are many ways to return the information and most are secured – email, fax or mail.  Don’t let this discourage you from getting what you want.

Also, most importantly, you may just want to double check they offer services to your country.

“So know what you need before you sign up.”

 

USAOPEN is the premier US Address Provider and Mail/Package Forwarding Services Company, performing world-class servicing at competitive prices with no hidden/add-on cost.