Single Send Overview
What it is
A single send is a one-time mail order placed through the Send Mail Wizard or the API. You choose a design, write a message, add recipients, and submit. Once the order processes, printing and mailing happen automatically.
Single sends are distinct from campaigns. A campaign runs automatically over time based on a trigger. A single send is a deliberate, one-off action you take at a specific moment.
When to use it
- You want to send a batch of mail right now with full control over every piece.
- You're following up with a specific group of contacts after an event or announcement.
- You want to send to a one-time list you won't reuse - no need to set up a campaign.
- You're testing a new design or message before committing to an automated flow.
Use a campaign instead if you want mail to go out automatically as contacts are added, on recurring dates, or at a paced daily volume.
How to do it
Option 1 - Send Mail Wizard
- Click New Send from the dashboard or navigate to Send Mail.
- Select your mailer type, Image Template, and Message Template.
- Add recipients using one of these methods:
- Manually — enter individual addresses one at a time.
- Existing mailing list — pick a saved list from your account.
- CSV upload (bulk) — click Upload CSV, map your columns to the required fields (name, address, city, state, postal code), and add optional columns for replacement variables like
%FIRST_NAME%or%CUSTOM1%. Preview the parsed recipients and confirm there are no errors before continuing.
- Click Place Order.
See the Send Mail Wizard Walkthrough for a detailed guide.
Option 2 - API
Developers can trigger single sends via the REST API. API access See API Overview.
Tips & best practices
- Preview the proof before confirming every order. Orders enter the print queue quickly and can only be cancelled within one hour of placing the order.
- Use replacement variables (
%FIRST_NAME%,%YOUR_COMPANY%) to personalize each piece even in a bulk batch. - Run Rate My Content on new Message Templates before a large send.
- If you're sending the same design repeatedly, save it as an Image Template and Message Template.
Re-sending a past order
If an order failed or you want to send to the same recipient again, you can use the Resend option in order details.
- Find the order on the dashboard and click Details.
- In the Order Items section, find the recipient row and click Resend.
- The Send Mail Wizard opens with the recipient's information pre-loaded. You will need to choose your design and message again - the original design is not saved in the resend flow.
Preview and send now (from a mailing list)
Contacts in a mailing list also have a Preview and Send Now option. This lets you trigger a one-off send to an individual contact outside of the campaign schedule. The wizard opens with their data pre-loaded, just like Resend.
Does the wizard save my progress?
The Send Mail Wizard does not save in-progress orders. If you close the browser or navigate away before clicking Place Order, your work is lost. Complete the wizard in one session.
If you are not ready to send, you can save your designs and message for reuse by creating an Image Template and a Message Template before starting the wizard.
Delivery times
Once you place an order, mail enters the print queue and typically ships within 1-3 business days.
| Postage | Typical delivery after order |
|---|---|
| Standard | 7-10 business days |
| First Class | 3-5 business days |
Delivery timelines depend on USPS routing and destination. For time-sensitive sends, use First Class. See Postage Options for details.
Limits & gotchas
- Duplicate Prevention applies a 36-hour window. If the same recipient appears in a new order within 36 hours, the duplicate piece is skipped. Note: Duplicate Prevention cannot be disabled for Gift Cards.
- CSV uploads must include a valid physical address for each recipient.
- The wizard does not save progress - complete it in one sitting or save your templates first.