Mail documents online is quick, effective, and very useful — if done properly. As convenient as going digital can be, individuals and companies normally make very simple mistakes that lead to lost documents, data breaches, non-compliance, and wasted time.
Understanding how to avoid the serious pitfalls associated with digital mailing is essential to achieving success, whether optimizing or starting a workflow.
1. Using Unsecured or Unverified Platforms
One of the gravest and Most Common Errors users make with Sensitive Files is sending them Via Platforms Without End-To-End Encryption, tracking, or compliance support.
Before uploading any document, and Particularly Those that have Personal or Sensitive information, make sure the Service:
- Has user SSL or TLS encrypted protection
- Is GDPR and HIPAA compliant (where necessary)
- Has very good reviews and a clear privacy policy.
2. Entering Incorrect Recipient Details
Small Errors made with the Recipient’s Name, email, or even physical address can be very costly and serious breaches of privacy.
Double-check:
- Make sure that every email and physical address is correct
- All names and titles are spelled correctly
- You are addressing the right person, particularly with multiple clients and vendors
Some services provide address verification — always use it if available.
3. Forgetting to Add Signatures or Required Fields
Including a signature line and date is a common way to indicate that a document is ready to be signed. No signature fields and initials can create significant delays and even force the need to be resent.
Always review the document before clicking “send”:
- Guided workflows
- Require full checks to avoid fields being left blank
- Conduct a walkthrough of the document to ensure all approvals happen
4. Not Tracking Delivery or Opening Status
Online mailing offers the very powerful advantage of tracking a document in real time. Ignoring tracking can be a document in a blind spot, which is unavailable to you
Make sure the platform you use offers:
- Managed access
- Opening logs with times
- Blocked sent emails with time records
This is super important for sensitive information or contracts that need to be sent in a specific time frame.
5. Uploading the Wrong File Version
Another common mistake is to forget that a document is in the correct folder. A person even uses the wrong document with information intended for a different document.
Best practices:
- File names are easy to understand and are consistent (e.g., “Contract_ClientA_Final.pdf”)
- Check the document within the platform to make sure you are not sending blobs of text.
- Use the final envelope preview function if the vendor you are using has that option available.
6. Ignoring Compliance Requirements
Regulated fields such as healthcare, finance, and law run the risk of incurring punitive measures due to the lack of compliance..
Check if your documents include:
- Personal Health Information (PHI)
- Financial Information
- Legal Documents
If that is the case, make sure your vendor executes a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) or equivalent documents.
Final Thoughts
The practice of sending documents through the mail is intended to facilitate the process, not to create problems. With practice, one no longer has to worry about basic mistakes such as using non-secure platforms or sending the wrong version of the document. This is to make sure that the entire process of digital mailing is secure, simple, and professional.
As has been stated in prior documents, the material must be sent electronically through secured channels, and utmost respect must be observed during the digital mailing for equal treatment as would be given to physical mail.
