imail | Frequently asked questions

How does imail work?
Using imail couldn’t be simpler. You can either use the print client or the imail web interface. After creating your document you simply click on the post button to send your item(s). The documents are then electronically encrypted and sent to the imail server. The server routes the individual item based on postcode to one of our nationwide UK Mail print centres where the items are securely printed by our state of the art equipment and machine-enveloped for onward delivery.
How do I produce my mailing?
imail provides three interfaces depending on the nature of your mailing. These are;
a web interface - www.imail.co.uk
a print client - allowing you to print directly from Windows based programs such as Word
API - integrating with your internal systems automating the mailing process
Is imail not just an email?
No. imail is not simply an email - it’s an intelligent solution providing users with the facility to produce an actual physical letter without the hassle that comes with producing a conventional letter, and with much more personalisation than an email.
When does my mail get delivered?
With imail your mail will be delivered the next working day, unless you specify our two day option.
What are the cost savings that I can achieve through imail?
imail can save you up to 60% on the total print, production and postage costs that are currently being incurred, depending on what postal service you use - See calculator
How does imail save me time?
imail takes the time and hassle out of having to print, envelope and then post the item. From the click of your mouse you can send a letter direct to anywhere in the UK within seconds.
What stationery is used by imail?
For letters, imail uses 90gsm plain white A4, 100% recycled paper and C5 windowed 90gsm envelopes. For cards, imail uses 250gsm A5 silk card.
Does using imail allow me to sign my letters?
Yes. With imail you can add a scanned version of your signature which can be automatically applied to each of your documents.
Can I send multiple items through imail?
Yes. Whether you’re sending one or 10,000 letters imail can provide you with a cost effective solution. For multiple items, imail provides a full mail merge facility. Alternatively, you can use a blank letter for one-off ad hoc mailings.
Can imail help me to improve brand management?
Yes. imail allows you to control your brand through a template management system. This allows you to set up and define a series of structured templates with or without variable fields. Being able to control the use of your logo generates a stronger brand image. The logo can be printed in full colour or black and white depending on your branding requirements
What about the quality of printing?
We have the same specification of high volume printer at each of our print centres (as used within the commercial print environment) to ensure that there is quality and consistency at the print and production process no matter which site it is produced at.
How does imail improve my carbon footprint?
imail reduces your carbon footprint by around 80%. It reduces the need to collect physical mail items and move them around the country. In addition, it reduces the need for delivery of consumable stocks to individual users.
Does imail provide double-sided printing?
Yes. Duplex printing is one of the many ways that we ensure imail reduces the impact on the environment.
Is imail secure?
Yes. imail operates to 128bit SSL standard. Each user is username and password protected. All documents are securely encrypted before being sent from your pc to the imail print location where insertion and sortation is effected by state of the art equipment.
How do I know my mail has been sent?
Once you have sent your item you will receive on-screen confirmation. The sent item will also show up in the archive area of your imail user interface.
What happens when my mail cannot be delivered to the recipient?
All imail envelopes carry a UK Mail central return address. We then scan the item’s barcode printed within the address window which sends an electronic copy of the letter to the originator. The returned letters can be viewed in the returned letters area of your imail user interface. The returned physical items are then securely disposed of by UK Mail.
How do I pay for the items sent via imail?
imail has a range of flexible payment methods to suit your business’s individual requirements. "Pay as you post" enables users to pay by debit or credit card. Larger mailers may benefit from a credit account. Please email imailenquiries@ukmail.com for further information.
Can imail be used on my laptop?
Yes. imail can be used on an internet enabled laptop as well as PCs. It can also be used on a MAC. The Print Client for Mac users will be available in the near future.
Can I view my letter before posting?
Yes. imail provides you with an instant PDF proof of your letter, showing the body of the document as well as the positioning of the address block, zonal indicator and return barcode. The PDF can be printed locally for a physical copy for your records or it can be stored electronically on your computer.
Do I have to send my letters once they are written?
No. imail is very flexible and allows you to draft letters that can be amended before being sent out. Alternatively, your letters can be held as pending and sent at a time convenient to you.
Does imail allow me to keep a contacts database?
imail securely keeps your contacts database within your user space. This allows you to quickly populate the address field with a click of the mouse by selecting the named recipient that you require.
Does imail provide colour printing?
Yes. imail provides a full colour specification with the state of the art printers that we use in our print centres being calibrated to the same specification to ensure consistency of letter production.
Do you have a service to create my stationery?
Yes. Just email a pdf copy of your headed paper and we’ll create a template for you and add it to your imail account.
Can I send mail items Internationally via imail?
We are currently developing our International imail service with larger imail mailers - we hope to release the International option for all users in the near future.