Much entrepreneurial energy has been expended on trying to make email better. By contrast, there are relatively few startups driving innovation around snail mail. I'll like to shine the spotlight on two such ventures.
Earth Class Mail operates a virtual PO box service. When you sign up (rates start at $12.95/mth), all your mail gets directed to their processing facility, where each envelope is scanned and made accessible to you via a secure website. You can then choose to shred mail you don't want, or instruct their staff to open, scan and send the contents of the envelope to your inbox.
This service is a boon for small companies that don't want the hassle of managing their incoming mail, virtual companies with staff spread across the world and individuals that travel extensively. While it's somewhat creepy to have a stranger open your mail, all their staff have security clearances (many are handicapped veterans), and their customer roster includes several law firms.
ProQuo is a free anti-junk mail service provider. Sign up at their website, give them your name & address, and indicate what types of junk mail you want to block and what you're willing to receive. They make money by giving marketers access to consumers that actually want their marketing.
Apparently the average US citizen receives 44 lbs of junk mail per year - this service has the potential to improve the efficiency of direct mail marketing while saving a few forests along the way. They are a spin-out of Ping Identity, a federated identity software vendor that is a member of Microsoft's Accelerator program.
