Frequently asked questions
iPostal1 Workspace partner questions
How does iWorkSpaceMail differ from iPostal1?
With iWorkSpaceMail, you can offer all the benefits of digital mailbox service to your current virtual and office members, as an optional service or bundled as part of a service package. You set the pricing and invoice your clients directly for the monthly mailbox fee and any additional services requested such as content scanning or mail forwarding. You pay a small, fixed monthly fee per user.
As an iPostal1 partner, we handle all the marketing and advertising that drives customers to our website so they can sign up at your location. We handle the 1583 process, billing, chargebacks, and customer service.
With both iPostal1 and iWorkSpaceMail, you have access to a team of highly knowledgeable and professional staff to assist you.
Whose responsibility is it to handle the 1583 process?
With iWorkSpaceMail, you are signing up your own clients, therefore it is up to you to obtain the proper IDs and 1583 documentation.
How do I add an additional client to the iWorkSpaceMail platform?
To add a single client, navigate to your dashboard>Recipient Admin>Manually Add Recipient. Be sure to choose the radial button to correctly have your location bill the recipient, choose the mail plan, and enter the customer information. Click 'Add Recipient.' This will assign a mailbox number to the customer and send them an email with their login credentials and mailbox address information.
If you prefer to direct your clients to sign up themselves, we also offer a signup page using a unique URL for your workspace. You can find this link by navigating to your dashboard>Mail Center Setup>Setup Mail Center.
Do you provide iWorkSpaceMail customer service?
iWorkSpaceMail technology enables you to offer digital mailbox service to your members. Therefore, you are responsible to provide support to your members if they have questions, just like you do with other customer service issues at your workspace. However, should you have any software related questions or an issue you cannot resolve, we would be happy to assist you.
How much should I charge my iWorkSpaceMail clients for the digital mailbox service?
You decide what to charge for the monthly mailbox service based on your service and pricing strategy. iPostal1 charges $6.00/month per active customer, so you should think about how much margin you want to add on top of that, and how this fits with your service strategy. Are you including digital mailbox in all memberships as a core benefit, offering it as part of specific membership packages, or a la carte? Is your objective to optimize margin on digital mailbox service, or to differentiate your workspace and optimize revenue via memberships
Our guidance is to charge a premium of $10.00 to $30.00 per month above mail service that does not provide the benefits and convenience of digital mailbox, depending on your strategy, objectives and local market conditions. Of course, if you include iWorkSpaceMail as a core benefit or in a membership package, your office and virtual members won’t attribute a specific cost to this service.
We recommend that fees for optional services like shipping and content scanning be a la carte, unless you prefer to bundle a certain number of scans into the monthly fee to add value and avoid billing for every scan. We recommend a flat rate for content scanning in the range of $2.00 to $2.50 per envelope, up to 10 pages. Mail forwarding will vary with each shipment, but we recommend a margin of 30% to 40% after the discount that comes with printing an iPostal1 shipping label, which is configured in the shipping settings.
Will my clients see pricing?
The only pricing clients will see is the pricing you choose to show them, depending on how you plan to provide digital mailbox service. Clients will see the real-time pricing to forward mail and packages, based on the margins configured in the shipping settings. Consider having your pricing in your membership service agreement (MSA) Virtual Service Agreement (VSA) or in your house rules.
Can I use iPostal1 shipping labels for my iWorkSpaceMail clients?
Yes, you can, and we recommend that you do to take advantage of the discounts from UPS that we pass on to you. In addition, you will be able to print a shipping label directly from your Admin Portal as the last step in a shipping task - no need to re-enter shipping information into another system. When you process the task, you will be given the option to choose an iPostal1 label or your own shipping label. If you choose to use the iPostal1 label, the cost of the label will be posted to your next invoice. The difference between the price the client pays to you and the label cost is your margin.
Do my clients need to schedule pickups using their iWorkSpaceMail app?
We recommend having your clients schedule their pickups using the app, enabling you to process and easily mark mail items as picked up within the system. It ensures the chain of custody of mail is complete and helps you track which items you are still responsible for as the CMRA. You should inform members about the process for setting appointments. Let them know that having an appointment will allow you to be ready for them when they come in. This will be a time saver for them! However, if a client stops by to pick up mail without an appointment, you can quickly and easily process a pickup by using the Utility App.
What if I need to remove an iWorkSpaceMail customer from the system?
Navigate to the admin portal>Recipient Profile>click on Inactivate Recipient. If you are experiencing difficulty, please reach out to the support team using the live chat for fastest service, emailing service@iPostal1.com, or calling 845-579-5690. Include the customer account information and we will inactivate them in the system.
How does the payment process work?
Since you do the billing and collection of payments for your iWorkSpaceMail clients, you will be invoiced based on the number of clients using our software and the carrier cost of any iPostal1 shipping labels that have been used for the prior month. The invoice is generated and sent on the 1st of each calendar month. Your credit card on file will be charged for the amount of the invoice.
Where can I locate my invoices?
Admin portal dashboard>reports>invoices.
What if I need to update my credit card information?
Mail center setup>setup mail center>add new credit card>click ‘update’ to save new information.
Are there any reports I can use to help manage my iWorkSpaceMail account?
You can access information and reports from the Admin Portal via the Dashboard, such as task requests to do or completed, mail inserted, mail received by mail type, orders shipped or active/inactive clients. In addition, you will find a CRM dashboard with a complete record of mail received by each recipient and how each item was handled with time and date stamp. We provide a Post Office Quarterly report which summarizes all your active iWorkSpaceMail digital mailbox client information, and the Task Hours for Recipient report which recaps task actions taken on behalf of each customer.
If I need help using the iWorkSpaceMail software, how can I reach support?
Our Store Support Team is ready to assist you. Contact information can be found any time by clicking on the Support link at the top of your Dashboard. You can email service@iPostal1.com, call 845-579-5690, or use the live chat for fastest service located at the bottom right hand corner of any page on the dashboard. We are available to assist you Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST.
CMRA/BCG questions
9-month period/state roll-out questions
What happened to the USPS roll-out plan and what does that mean?
The USPS roll-out means that the CMRA program has launched in that state. All states have launched. If you are registered as a CMRA, you should have received a letter. If you are not registered as a CMRA on the BCG, you will not receive your letter. Check now to ensure that you are properly registered.
What if I already have a log-in for the BCG but when I searched for my address to determine if we are registered as a CMRA but don't see us listed? Do I have to create a whole new account? Also, if I do this, if I don't hit "Request Admin" will it not start the clock for me?
Everyone should create a BCG account, so that is great that you have one set up. If you don’t see your location, that's confirmation that you're not properly registered as a CMRA. If you still have your copy of your signed 1583A, take it to your postmaster. Otherwise, you will need to complete a new 1583A to get registered properly on the BCG. Once you are registered, the 9-month clock won’t start unless you click on the Request Admin button and enter the verification code that you receive in the mail.
How long does it take to receive the validation code?
7-10 business days. If 20 business days have passed since your requested the code, we recommend requesting a new code through the BCG. Keep in mind if the first code arrives after you have requested a new code, you will need to wait to receive the new code.
If I am registered, should I create a BCG account?
The answer to this question will be divided into two segments:
Determine your CMRA status with the USPS.
Numerous inconsistencies have demonstrated that the address locator on the USPS website is not a reliable method for determining your CMRA status.
Alternatively, the most dependable method for obtaining this information is by creating a BCG account with USPS - regardless if you’re in an early launch state or not. The zip code search feature displays only the CMRAs registered with USPS, and with updates every 24 hours, the BCG has been verified as the official means to accurately confirm their records.
Request Admin Button
While you've successfully set up your account to review your CMRA status, the 9-month timer won't commence until the 'Request Admin' button is clicked and verified. Many locations that are not included in those officially launched states are using the time to ensure their new customers are completing the updated form and reviewing USPS expectations for compliance. With this information, you can make the best business decision for your location as to when to request admin access for your location on the BCG, if you have not yet received notice from the USPS.
In our webinar covering this topic, we discuss some additional tips. Feel free to access the video by clicking here, or read our blog and watch the video for a full recap.
Problems with local postmaster and CMRA registration
I am having problems registering as a CMRA and frustrated with the local postmaster who does not know what to do, or might know but fail to follow through, or simply refuses to be available. Even when getting a signed Form 1583A from the postmaster, registration is often not completed.
Clayton Gerber with the USPS Inspection Service acknowledged problems due to uninformed or unresponsive postmasters. He said they are committed to rectifying the situation. The postmaster is supposed to enter the information provided in the Form 1583A into the USPS Facilities Database. When they don’t do this, your location is not registered.
If you run into problems with your local postmaster, or if you resubmit your 1583A to the postmaster and don’t see your address in 5 to 7 days, send an email to cmraprogram@usps.gov explaining the issue and including your signed Form 1583A, the date this occurred, and the name of the person you dealt with at your local post office.
What if you did claim your CMRA location on the customer registration database but have not received the authorization code to log in to the database?
It is taking an average of 10 days for the verification letter with the code to arrive, so keep checking your mail. The code is now valid for 25 days (increased from 14 due to slow delivery time for second mailing with the code). If you don’t receive it or receive it after expiration, log back into your account and request that another verification code be sent by clicking on the Request Admin button next to your address.
If we are registered at the post office does that mean we have an account on the gateway? Or do I need to create the account?
You need to create the account on the USPS Business Customer Gateway. Filing a Form 1583A with your local post office is only the first step to get you registered with the USPS as a CMRA. You have to go the Gateway website to create your account and then enter the verification code they will mail you. Click Here to see a step-by-step guide. After creating your account, if you are not located in one of the early launch states, don’t take the next step of entering the code and gaining access to the CMRA customer database unless you are ready to trigger the 9 month period for entering information on all your existing customers.
Profile survey in the BCG is confusing. It does not specify CMRA. Are we a vendor?
You are not a vendor. Please Click Here to get a step-by-step guide to create an account in the BCG and get access to the CMRA customer database. It is a 2-step process.
I just registered with the business customer gateway and it appears that there are no records that we a CMRA at any of our locations. We’ve registered in multiple jurisdictions over the past ten years. I’m assuming we now need to repeat all of that, is that correct?
Correct. File another Form 1583A at each location and hopefully the postmasters have been informed of what they need to do. However, you don’t have to create an account in the BCG for each location, as you can access all your registered locations from one account. As mentioned above, send an email to cmraprogram@usps.gov if you don’t see your addresses in 5 to 7 days in the CMRA database.
Do I need to register in person with the 1583A form before I can see my location in the CMRA page?
Yes. Step 1: you will need to complete a form 1583A and sign it in the presence of your postmaster. Step 2: the postmaster must upload your CMRA information to the Facilities database. Hopefully, within a couple of days you'll be able to create an account on the BCG and actually see your location listed there. Here is a CMRA tip sheet to help with step 1. Once your location is entered into the Facilities Database by your postmaster, you will see your address when you type in the zip code on the BCG. Allow for 5-7 business days after completing the form with your postmaster to see it reflected on the BCG. Here is an FDB tip sheet to help with step 1.
What if we get the 1583A signed but we aren't added to the database?
The USPS has established a protocol for defining 1583As in their system, which involves your local postmaster uploading the necessary documentation for your CMRA. If it has been between five to seven days since the Postmaster accepted your 1583 and 1583A, and your address is not appearing on the BCG, it is essential to revisit the Postmaster to ensure the accurate uploading of your 1583A application. Always ensure that the Postmaster signs two copies, keeping one for your records, and gather their name and contact information before leaving. Should your address not be visible on the BCG after an additional five to seven days, promptly notify the USPS by sending an email to cmraprogram@usps.gov. Include the Post Office address, the Postmaster's name, and any additional pertinent details that might aid in resolving the issue.
What is the process for submitting a 1583A. Do you go to the post office or can the postman take the form?
You will have to take the 1583A and your 1583 to the Post Office. Make sure that you take two copies and keep one of them in case the Postmaster does not upload your form and you need to return at a later time. This step has saved many!
I'm still not in the database and can't get a response from cmraprogram@usps.gov. Any other ideas?
If you are an iPostal1 partner, please contact us at service@iPostal1.com and we will contact them on your behalf. Please provide a detailed account of the postmaster’s name, the date you visited, and a copy of the form if you have it.
Questions about the customer Form 1583
Do office members need to sign a 1583 form to receive mail? For us, it’s one mailbox for all tenants.
A: Yes. It does not matter if you have one mailbox for your tenants. The USPS is concerned about mail recipient identity and potential mail crime, so it wants a Form 1583 from each mail recipient.
Should we return to sender any mail received without a 1583 form on file?
A: Yes. You are not able to accept mail if a Form 1583 with approved ID’s is not on file. Packages from UPS, FedEx or Amazon may be accepted without a Form 1583 on file.
If the lease signer is not the occupant in the office, who fills out the Form 1583?
A: The person in whose name mail will be received must fill out the Form 1583. The mail addressee must match the mail applicant name in the 1583.
Most of our members have completed and signed the 1583 form. Are you saying we need to physically type in that info to yet another 1583 form via USPS and then get it signed again?
A: You have to get a new Form 1583 for customers that used the old form, type the information into the online database, and upload the signed Form 1583 and IDs.
If we are typing it in, how is there going to be any proof of ID or signature?
A: In addition to typing in the customer information, you also upload the Form 1583 and IDs.
Do we have to collect an updated form of ID as their filed one expired? Especially when their driver’s license expires?
A: Yes. The photo ID with an expiration date must be updated when it expires. The secondary ID does not have to be updated.
Do you need to register all virtual box suite numbers with the post office? We’ve had customers say they can’t sign up for informed mail because their virtual mailbox does not come up as an option on the USPS website.
A: Yes. It doesn’t matter that their virtual box suite number does not register with Informed Delivery. The USPS wants information on the identity of every mail recipient.
What is the timing for having to upload all existing customers?
A: 9 months from the time you enter the verification code for your account to get access to the customer database. However, the USPS will work with CMRAs that need more time, as long as they see significant activity in the CMRA database.
Can a CMRA that rents office space in a building engage a separate office business center in the same building as an independent contractor to do the actual mail receiving and forwarding without the virtual office operator also being required to obtain a PS form 1583 from the CMRA customers?
A: No, you could not use such an arrangement to get around the customer 1583 requirement. To use a contractor, the contractor’s mailing address would need to be used by your clients, and clients who retrieve mail would go to the contractor’s office. The independent contractor would file paperwork as the CMRA and be responsible for all CMRA rules compliance.
Are the 1583's really uploadable or do they all need to be manually entered
The Form 1583 does need to be uploaded along with the two forms of ID, in three separate PDFs. This step is a simple upload process. However, to actually enter customer information into the BCG is a manual process and can easily take 20 minutes if viewing/copying/pasting information from a clean, printed Form 1583. Having two screens will save you time with copying and pasting. However, working from a hand-written form will be more time consuming and potentially more prone to errors if handwriting is unclear.
What are the regulations for members who don't have their 1583 form notarized? What are the rules when it comes to notarization?
The USPS requires notarization of the form 1583, unless the form is signed in the presence of the CMRA location staff. In the new regulations, the USPS has expanded the definition of ‘in the presence of’ to include a live Zoom call where the staff views the IDs held up by the applicant and witnesses the applicant sign the form. But if completed with a notary public instead of CMRA location staff, notarization is required.
Who is required to complete a 1583?
Every member at your location who receives mail will be required to file a 1583. The requirement to file a Form 1583 has to do with the client’s desire to receive mail, regardless of the contract type, contract length or how they receive their mail. If the client does not want to receive mail, whether MTM or an office member with a longer contract, no 1583 is required, and any mail received should be returned to the sender.
New CMRA rules require all office and virtual members to have completed 1583s including Virtual clients with 16 or more hours of meeting room time. Previous office and virtual members with 16 or more hours of meeting room time were exempt.
Where can I find a 1583?
Check out our resources page.
How do we handle situations where the member doesn't want to provide their home address if it's their company who is paying for the space and the mail comes addressed to the company?
Providing information on the Form 1583 - like the home address is not optional. It is a USPS requirement and therefore the member must comply in order for you to continue to receive mail on their behalf. The purpose of collecting this information is to verify the identity of the mail recipient to fight mail fraud.
So the applicant is the person who will be receiving mail and the person authorized is the person who can pick up mail, correct?
Correct. The applicant is the person renting the mailbox and receiving mail. The authorized person can pick up the mail.
Will there be an automatic notarization process under the BCG?
The CMRA page within the BCG will serve to house the forms and identification of your customers. The USPS is not offering any type of notarization process through the BCG. Notarizations can be done in person or via online notary service providers.
Before, any additional authorized recipients needed to fill out their own 1583 forms. So, if they are now added on 1583 form do additional authorized recipients no longer need to fill out their own 1583 form?
As per the USPS definition, an authorized individual is allowed to collect mail on behalf of the primary applicant. Any person you wish to add to your account, who expects to receive mail in addition to picking up mail, must fill out a separate Form 1583 and submit two acceptable forms of identification.
Will iPostal1 1583 tool start populating section 6 to include that forwarding address field where you can list all of the recipients for the mail? What if there is a long list of people, how do we add all of those?
Our observations in the BCG indicate that only one address, email, and phone number can be entered at a time for any account. Consequently, numerous questions arise regarding the expectations of this field, considering the practical functioning of the service for customers. iPostal1 will persist in adhering to the existing regulations and guidelines established by USPS and will consider making any required changes once sufficient information is available.
We have many clients with DBAs. Do clients have to sign a 1583 form for each DBA they operate under outside of their registered business name? Also - What if a customer has multiple business names with the same customer info - do they need to do multiple 1583s?
USPS has not provided guidance on how to manage multiple businesses or DBAs under a single account. Until additional clarification is provided, the approach to address this issue appears to be a business decision. Some sources suggest completing a separate Form 1583 for each individual business name, even if owned by the same applicant. We anticipate additional information will be provided in due course.
What about the current 1583 forms we have on file for our clients. Do we need to re-do all the 1583 forms with updated information?
Clients that completed the earlier version of Form 1583 are mandated to transition to the latest form version in accordance with USPS regulations. This update can be completed through notarization or alongside their CMRA/an authorized employee, either in person or via Zoom. iPostal1 is aiding partner locations in this intricate, complex process, aiming to alleviate the time and manual effort involved.
Questions about filing the CMRA Form 1583A
Can the Form 1583A be filled out by the location manager? Or does it have to be the business owner?
A: Either the community manager or the owner may be listed on the form 1583A. It does not matter who fills it out.
Can you be a NOT single point delivery? How do we have the USPS to directly deliver to our members in their offices (or to their boxes) so we can skip the CMRA?
A: The USPS obviously prefers single-point delivery to save time and money. While they still provide multi-point delivery to a mailbox cluster in an apartment building or for different businesses with separate mailboxes in a lobby or mailroom, for example, they will not do so for different addressees at a single business address, whether employees or flex office members.
Do you need a form for each location?
A: Yes, you need to file a Form 1583A for each CMRA location. There is also a new requirement – that whoever’s name is on the 1583A will also have to file a Form 1583, just like a customer. We will clarify if a Form 1583 has to be filed for each location if the same name is on the Form 1583A for all locations. However, you don’t have to create an account in the BCG for each location, as you can access all your registered locations from one account.
How do we operate in the meantime until we see our name in the database? Can we receive mail even though we are not listed? After submitting one month ago already.
A: As long as you have a Form 1583 with proper IDs, either the new version or the prior version, you can receive mail for these customers. However, you will need to take steps as described in the accompanying blog to be sure that your location gets registered.
Is the 1583A form now different? If we are already registered as a CMRA are we required to submit it again now?
A: If you are registered in the CMRA database, you don’t have to file a new Form 1583A unless your information has changed. For example, if the name on the form was you community manager and that person has left, you will need to file a new form. Note that a new requirement is the person whose name is on the form must file a Form 1583 just like a customer.
If we use Anytime Mail and iPostal1, are they considered the CMRA for our space?
A: No. The location that receives the mail is the CMRA.
So we don’t need a notary signature at all if done in person or by zoom?
Correct. If the owner or authorized employee of the CMRA witnesses the applicant sign the Form 1583 in person or via Zoom, notarization is not required. The applicant signs in box 13A and the CMRA rep signs in box 14A. If the 1583 is completed with a notary public, then the notary signature and seal are required.
Where can I find a 1583A?
Check out our resources page.
I just submitted my 1583A. How does the 1583 I need to submit factor in?
The person whose name appears on the Form 1583A must also file a Form 1583, just like your clients. The form and IDs may be uploaded to the BCG database and the information manually entered into the portal the same as for any client. The Form 1583 should have the signature of another authorized person (employee or owner) who witnessed the applicant signing, or otherwise be notarized.
Handling customers who cancel mail service
How do you cancel a customer who no longer receives mail through us?
Once a customer is in the CMRA database, you log into their account page and click a box to close the account. Upon cancellation of a client's account, the customer's Form 1583 should be promptly updated on the BCG. Complete Section 1b to indicate the date on which the account was closed. But for past customers that have cancelled mail services, you don’t have to enter them in the database or do anything else.
Are we supposed to forward mail for previous/terminated clients for 6 months, at our expense? If this is the case, this would not make it profitable for us, especially if clients know this-they would cancel after one month and get 6 months free. How can this be changed?
The requirement in the DMM rules is to hold mail and forward at least one time during the 6-month period after cancellation. However, a well-written mailbox service agreement can modify this obligation.
For iPostal1 customers, our Terms of Service state that we do not provide free forwarding for 6 months, but customers are welcome to make arrangements and pay for these services if they wish to continue to receive mail for that time period.
Would registering as a CMRA help address changes when a tenant moves out? We are being told by tenants that USPS cannot process the change of address forms because we are recognized as one business rather than the separate suites. Does this make sense?
The USPS does not allow mail recipients using a CMRA address to file a change of address/forward mail request. However, if they used a Temporary Change of Address to have their mail sent to your location, they may be able to update that for the new address.
Valid IDs and expiration management
Address ID… like a business license?
A: The USPS has published a very specific list of acceptable Primary and Secondary ID’s. Only the IDs on this list are acceptable.
Acceptable Primary Photo IDs:
Valid state-issued driver's license
Non-driver's ID
Any ID issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Tribal ID
U.S. passport
Foreign passport
University ID
Matricula Consular card (Mexico)
NEXUS card (Canada)
Note: a photo ID listed above with an address may be used for either a Primary ID or a Secondary ID, but not for both.
Acceptable Secondary Proof of Address Documents:
Current lease
Mortgage or deed of trust
Voter or vehicle registration card
Home or vehicle insurance policy
Form I-94 Arrival and Departure record
UNACCEPTABLE IDs include:
Social Security cards
Credit cards
Birth certificates
Will the database let us know when an ID expires or do we need to keep track with the hard copies?
A: The CMRA database will create a task notification that an ID date has expired. You then have 90 days to update the ID.
Does a US Employment of Authorization card count as valid ID?
A: No.
Can you comment on the process for international clients? What IDs are acceptable, specifically the second form of ID? 9g specifies US State/Territory/Tribal ID. Would a foreign government ID fit for this purpose?
International clients are able to provide their Foreign Passport as their Photo ID, and any of the listed acceptable IDs - with the exception of the U.S. State-, territory-, or tribal-issued driver’s license or non-drivers ID.
Other questions
Will this have any impact on people who use our spaces address for their business but are no longer members here nor are they members of our virtual mailboxes? Will the post office now be vetting through these individuals? I’m talking about the Return to Sender Attempted Not Known (I get HUNDREDS of these a month)
The CMRA regulations changes do not address this issue.
Our virtual clients’ mail is all stored in locked filing cabinets. At some of our locations, our physical coworking members have open mail slots. Will everyone need to have locked mail moving forward? What is the compliance expectation for secured storage for all clients?
The CMRA regulations do not address requirements for receiving or storing mail. You don’t have to change your current process. However, now would be a good time to review your current process and make changes to either improve security or reclaim space by doing away with physical mailboxes, especially for virtual clients, for whom holding mail in a file cabinet with folders would be fine.
Can we receive mail that does not have the PMB number on it even if we have the 1583 form? How should we handle?
Yes, as long as you can identify the recipient by name or company, you may accept the mail if you have a Form 1583. But you are not required to do so, as the addressee information is incomplete.
What is your timeline to provide an API for mail platforms to push the completed CMRAs so that operators don’t have to do manual input?
Clayton said not for 9 months, but for anyone familiar with tech development, it will probably take longer.
We have been encountering error messages while attempting to upload our customer information to the CMRA database. What do we do?
The error message comes up for several reasons. It is likely system related. The USPS has been working on making changes to the system and it is continually improving.
Here is some practical advice we’ve seen is helpful:
Reducing the file size to under 1MB
No non-alphanumeric numbers in the file name
Try again later - in many cases, what didn’t work yesterday may work today
Currently the iPostal1 docs team sends over separate 1583s for additional company members, instead of listing them on line 12 as it should be. Will iPostal1 still be sending separate forms, when the BCG only allows one form upload (and provides a place to list members on line 12)
Based on our experience with the BCG, we can verify that multiple 1583 Forms and IDs can be uploaded for the same account. This includes the acceptance of business members completing their own form. As part of our ongoing commitment to minimizing fraud and safeguarding our mail center partners from malicious activities, we intend to introduce a system for business members on Box 12 in the future, once additional verification steps can be taken to confirm the identities of these individuals beforehand.
If a client updates their mail forwarding address, should we collect a new notarized PS1583 form?
Any changes or updates to the information provided on the form necessitate the completion of a new form. If the 1583 is completed and IDs are confirmed in your workspace or via video like Zoom, there is no need for a notarization.
Our clients/members don’t use an actual “box” for mail. What should I put as the PMB number? We have a front desk where all mail is getting dropped off and our team distributes them.
The PMB number is a required field in the BCG. It is also on the form 1583 itself. Since you have not been using PMB numbers till now but need to enter a PMB into the database for each mail recipient, we suggest that you assign a mailbox number to each of your clients, even if you don’t have physical mailboxes or don’t plan to make use of the number. However, now would also be an opportunity to actually start using the PMB number as part of the client mailing address for both office members and virtual clients to more reliably identify, store and distribute mail.
Will the “Using the BCG video section” of the webinar be available to review once we get to that point of actually using the BCG?
Yes! Our webinar is available now. Head to our Resources page to find the recording, and other important documents that we discussed during the webinar.
How is “restricted delivery mail” being addressed? [Previously Item 5 on the PS1583]. Thank you!
The USPS addressed this question in their Federal Register published May 19, 2023. “Prior to this rule change, the only class of mail that was treated uniquely was restricted delivery mail. The prior rule allowed the PMB holder to specifically sign PS Form 1583 authorizing the CMRA to receive restricted delivery mail. If this portion of PS Form 1583 was not signed, the Postal Service was not supposed to deliver restricted delivery mail to that specific PMB. That rule has been an unworkable solution. The Postal Service provides single point delivery to a CMRA and the letter carrier delivering the mail to the CMRA has no knowledge or access to PS Forms 1583 submitted for the PMB holders and has no way to know if a piece of Restricted Mail should be withheld from delivery. Therefore, the final rule clarifies that a PMB holder will receive all mail via the CMRA address, including restricted delivery.”
Are we as CMRAs responsible for uploading members in the BCG that we acquire through third party websites that don't provide us with any of their contact information or is that up to the third party?
USPS has made clear that the responsibility - and any adverse consequences, will be with the CMRA agent themselves - regardless of any other partners they work with.
iPostal1’s technology is here to simplify as many steps as possible for our clients, with a full billing system, fraud prevention, Form 1583 support team, marketing and delivering customers, not leads, plus many other benefits. The current technology provides CMRAs with fully signed and notarized forms and approved IDs to save our locations from the back and forth with customers.
How do we remove an old employee from the BCG?
If the 1583-A application was filled out by an individual who is no longer employed at the CMRA location, USPS mandates that the new owner/manager completes a new 1583-A Form with the Postmaster to update the records of the location. Update to the BCG should follow.
Should we update our agreement language related to compliance with this USPS system?
If you do not have language addressing USPS compliance, you should consider adding it to your agreements (MSAs and VSAs).