My mail keeps getting returned! It says "Address Not Found" or RTS (Return to Sender.)
USPS is strange. I've gotten Xmas cards returned with "address not found" or "address does not exist" labels on them. I still have to re-mail them. I'm... bad at cards and stuff.
When this happens, just message your partner. Tell them what, specifically, the envelope says and type in the address written on the envelope. Take a photo of the envelope, which is time-stamped. If you're feeling unsure, e-mail that photo to yourself with what it is in the subject line (SB: Returned Mail from UserName.) That e-mail can always be forwarded to your partner later.
Check the address on the envelope against the address the user listed.
Sometimes people move, especially with apartments, and forget to update the SB address. Sending a message promptly confirms the correct address and shows a time stamp on contact.
Sometimes, the machines that read handwriting will read your writing the wrong way. Red or pink ink or any ink that too closely matches the envelope colour is a bigger risk of misreading. Sometimes, it's a handwriting issue. I like using an address label maker (the kind that prints one at a time) because my joints suck but it took me time to afford one. Otherwise, I would write the address in all caps and put a piece of clear packing tape over it, so if there was water damage, the label would survive at least.
Sometimes, mail IS at the correct address! And... why it doesn't arrive... is a mystery. Who knows. If you or someone you know works for USPS, clue me in.
The cure seems to be the ZIP+4. Writing to the address with the ZIP code alone will get it sent back. Writing with ZIP+4 will arrive. Why? I don't know. Seriously no idea. It just works.
If your partner puts their address at 90210+1234, it is a good idea to write exactly that. Do not write 90210 and leave off the last 4 digits. It may not arrive. That +4 is there for a reason.
