How to Send an S.A.S.E. (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope)

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Co-authored by Tami Claytor

Last Updated: June 5, 2025 Fact Checked

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Preparing the First Envelope

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Sending Your S.A.S.E

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Expert Q&A

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Things You'll Need

Sending a self-addressed stamped envelope (S.A.S.E) is simple. You'll just need two envelopes, stamps, and something to write with. Make sure you have the right address for where you're sending your S.A.S.E to. After you send your envelope, check your mailbox regularly to see if your response has arrived!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing the First Envelope

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1
Find an envelope. Get an envelope that's big enough to hold whatever the recipient will be sending back to you.
- For example, if you're sending out an S.A.S.E to get a free CD from your favorite band, use an envelope that's big enough to hold a CD.
Write your address in the center of the envelope. Write your first and last name on the top line, followed by your address below it.^{[1]
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Stick a stamp on the top right corner of the envelope. This stamp will cover the recipient's cost of sending the envelope back to you. If you're sending your S.A.S.E to a different country, make sure you include the right stamps for that. Check with your local post office over the phone or online if you're not sure what stamps you should use.^{[2]
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You want the recipient to be able to put your items in it and mail it back to you!

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Sending Your S.A.S.E

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You'll mail the first envelope inside the second envelope.
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Write the recipient's address in the center of the envelope. This is the address your S.A.S.E will be sent to. Write the recipient's name on the top line, followed by their address below it.^{[3]
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- If you're sending this to a business, include the contact person's name, their title, the company name, then the address, city, state, and zip code.^{[4]
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This is the return address where the post office will send your S.A.S.E back if it gets lost or delivered to the wrong address. Include your first and last name, followed by your address.^{[5]
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Make sure the stamp is enough to get your S.A.S.E to wherever it is you're sending it. If you're sending your S.A.S.E to a different country, you may need to buy special stamps. Speak to someone at your local post office or visit their website if you're not sure what kind of stamps you need.
Slide the first envelope inside the second one, seal the second one closed, and voila! You're ready to mail your S.A.S.E!^{[6]
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Don't worry about paying, since you already did that when you bought the stamps. Now you just have to wait until you get a response. Don't forget to check the mail every day!

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can I write the return address on the reverse side of the envelope?

Fahim and Seema Mojawalla
Shipping and Logistics Experts
Fahim and Seema Mojawalla are Shipping and Logistics Experts based in Grand Island, New York. They are the Co-Owners of Island Ship Center, a shipping depot, print shop, small gift boutique, and business center. Founded in 2006, Island Ship Center is now one of the top three FedEx Authorized ShipCenters® in the country (out of 4,600 locations), is a FedEx Spotlight Store, and has the honor of being a PRINTING United spotlight store. They are also a USPS Approved Postal Provider and a UPS Authorized Shipping Outlet. The award-winning business has served as a training center and model in their industry for years, so much so that Fahim and Seema created AYM High Consultants, a contemporary business coaching enterprise for fellow business owners and purveyors in the printing and shipping industry. From their palletized freight packing and shipping warehouse operation, to their store serving individual clients’ mailing and shipping needs, Fahim and Seema have developed Island Ship Center to be the “Spa of Shipping.”

Fahim and Seema Mojawalla

Shipping and Logistics Experts

Expert Answer

No, the return address goes in the top left corner on the same side as the stamp and address. Putting the return address on the reverse side is old school, like your grandpa might do, but it's not okay anymore. Everything is read by optical scanners at the Postal Service, which means all the address information needs to be on one side of the envelope.

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Question

Can I fold the envelope that's going inside of the other envelope if they're the same size?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. It's usually better if the return envelope is a little smaller, however.

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Question

What should I do if I forgot to place a stamp on the envelope?

Community Answer

If you forget to put a stamp on your envelope, then it will be returned to you within a few days. You can then add a stamp and resend the letter.

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