Why This Is a Common Problem
Fewer and fewer people own a printer at home — most of what we do is digital now. But every so often you still need to send something on paper: a signed form, an official letter, or a personal note. Here are three ways to do it without owning a printer.
Option 1: Handwrite It
For personal letters, handwriting is the simplest option — and often the nicest.
Works well for:
- Personal letters to friends or family
- Thank-you notes and greeting cards
- Short correspondence
Not ideal for:
- Official or legal documents
- Longer letters, or anything needing a set format
- When legibility really matters
Cost: paper, an envelope, and a stamp (around £1–£2).
Option 2: Use a Library or Print Shop
Most public libraries offer printing, and high-street print shops and copy shops do too. You can usually email your document ahead or bring it on a USB stick.
Where to print:
- Public libraries — typically around 10–20p per page
- Print and copy shops — self-service or staffed
- Some stationers and post offices — printing plus stamps in one stop
Trade-offs:
- Low cost per page, but you have to leave the house
- You may still need to buy envelopes and stamps separately
- Possible queue or a wait
Cost: roughly £1–£5 depending on page count and where you go.
Option 3: Use an Online Posting Service
An online service handles the whole thing — printing, envelope, postage, and handing it to Royal Mail. You write or upload your letter online and they post it for you.
How it works:
- Type your letter online, or upload a PDF
- Enter the recipient's address
- Pay
- The service prints and posts it
Trade-offs:
- No supplies, no printer, and you never leave home
- Works for both UK and international post
- Costs a little more than pure DIY for a single letter
Cost: £4 for a UK letter or £8 international with PostPal — all-inclusive.
Post a Letter with PostPal
PostPal makes it simple: type your letter, enter the address, and we print it, put it in an envelope, add postage, and post it. UK letters are £4, international £8.