System Requirements:

Microsoft Windows XP with service pack 2 or Windows Vista. Windows XP may also require a free Microsoft .NET update (available here). If this is not found on your PC the driver setup process will prompt you to download and install it. Once the .NET Framework is installed you will need to run the IMS Hybrid Mail setup again to complete the installation. The driver does not currently support 64-bit platforms.

Security information:

As soon as you press "Send it IMS Hybrid Mail" within the print driver your letter will be securely encrypted by the software. This means that your letter cannot be read by others whilst in transit and will be printed automatically and securely at the print facility closest to the destination address.

Next steps after installation

Prepare your document(s) in your usual word processing or accounting software. Print your document, but select "Send It IMS Hybrid Mail" from the printer list, instead of your usual printer. The driver window opens, allowing you to preview your letter before you send it. When you are ready to send your letter, press "Send It IMS Hybrid Mail".

IMS Hybrid Mail Overview

What does IMS Hybrid Mail do?

IMS Hybrid Mail is an innovative new system that allows businesses and individuals to send physical post to any UK address, directly from their computers. Anyone can use it and the software is free. We transmit your letter electronically to a print hub near where it needs to go. At the printing hub, all our customers' post is printed ready-sorted and barcoded for delivery by Royal Mail the last few miles. Because we eliminate most of the trucking and most of the mechanical sorting, we can deliver your letter for just 35p+VAT, including printing, stationery and delivery.

How does IMS Hybrid Mail work?

There are two ways to use IMS Hybrid Mail: the print driver or the web portal. With the print driver, IMS Hybrid Mail appears in your printer list, so anything you can print, you can send using IMS Hybrid Mail. The web portal allows you to manually upload a document, and upload a mailing list, and send the document to every address on that list.

How long does it take to deliver my letter?

We endeavour to deliver your letter within 3 days.

Why does it take three days?

At the moment, we operate to the following print cycle: Day 0: You send your letter. Day 1: We print your letter. Day 2: We deliver to Royal Mail local office. Day 3: Royal Mail deliver to the door. Our aim will be to print your letter and deliver it to Royal Mail the same day you send it, so it will be delivered by the postman the next day. We hope to offer this service soon for addresses in London, later rolling out to the rest of the country.

How can it save me time?

Your business no longer has to spend time printing, folding and addressing all your correspondence.

How can it save me money?

Printing, folding, envelopes and Royal Mail delivery are all included in the price of sending a letter using IMS Hybrid Mail, which is more or less the same cost as a second class stamp.

How is it printed?

We print your letter on quality paper, using state of the art printers. The print quality is excellent.

What can I send?

You can send up to 8 sheets of double-sided A4 paper (16 sides). These could be letters, statements, invoices or marketing material.

Why not send an email?

IMS Hybrid Mail provides the impact of a letter with the ease of an email. People are more likely to read and respond to a letter than an email.

How do I pay?

You upload credit to your account using a credit or debit card. For larger amounts, you can also send payments offline if you are a corporate user. Each time you send a letter, the cost of the letter is deducted from your balance.

Is there a limit to the amount of credit I can upload?

No, although we prefer higher amounts to be sent offline.

Do you collect my mail?

No. You send your mail to us by pressing "print" in your usual software and selecting "Send It IMS Hybrid Mail" from the printer list.

I am not a company, can I still use the service?

Anyone can send a letter using IMS Hybrid Mail, however, if you are a low volume user, we are unable to respond to technical support requests. There is no minimum or maximum volume.

Why is my post delivered by Royal Mail?

Because Royal Mail have an incomparable service for door to door delivery and are remarkably efficient at delivering the "final mile".