How do I track packages that I send out?

[braceletsbyrin]

Majority of my products I am able to send out in a regular envelope with a stamp or two, and thus I have not felt the desire to track the packages to send to customers (since most of my customers are people I know personally, they just text me when their stuff has arrived). But this month I have gotten orders from two different people that I don't know (yay!) but also I want to make sure that their envelopes arrive to them safely, since they don't have the ability to just text me.

Overall my question is this: is there a way to track the packages I send out, even if they are just simple envelopes with stamps, and I've just been using standard US postal services? Or do I have to create a shipping label for it via UPS, FedEx, etc? 

[Candlestore]

@braceletsbyrin ;

Depending on the envelope you are using, if they are standard #10 envelopes you can go to a post office and ask for tracking services for an envelope.  USPS also can mail you free larger flat envelopes to mail items in that are either cardboard or padded.  Each of these have different postage rates also.  Just so you know that tracking is costly compared to under $1 for a first class letter.   I just looked up a rate for the non-padded envelope which through Pirate Ship was $7.90 and then you would print out a shipping label on that which is postage paid.   That was from PA to NJ for 1lb.  

Link for free envelopes through the Post Office.

free-shipping-supplies/shipping-supplies/priority-mail/ 

I would ask the USPS office near you how much each different envelope is to mail to local areas (Zone 1 and Zone 2) from you to get an idea if it is worth Tracking depending on the value of items your sending out.  

For a 4" x 11" envelope that is 1/2 a LB in weight the price is $3.99 for no insurance and $7.00 with a $100 insurance value ($6.34 no Insurance) from the USPS compared to one of the free packages that is larger and also had the $100 insurance for me to that same address.

This is using Pirate ship which Beats USPS's retail pricing, so if you go to a USPS office your rates would be more, and best to ask them the rates with tracking by going to the USPS.

Using the USPS calculator its $9.65 for the same envelope I would be charged $7.90 for from the USPS. 

Priority Mail Flat Rate® Envelope

USPS-Produced Envelope: 12-1/2" x 9-1/2"

I can not find online if you can track a #10 envelope but you might be able to at the USPS for less than the rates I can get online.