What is the first step when mail arrives at an office?

What is the first step when mail arrives at an office?

• A. open and read
• B. sort by topic
• C. date stamp
• D. file the envelope

Answer: (C)

Date stamping incoming mail records the official receipt date. That stamp creates a traceable record of when something arrived, which supports deadlines, accountability, and proper routing to the right person or department. It also preserves the mail in its original state so you can verify the arrival time later. After stamping, you typically sort and route the mail to the appropriate area, and then open and read or take action. Opening or reading before dating can obscure the arrival time and complicate tracking, while filing the envelope without dating loses the receipt information.

Date stamping incoming mail records the official receipt date. That stamp creates a traceable record of when something arrived, which supports deadlines, accountability, and proper routing to the right person or department. It also preserves the mail in its original state so you can verify the arrival time later. After stamping, you typically sort and route the mail to the appropriate area, and then open and read or take action. Opening or reading before dating can obscure the arrival time and complicate tracking, while filing the envelope without dating loses the receipt information.