For many businesses, the postcard gets lost or thrown away.  Id estimate more than 25% lose the card.

The phone call option often goes to voice mail and/or a receptionist who doesnt know what to do with the code, or it simply doesnt work for other reasons.   The SMS option isnt always available, and doesnt always work.  I think a tremendous amount of waste could be removed if the notifications were more in tune with the real world of a busy small business where the thud of junk mail on the receptionists desk is a daily event.

Id like to propose that Google, in combination with Google Checkout, offer a premium verification option, where the code is sent in an important-looking envelope that will get the attention of the mailroom.  It might even be good to have the code sent via Fedex/UPS/USMail tracable services.

The envelope option could be set up to cost, say, $3-4.  The traced carrier option, perhaps $7-9, depending on what rate Google can get.  Google could charge enough to make it cost effective.  Not only would it help get the message through, but it would also give Google an opportunity to boost their brand a bit.

Id use them every time with my Local SEO clients.

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