Advice: Shipping/Mailing methods?

[linksage.livejournal.com]

Hey all; quick question. I sent my first commission through the mail today and asked at the post office for delivery confirmation (I admit I really don't have any experience at all with mailing things aside from drop it in the blue box or in the mailbox at the end of the driveway). I was told I'd have to send it certified.

I was a little surprised to see that the certified mail fee is $2.95. Is that normal? (Postage was $1.10 as I was sending it in a large envelope, but that I was expecting). Everything I've read says that Delivery Confirmation is less than a dollar.

I've always been so confused/intimidated by the mail system. x_x I don't really mind eating the cost this time as the commissioner tipped me a couple dollars anyway, but for future reference, is there a better/cheaper way to track or otherwise provide your commissioner with proof that their purchase is on its way?