A system allows for more efficient circulation of articles through the postal system. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a smart mailer is provided having wireless communication and display capabilities. When an article is to be returned through the postal system, the postman uses a portable terminal (such as a cellphone) to check in the article and, at the same time, re-address the article for delivery to a subsequent (preferably local) customer. Preferably, these actions are both performed by a simple swiping of the portable terminal with respect to the article. Back-office infrastructure is provided for accounting of postal charges, etc. The utility of the portable terminal may be further increased by incorporating barcode reading capability, GPS capability, etc. The system may be used for articles of all descriptions, but is especially suited for smaller articles including media (recordings, books), jewelry, etc.