Postage Meter Buyers Guide
Table of Contents
1. Postage and Mailing Systems: An Introduction
2. Benefits of Using a Postage Meter
3. Postage Needs and Requirements
4. Postage Meter and Mail System Features
5. Mailing Materials and Supplies
6. Equipment Basics
7. Mail System Costs and Billing
8. Buyer Tips
1. Postage Meters and Mailing Systems: An Overview
The US mail is big business: the United States Postal Service (USPS) reported processing over 203 billion pieces last year: a number that adds up to over 667 million shipment every day, or over 7,700 envelopes and packages each second. Studies have shown that the US mail- yes, good, old-fashioned letter writing- is one of the best ways to stay in touch with current customers and reach out to new ones. The mail is one of the fastest, easiest ways to connect with those customers likeliest to purchase your product or services.
You can streamline your mailing efforts by processing mail in-house. In order to turn your office into an on-site shipment center, you’ll need a postage meter. Postage meters can perform almost any function that a private shipping center or post office can: you can use a postal meter to pay for postage and shipments, as well as advanced mailing options like delivery receipts and COD verification. You can do all of this without applying for an account with a private shipping company like FedEx or UPS- the USPS picks up your shipments and mail as they are ready to go out.
Most postage meters include
postal scales, which are used to weigh outgoing mail and calculate exact postage charges to the penny. Outgoing mail is weighed, shipment costs are assessed, and then charged using the meter. Businesses can pre-pay, or “fill up” the meter, or opt to be billed for postage charges at the end of a certain time period (you may pay additional fees for this service). The postage machine itself stamps and postmarks outgoing mail.
The meter itself cannot be purchased- it must be leased from a USPS-approved provider. Most postage meter providers also sell or lease additional mailing equipment, such as digital scales, shrink-wrap machines, and label printing equipment.
It’s a good idea to know the basics of how a mailing system works before you begin looking for a postage meter provider. This guide provides you with an overview of choosing and using a postage meter: how to determine postage requirements, compare mailing system features and options choose a billing plan, and also provides tips to help you choose the best equipment for your business.
