Postage Meter Basics and Advantages Explained

A postage meter is a machine that prints official postage on envelopes and packages, making it easier to send mail and track postage costs.

The first postage meter was introduced in the 1920s and was called the "Fay Postal Meter."

Having a postage meter can save you time and money by eliminating the need to buy stamps and affix them to each piece of mail.

Postage meters also provide accurate and reliable postage tracking, which can help prevent lost or undeliverable mail.

With a postage meter, you can weigh and print postage for packages and mailpieces of various sizes and weights.

A postage meter is an electronic device that prints postage on mail pieces, eliminating the need for stamps or other forms of manual payment.

It can weigh individual packages and calculate the correct amount of postage based on the package's weight, size, and destination.

One of the main benefits of using a postage meter is that it simplifies the process of sending mail by combining technology and convenience to streamline mailing operations.

A postage meter works by weighing and measuring mail items to determine the correct postage, making it a digital system that's accurate and efficient.

Once a letter or package is placed on the meter's scale, the machine automatically calculates the necessary postage based on weight, size, and shipping class.

This printed postage is a legal stamp, recognized by postal services.

Modern postage meters are often connected to secure digital networks, enabling them to update postal rates automatically and access postal services directly.

The history of postage meters is a fascinating story that spans over a century. The first postage meter was invented by Charles A. Kahrs, a Norwegian inventor who created a coin-operated machine in 1900.

The first postage meter was installed in the lobby of the General Post Office in Christiana, Norway, on August 24, 1900. However, it was removed just a few months later.

Arthur Pitney, a young Chicago inventor, obtained his first mailing system patent in 1902 and went on to form the Pitney Postal Machine Company, which later became the American Postage Meter Company in 1912. His first machine consisted of a manual crank, chain action, printing die, counter, and lockout device.

Pitney's company directly rivalled Edwards Franks' Franking Company of America, which was founded in 1911. Franks' company manufactured and distributed a machine that was much like the one Franks had presented at the World's Fair in 1886, but with streamlined machinations and simplified controls.

The Model M Postage Meter was authorized on September 1, 1920, and was put into commercial use in Stamford later that year. It was later designated as an International Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1986.

Postage meters come in various types, each designed to cater to different mailing needs and volumes. Understanding the types of postage meters available is crucial for businesses to choose the one that best suits their specific requirements.

There are semi-automatic postage meters, which offer a balance between manual and fully automatic systems. They are designed for medium-volume mailers and partially automate the mailing process.

Automatic postage meters are designed for high-volume mailers and fully automate the mailing process. They can handle large quantities of mail quickly and efficiently, with minimal human intervention.

Some postage meters are internet- and stamp-based, allowing users to print labels with postage using online solutions like eBay's online postage solution or small stamp printers.

Postage meters and PC Postage products allow you to print postage indicia directly onto your mailpieces or onto a meter tape or labels. Both are a convenient way to pay for postage and track postage costs for your business or organization.

Here are some key differences between semi-automatic and automatic postage meters:

It's worth noting that some postage meters, like the ones decertified by the USPS in 1999 and 2008, are no longer in use.

Digital postage meters are equipped with digital interfaces, offering advanced features like touch screens and internet connectivity.

They can update postage rates automatically, making them a great option for businesses that need to stay on top of changing postal rates.

Digital meters can handle various mail types and sizes, and offer detailed tracking and reporting features.

These meters are suitable for businesses of all sizes, but are particularly beneficial for those needing advanced mailing solutions and analytics.

Smart postage meters are the most advanced type, incorporating internet connectivity and other smart technologies.

They offer features such as remote monitoring, which allows businesses to keep track of their postage usage from anywhere.

Online postage rate updates are also a key feature, ensuring that businesses always have access to the latest postage rates.

This feature is especially useful for businesses with high mailing volumes, as it saves time and reduces errors.

Smart meters are ideal for businesses looking for efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to integrate their postage system with other digital business tools.

By integrating with mailing software, businesses can streamline their mailing processes and improve operational efficiency.

Digital postage meters are equipped with digital interfaces, offering advanced features such as touch screens and internet connectivity.

They can handle various mail types and sizes, making them suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Digital meters offer detailed tracking and reporting features, allowing businesses to stay on top of their mailing operations.

These meters can update postage rates automatically, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.

They're particularly beneficial for businesses needing advanced mailing solutions and analytics.

Some digital meters can even print Information Based Indicia (IBI), a two-dimensional Data Matrix or bar code combined with visually identifiable characters and symbols.

This includes information such as amount of postage, origin zip code, destination, mail class, weight, and confirmation/tracking numbers.

A digital postage meter is a sophisticated device that's made up of various components, each playing a vital role in ensuring efficiency and accuracy in postage management.

The feeder is a crucial component that automatically feeds mail items into the machine, simplifying the process of handling large volumes of mail and reducing the need for manual input.

Digital postage meters are equipped with digital interfaces, offering advanced features such as touch screens, internet connectivity, and the ability to update postage rates automatically.

These meters can handle various mail types and sizes and offer detailed tracking and reporting features, making them suitable for businesses of all sizes.

In most advanced models, the feeder can adjust to accommodate different sizes and thicknesses of envelopes, ensuring a smooth and consistent flow of mail through the meter.

Digital postage meters are particularly beneficial for businesses needing advanced mailing solutions and analytics, as they provide detailed tracking and reporting features.

Implementing a postage meter in your business can bring a multitude of benefits, ranging from time savings to enhanced branding.

Time is a precious resource, and a postage meter can save it by quickly printing postage on envelopes and packages without requiring manual calculations or trips to the post office.

A postage meter can also lead to substantial cost savings by eliminating the need to overpay for postage and offering discounted rates for bulk mailings.

Many postal services offer discounts for postage meter users, which can lead to significant reductions in mailing costs over time.

Having a postage meter on-site means you can process mail on your schedule without the need to visit a post office, making it a convenient option for businesses that send out mail regularly.

This is particularly beneficial for urgent mailings or when dealing with fluctuating volumes of outbound mail.

The Neopost IS-410 is a popular postage meter model that offers a high level of accuracy and reliability.

It has a compact design, making it ideal for small to medium-sized offices.

The Pitney Bowes SendPro C340 is another well-known postage meter model that provides advanced features and a user-friendly interface.

It has a large touchscreen display and can handle mail weighing up to 60 pounds.

The Francotyp-Postalia (FPT) T1000 is a high-end postage meter model that offers advanced security features and a high level of customization.

It has a built-in scale and can print postage labels up to 4 inches wide.

The Frama Matrix 5 is a reliable and efficient postage meter model that is widely used in offices and businesses.

It has a high-speed printing capability and can handle mail weighing up to 40 pounds.

Small to medium-sized businesses are ideal candidates for using postage meters. They can quickly and easily process and track postage from an office, store, or home.

Small e-commerce businesses and entrepreneurs who sell their wares can greatly benefit from using a postage meter. It's a great time saver for them.

Any business that sends newsletters and promotional or marketing materials through the mail can utilize a postage meter. This includes businesses that sell products online.

Government agencies and healthcare facilities also have a need for postage meters. They often send timely correspondence through the mail.

First, you'll need to purchase or lease a postage meter that meets your business needs. The cost of a postage meter can vary depending on the features and capacity you require.

You'll also need to obtain a permit from the United States Postal Service (USPS) to use a postage meter. This permit is usually free and can be obtained online or by mail.

Next, you'll need to set up your postage meter by following the manufacturer's instructions. This will typically involve calibrating the meter, setting the date and time, and configuring the unit's settings.

The initial cost of a postage meter can range from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on the model and features.