Often unknown is the fact that a postage meter can not be bought, but only leased from the manufacturer as they are strictly regulated by the United State Postal Service. Rentals typically last for either one or three years and most vendors choose you go with the longer term. If you are unsure of your needs it might be best to go with a one year rental until you get some experience.
Rental costs are based on either usage or fixed, and if based on usage your monthly rate is based on the average total monthly postage for year preceding. In this scenario, rates only increase and that should your usage drop you may not see a resulting reduction in rate. The alternative is fixed rates published by the rental company, which may rise upon short notice.
Some postage machine manufacturers just change their rates from one year to the next, with no concern to usage, more dependent on sophistication of the model rather than the yearly or monthly. When choosing a postage meter, be certain that you understand the pricing agreement.
While postage machine leasing costs do not vary widely, there are options for components such as bases and scales, which you can either buy or lease, unlike the meter itself. Varying according to available options, postage meter bases can cost you a few hundred dollars up to several thousand and scales go anywhere from forty dollars to several hundred.
When selecting a postage meter company your first concern is usually price. Because the US Postal Service highly monitors meters, systems do not vary substantially from one manufacturer to the next, and a good price is usually the deciding component. With more monthly mailing volume and thus costs, other considerations must be taken into account in making your conclusion.
Service rather than function can change greatly depending on the manufacturer chosen. Some manufacturers will work with you directly, and others work through a group of otherwise individual dealers. Both options offer excellent service and the crucial concern is often customer support. Questions to ask are: Do you make on site visits to troubleshoot issues or is support mostly telephone based, and what is the turnaround time on the average support call?
Payment options also might vary greatly. If you will be leasing your system, you likely retain an option to occassionally upgrade your equipment as your operation might grow. Some manufacturers give better and more varied rental choices. In addition, your postage costs can be taken care of in varies ways, either prepayment, mailing a check to the United States Postal Service to start an account, with postage purchases then deducted as you go automatically.
Lastly, a number of manufacturers allow you to "mail now, pay later," basically extending you credit to complete your monthly mailing requirements. Also possible is purchasing postage in advance from the manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer a situation where you get interest aquired as additional postage for prepaid agreements. - 31410
Rental costs are based on either usage or fixed, and if based on usage your monthly rate is based on the average total monthly postage for year preceding. In this scenario, rates only increase and that should your usage drop you may not see a resulting reduction in rate. The alternative is fixed rates published by the rental company, which may rise upon short notice.
Some postage machine manufacturers just change their rates from one year to the next, with no concern to usage, more dependent on sophistication of the model rather than the yearly or monthly. When choosing a postage meter, be certain that you understand the pricing agreement.
While postage machine leasing costs do not vary widely, there are options for components such as bases and scales, which you can either buy or lease, unlike the meter itself. Varying according to available options, postage meter bases can cost you a few hundred dollars up to several thousand and scales go anywhere from forty dollars to several hundred.
When selecting a postage meter company your first concern is usually price. Because the US Postal Service highly monitors meters, systems do not vary substantially from one manufacturer to the next, and a good price is usually the deciding component. With more monthly mailing volume and thus costs, other considerations must be taken into account in making your conclusion.
Service rather than function can change greatly depending on the manufacturer chosen. Some manufacturers will work with you directly, and others work through a group of otherwise individual dealers. Both options offer excellent service and the crucial concern is often customer support. Questions to ask are: Do you make on site visits to troubleshoot issues or is support mostly telephone based, and what is the turnaround time on the average support call?
Payment options also might vary greatly. If you will be leasing your system, you likely retain an option to occassionally upgrade your equipment as your operation might grow. Some manufacturers give better and more varied rental choices. In addition, your postage costs can be taken care of in varies ways, either prepayment, mailing a check to the United States Postal Service to start an account, with postage purchases then deducted as you go automatically.
Lastly, a number of manufacturers allow you to "mail now, pay later," basically extending you credit to complete your monthly mailing requirements. Also possible is purchasing postage in advance from the manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer a situation where you get interest aquired as additional postage for prepaid agreements. - 31410
About the Author:
Chris Ulrich is the operator of Postage.ws Postage Meters site. Get $100 free postage from Pitney Bowes when you order a new meter.
