Even in this digital world of emails and instant messaging, many businesses still need to post physical mail to customers and other companies daily. The time and money involved in mailing packages and letters can add up enormously, especially if you rely on outdated methods or equipment. A postage meter can make a massive difference, bringing the post office into your office. Read on for all you need to know, including the benefits and use cases for meters.
An Introduction to Postage Meters: What Are They?
Let’s begin with a simple definition of a postage meter. Simply put, a postage meter is a device that can print postage information directly onto envelopes or labels.
Postage meters come in various types and sizes, ranging from basic models to advanced, high-end meters. The bigger and fancier models have a range of features, like built-in scales to weigh parcels for you, advanced security features, and touchscreen interfaces.
Back in the old days, postage meters were mechanical, requiring manual input. However, USPS took those models out of usage due to security fears. These days, all models are digital, able to connect to the internet, allowing for rapid, secure payments and indexing all mail orders.
How Do They Work?
As stated above, many different models and types of postage meters exist. Each has its own specific features and functions, so they’re not all identical in how they work. With that said, they tend to follow the same basic format:
- The user should first prepare the items that need postage.
- You can then use built-in scales to weigh the item or manually enter the weight value using the provided interface.
- The machine will automatically calculate the appropriate fee and correct form of postage to print. You can prepay for your postage, and the total cost will automatically be deducted from your credit.
- You may adjust extra settings before printing the postage directly onto the envelope or a label.
It’s worth noting that you can’t actually buy your own postage meter because of security concerns, as all postage is regulated and controlled by USPS. Therefore, meters may only be rented or leased by companies, and you can pay a monthly or annual fee to use one.
Who Are They For?
Many people mistakenly assume that postage meters are targeted at big brands that send lots of mail. But in reality, these machines can prove useful even to small businesses, as they can still provide cost and time-saving benefits.
There are even specific models of postage meters aimed at low-volume users. They’re designed to send only a few dozen letters monthly, while the bigger models can handle thousands of letters in one hour.
The Benefits of Postage Meters
Is it worth using a postage meter? Well, that all depends on how much value you can get out of this type of machine. There are many benefits, especially for bigger businesses relying on direct mail. Here are some of the main advantages to consider:
Saves Money
One of the most significant benefits of a postage meter is how much money it can save you. For example, it’s quite common for businesses to overpay when preparing their items to mail. Even a few cents per delivery will add up to large amounts of cash over time. A postage meter ensures you only ever pay the right amount with USPS.
Not only that, but these machines can save you money in other ways, too. For instance, you might have to dedicate time to prepare mail and drive it to the nearest office. With your own meter, you can ease your employees’ burden and simply have the mail ready when your carrier comes by the office.
Saves Time
It’s not just money you can save with a postage meter, but time too. You can save minutes or even hours per week with these handy devices. Instead of having your workers manually print and stick stamps and postage labels to envelopes or take time out of their schedule to visit a post office, you can let the meter do it all for you.
As explained earlier, the postage meter can weigh, calculate the price, and print postage directly onto each envelope, depending on the model. This can take a huge load off your workers’ shoulders and make paying for postage more efficient without needing extra post office trips.
Customization Potential
Another potential benefit of postage meters is that they may be used to customize your postage labels or envelopes. Advanced models have the capacity to print business logos, slogans, or even marketing messages directly onto packaging materials.
This has a couple of benefits. Firstly, it adds a custom touch to every piece of mail you send, so the recipient knows exactly who the message is from. Secondly, it can add value to your brand, as customized envelopes convey a sense of professionalism and authority.
Ease and Convenience
Finally, it’s worth noting that using postage meters is generally much easier and more convenient than the alternative. Manually managing mail can take lots of time and effort, especially if you have many letters. It’s simply not practical for most businesses, especially large ones. Opting for a postage meter is one of the best methods to simplify and streamline your mail operations.
In addition, if your business happens to be located in a remote area, far from the nearest post office, it’s even more difficult to manage mail and send letters. A postage meter can make organizing your envelopes and sending items in bulk quantities much easier.
Make Mail Easier to Handle With Your Own Postage Meter
A postage meter can make a massive difference to businesses, big and small. Whether you only send a dozen letters a week or need to mail hundreds daily, these machines can help.
If you’re looking for postage meters in Cary, Raleigh, and the Triangle, Anza Mailing Systems is here to help. We offer an array of modern, efficient postage meters and mailing machines for all your business needs. Contact us today to learn more.
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