posted on December 26, 2000 06:43:22 AM new
I've been using Estamp to print postage for items I've sold on Ebay. It has been little more than a pain, but better than standing in line at the PO. I went onto their site the other day to check for any software updates. Boy, was I surprised. As of December 31, 2000, Estamp will no longer be selling postage. You must have your Electronic Vault returned to them by March. This was news to me!<p>
I sent an email to Estamp who sent one back stating that they had notified everyone. If I didn't get the email it was because I gave them the wrong email address. Impossible! When you sign up for Estamp, they send you an email verification. I certainly rec'd that one. Thank God I checked their site for updates otherwise I be up the creek without a paddle.<p>
Is there anyone else out there who wasn't aware of this? Even my boss at my job didn't know about it and he just purchased a couple hundred dollars worth of postage! You think they would have advised him at that time! What a way to run a business!
posted on December 26, 2000 06:10:22 PM new
I have received 2 different emails from them about this. Here is a snip from the one they sent on 12/19 that may answer your questions:
Please read the following important information about your E-Stamp
account:
* E-Stamp will be supporting customers and taking returns until March 1,
2001. Important customer support information and instructions are
available on the E-Stamp web site (http://www.e-stamp.com).
* You may continue to purchase postage through E-Stamp until December 31,
2000. Customers who have upgraded to E-Stamp Internet Postage version
1.2b will have access to the new postal rates expected to go into effect
on January 7, 2001. If you have not upgraded to the new version, you may
do so by clicking the link below and following the directions.
http://www.estamp.com/help_center/ts/esip/12
* E-Stamp's online supplies store will close on January 8, 2001. Please
estimate the number of labels and envelopes needed for the postage
remaining on your electronic vault and purchase these supplies from our
store by January 7.
To visit the supplies store, go to http://www.e-stamp.com/supplies.
* Neopost Online's promotional pricing offer to current E-stamp
customers is available until January 31, 2001. To take advantage of this
special offer, go to http://www.estamp.com/neopostoffer.
* In accordance with US Postal Service regulations, all E-Stamp postage
vaults (the little black brick that plugs into the back of your computer)
must be returned to E-Stamp. Call 1 888 4-E-Stamp (1 888 437-8267)
extension #1 or #2 and you will receive return instructions and an RMA
(Return Material Authorization) number for returning the vault. Refunds
for postal vaults will be granted for units purchased and shipped after
September 1, 2000. E-Stamp's Customer Care is available Monday through
Friday from 5 am to 10 pm PST and 9 am to 6 pm on weekends. To reach E-
Stamp by phone, please call 1-888 4-E-Stamp (1 888 437-8267). Online
support is available at mailto:[email protected].
* Unfortunately, postal regulations do not permit a transfer of unused
postage between E-Stamp and Neopost Online. In order to receive full
credit for postage that you have purchased, but elected not to use, and
therefore have remaining on your vault, please contact the E-Stamp product
returns number listed above. Credit will be issued in the form of a check
from E-Stamp. Refunds for unused postage will be issued through March 31,
2001.
* Our last shipment of E-Stamp Internet Postage product took place on
Friday November 24, 2000.
Once again, thank you for your support.
_______________________________________
I jumped immediately over to stamps.com and find it to be a substantially better service. Change is a good thing ...
posted on December 26, 2000 06:16:34 PM new
I just signed up for stamps.com too The label you need are cheaper to buy on line from office depot the floresent 3 part labels are $7.99 at there web sit with an arrangement with stamps.com I went to office depot locally the same label they want $14.99
also you can use two part white labels for packages the 2x4 size I bought a package of 10 sheets 100 labels locally for $.8.85 and found these on line for $7.99 as well.
There software works great things I have found out so far seems you cant print postage for packages going out side the USA and you cant print book rate postage only
frist class, Priority, parcel post and express.
You can only send packages from mail boxes and post offices inside the zip code you sign up with as your address inless you apply for a dropshipping permit from your local P.O.
minium monthly fee is $4.95 per month or 10% of the amount of postage you print for the personal service they give you your frist $10 postage just to try them for 30 day.
I signed up on a saturday night at about 11 PM by sunday morning at 6 AM I was apporved to start printing postage.
posted on December 26, 2000 06:25:08 PM new
I use Clickstamp (I've been a beta tester for a couple of years - no other affiliation)and love it. It allows you to print 1st class, priority, book rate (aka special standard, soon to be Media Mail), and several others. Like the others, due to pending USPS approval international isn't yet available.
The maker of Clickstamp is Pitney Bowes (a leader in the postage meter industry for a long time). Here's their website for more info:
posted on December 26, 2000 06:34:57 PM new
OH dont forget to add clickstamp is offering that extra penny back on the postage you print all year up to 2000 pennys in the year I believe that means over the year you can earn $20 you can use for postage or what ever.
I was thinking of signing up with clickstamp but I could not find enough answers to my questions and stamp.com answered every question I had and much more in there faq right on line.
posted on December 26, 2000 07:10:25 PM new
I am using clickstamp, and after I use up my initial postage I bought I'm gone... I have to reboot my computer before I print and after I print. It takes up sooo much of my system resources. I usually can print two envelopes on a single reboot if I don't do anything else first (like open my email to get an address)... It's probably specific to my computer configuration or something - others might be able to use it just fine.
The price was right... but what an inconvienance! I would rather stand in line at the post office!
