posted on April 16, 2001 04:03:44 PM new
We send out probably about 35 2 lb. Priority packages a day, as many as 45, should we consider a postal meter, or do most of you folks use stamps still? The postman does take these items with him. Just wondering if postal meter would save us money. Don’t know if the volume we are talking about here warrants that.
posted on April 16, 2001 06:24:57 PM new
I don't see how you would save any money by using a meter, as you have to pay a monthly fee for the meter, as well as buy the labels to print the postage on.
I had one several years ago but gave it up when they kept increasing the monthly fees. The fees back then started at $20 per month and were close to $40 when I quit using it.
I just use regular stamps now, but I have thought about looking into a meter again. I have been using First Class more than Priority lately and have to buy several different denominations of stamps. Rather than a money savings, I am looking at a time savings of having to keep track of and lick all those stamps.
I use one, have for almost 3 years now. There is definitely an extra cost to it, but the time savings in not having to stand in post office lines is well worth it -- time is valuable. I do about 150-200 items a month & feel it is definitely worth it. I can do it in my packaging/mailing room downstairs at my timetable, have all the other forms here & just have to drop things at the post office -- it is about 2 blocks away, I suppose people at a greater distance might even be able to arrange pick-up.
For me, the trade-off is some extra cost, compared to considerable extra time.
(I'm in Canada & from time to time I will cross over the border with a "mail run" of large sized packages that cost too much to mail from here. I go to the bulk mailing window at the Blaine, Washington post office where they work very fast -- and I have all the insurance forms pre-done -- but even then, the 45 minute to 1 hour wait for 35 or so packages to be run through their computer, reminds me how nice it is doing all this stuff at home with so much less hassle!)
posted on April 16, 2001 07:20:18 PM new
Well if you negotiate with Pitney Bowes they will give you a nice one for $20 per month.
But it doesn't same money at all. With a scale you don't have to go to the post office. But you could accomplish the same thing by Buying lots of stamps.
I use one, and will continue because of the following reasons.
1)Don't have to fiddle with different stamp demoninations, and I always use the exact postage amount.
2)Looks professional and business like. We get lot's fewer complaints about our inflated S/H charge when the postage is metered.
3)The mail moves faster. (The post office doesn't have to cancel your stamps)
posted on April 16, 2001 07:23:53 PM new
Anybody using meters have any experiences with collecting on an insurance claim when you ship insured with your meter rather than going to the post office.
posted on April 16, 2001 11:19:12 PM new
If you only mail off the smaller boxes, simply postage puts out a thermal printer (no ink cartridges!) / scale all in one machine. (promail) The only thing is it's small. (about 4" wide, and 8" long) Works just perfectly for me since I only mail jewelry in either 6x9 bubble mailers, or the small priority mail boxes. I just love it - saves SO much time since I don't have to stand in line at the PO. Lately, I don't mail off much of anything (been kinda' taking a break) and I still find it very much worth the $15 a month.
posted on April 17, 2001 06:50:13 AM new
I also use a Promail Meter. I mail approx 175 Prority Mail Boxes Weekly, average weight 1-2 pounds. These are the free Number 4 Priority Mail Boxes. The conviuence is well worth the 15.00 a month meter cost. Twice a week, we call USPS and pay 10.25 for a pickup of our boxes, leaving 50-75 packages per pickup at our front door, USPS climbs the stairs at our condo to get them. If we were to take these to the post office it would take several hours as one can only carry 4-6 packages at a time. The time saved in loading and unloading from the car makes this 10 dollars expense a STEAL. All in all, a meter, Priority Mail free boxes, and USPS on demand Pickup work well for us, I don't know what we will do if USPS raises Priority Mail rates again.
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posted on April 17, 2001 09:58:12 PM new
Pitney Bowes will likely sell you the outdated models cheaper by the truckload. Their going digital and bought Danka and won't be supporting their old line any longer so we're told. More scrap metal on the desk.
posted on April 18, 2001 06:16:35 AM new
Regarding using something like Pitney's meters, what is the difference in that and using something like Stamps.com?
Now for all of those using home meters, what are you doing about insurance?
For those using the Pitney or similar systems, with their small scales, what do you do when you get an extremely heavy item that has to ship USPS?
We normally ship all heavy items UPS, but occasionally shipments to Alaska, or overseas require that we ship USPS, but these items are normally too heavy for the standard little scales the firms like Pitney issue.......at that point what do you do?
posted on April 18, 2001 09:02:42 AM new
I average about 50-75 packages a month. I could not justify using a meter. You need to have sufficient volume. You might do better using a manifest system and pay the post office on a weekly basis.
