Often unknown is the fact that a postage machine can not be purchased, but only rented from the manufacturer as they are tightly monitored by the United State Postal Service. Leases usually last for either one or three years and most companies prefer you go with the longer term. If you are undecided of your needs it might be smart to go with a 1 year lease until you buildup some experience.
Rental costs are established on either usage or fixed, and if based on usage the monthly rate is based on the average total monthly postage for year preceding. In this scenario, costs only increase and that should your usage drop you may not see a resulting reduction in cost. The alternative is fixed rates published by the rental company, which may increase upon due notice.
Some postage machine companies just change their costs from one year to the next, with no regard to usage, more dependent on sophistication of the model rather than the yearly or monthly. When choosing a postage meter, be sure that you understand the pricing arrangement.
While postage machine leasing rates do not vary widely, there are advantages for components such as bases and scales, which you can either purchase or rent, 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 thought is often cost. Because the US Postal Service highly governs meters, systems do not vary substantially from one manufacturer to the next, and a good price is often 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 dependent on the company chosen. Some companies will work with you directly, and others work through a group of otherwise individual dealers. Both choices offer great service and the vital concern is often customer support. Questions to ask are: Do you make on site visits to troubleshoot problems or is support always phone based, and what is the turnaround time on the average service call?
Payment choices also might vary greatly. If you will be leasing your machine, you likely retain an option to occassionally upgrade your equipment as your company might increase. Some manufacturers offer better and more varied rental choices. In addition, your postage costs can be taken care of in different ways, either pre-pay, sending a check to the United States Postal Service to open an account, with postage purchases then deducted as you go automatically.
Lastly, a number of manufacturers allow you to "mail now, pay later," basically giving you credit to complete your monthly mailing operation. Also possible is purchasing postage in advance from the manufacturer. Some companies offer a situation where you gather interest aquired as additional postage for prepaid agreements.
Rental costs are established on either usage or fixed, and if based on usage the monthly rate is based on the average total monthly postage for year preceding. In this scenario, costs only increase and that should your usage drop you may not see a resulting reduction in cost. The alternative is fixed rates published by the rental company, which may increase upon due notice.
Some postage machine companies just change their costs from one year to the next, with no regard to usage, more dependent on sophistication of the model rather than the yearly or monthly. When choosing a postage meter, be sure that you understand the pricing arrangement.
While postage machine leasing rates do not vary widely, there are advantages for components such as bases and scales, which you can either purchase or rent, 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 thought is often cost. Because the US Postal Service highly governs meters, systems do not vary substantially from one manufacturer to the next, and a good price is often 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 dependent on the company chosen. Some companies will work with you directly, and others work through a group of otherwise individual dealers. Both choices offer great service and the vital concern is often customer support. Questions to ask are: Do you make on site visits to troubleshoot problems or is support always phone based, and what is the turnaround time on the average service call?
Payment choices also might vary greatly. If you will be leasing your machine, you likely retain an option to occassionally upgrade your equipment as your company might increase. Some manufacturers offer better and more varied rental choices. In addition, your postage costs can be taken care of in different ways, either pre-pay, sending a check to the United States Postal Service to open an account, with postage purchases then deducted as you go automatically.
Lastly, a number of manufacturers allow you to "mail now, pay later," basically giving you credit to complete your monthly mailing operation. Also possible is purchasing postage in advance from the manufacturer. Some companies offer a situation where you gather interest aquired as additional postage for prepaid agreements.
About the Author:
Christopher Ulrich is the operator of Postage.ws Postage Meters site. Get $100 free postage from Pitney Bowes with your new meter rental.
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