Postage meters are devices that feed through and stamp mail with a postage mark. Postage marks are an alternative to more traditional, stamp-based mail that you may be familiar with. This mark is applied directly, essentially giving you an on-site post office at your fingertips. 

This is known as metered mail, with a mark or 'meter' being applied directly to an envelope or package instead of a stamp. The meter shows that the mail has been paid for in advance and is eligible for transportation from the United States Post Service. These meters can be customized to fit your business, but we'll get to that later.

Although there are many different models, manufacturers, and sizes of postage meters, they all work the same way and carry out the same function. They will often come with color touch screens, which will guide you through the metering process. This includes the two main factors of how you are charged, the weight and the metering itself. 

Just like standard mail, the larger the quantity and weight, the more it's going to cost. The same applies to the destination. A single letter being sent to the same city as your business is going to be a lot cheaper than multiple, heavy packages being sent across the country. 

The postage meter will stamp and seal your mail, then drop it into an exit tray. Automating your postage process with just a few pushes of a button is going to free up a huge amount of time for you to focus elsewhere. 

Costs are automatically deducted from your personal postage meter business account balance. Because postage costs aren't fixed, your postage meter will automatically track the rates and bill you according to the price on the day you use it. 

To send metered mail, just find your nearest USPS blue collection box, drop off the mail, and then you can get on with the next thing on your to-do list.

Ok, so let's get this bit out of the way first. In the United States, you can't buy a postage meter; you can only rent one. This might seem like a weird rule, but there's actually a really good reason behind it. 

The federal government considers postage to be a form of currency, and they regulate the creation of postage stamps. If you could just buy a postage meter outright, then you basically have a license to print money. That's why the USPS only recognizes a select few businesses that produce and supply postage meters and keep an eye on what's being printed. 

Renting prices will differ depending on your business needs. If you're looking for a postage meter for a small business, then prices can be as low as just $20 per month. However, if you're a larger organization and are looking to get your hands on a full postage meter station, these can cost upwards of $1000 per month.

Hopefully, that has answered any questions you may have about postage meters and how they can benefit your business. 

Now you may be asking yourself, 'How can I get a postage meter for my business?' 

Just tap the "Compare Providers Today" button below and answer a few questions about your business on our quick and simple form. 

Based on your responses, you will receive up to four free, non-committal quotes tailored specifically to your business needs, and then you can compare the best deals for your business.