Choosing the Right Postage Meter for Small Business ===
Postage meters are an important tool for small businesses that need to send out mail regularly. They help to simplify tedious tasks like calculating rates, printing postage, and tracking expenses. However, choosing the right postage meter can be a daunting task, especially for small business owners who are not familiar with the process. This article will guide you through the factors to consider when choosing a postage meter and recommend some of the top models for small businesses in 2021.
Understanding Postage Meters for Small Business
A postage meter is a machine that prints postage directly onto envelopes or labels. It is a more efficient way to manage postal expenses than buying stamps, as it allows you to print the exact amount of postage needed for each letter or package. Postage meters are also equipped with features like automatic date and time stamping, tracking, and reporting, which can help you keep track of your expenses more accurately.
With the advent of online postage providers like Stamps.com, small business owners no longer need to purchase or lease a physical postage meter. Instead, they can use an online postage service to print postage from a computer or mobile device. This method is more cost-effective and convenient, as it eliminates the need for maintenance, supplies, and monthly rental fees.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Postage Meter
When choosing a postage meter, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Volume: How much mail do you send out on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis? Choose a postage meter that can handle your volume of mail to avoid delays and save time.
- Postage Rates: Make sure the postage meter you choose is compatible with the current USPS rates and can be updated automatically.
- Features: Consider the features you need, such as tracking, address verification, and reporting. Some postage meters offer more advanced features than others, so choose the one that best fits your needs.
- Budget: Postage meters can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of supplies and maintenance. Consider your budget and choose a postage meter that is affordable and cost-effective in the long run.
Top Postage Meters for Small Businesses in 2021
Stamps.com is one of the top online postage providers for small businesses in 2021. It offers a range of plans and features to suit different business needs, from basic to advanced. Some of the benefits of using Stamps.com include:
- Ability to print postage directly from a computer or mobile device.
- Integration with popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify.
- Discounts on USPS postage rates.
- Automatic rate updates and tracking.
- Easy-to-use interface and customer support.
Other top postage meters for small businesses in 2021 include:
- Pitney Bowes SendPro C200: A compact and affordable postage meter that can handle up to 20 letters per minute. It comes with features like automatic rate updates and tracking.
- Neopost IN-300 Series: An advanced postage meter that can handle up to 65 letters per minute. It comes with features like address verification, tracking, and reporting.
- FP Mailing Solutions PostBase Mini: A user-friendly postage meter that can handle up to 17 letters per minute. It comes with features like automatic rate updates and tracking.
Conclusion===
Choosing the right postage meter for your small business can be a challenging task, but it is an important one. By considering factors like volume, rates, features, and budget, you can find a postage meter that suits your needs and helps you save time and money. Using an online postage provider like Stamps.com can also simplify the process and provide you with additional benefits like discounts, integration, and customer support.