The postage meter is the critical part of any mailing system. It calculates the exact postage need to mail the package or envelope and applies the indicia, the markings on a mail piece that shows the postage has been paid by the sender.
It is important to note that meters cannot be purchased. Under federal regulations, they can only be leased. Other parts of the postage system can be purchased, but ownership of the meter itself is strictly controlled. This is a disadvantage for the person leasing the meter, 1st class stamps but most companies give very nice bonuses to outweigh the lease price. Take Pitney Bowes for example, they give a free trial and free postage to all new customers.
All meters have most of the same basic features while being able to hold around $1000 in postage. They also offer the ability to mail envelopes and packages in a variety of different methods. They can also be used for discounted bulk mailings, but you will need to apply to the United States Postal Service (USPS) for a permit.
Beyond the basic features, meters begin to differ according to various options that concern security and ease of use:
· Password-protected access
· Accounting codes
· Automatic postage reset
· Automatic date advance
· Saved presets for common mailing jobs
Digital meters provide additional security by printing a two dimensional barcode that identifies the sender as well as the destination. Many digital meters can also be updated electronically, allowing them to stay current when the USPS changes its rates. Traditional meters require an expensive chip upgrade when rates change.