With the upcoming IMI standards that will render older postage machines de-certified by the end of 2024, you might be researching what machine to replace yours with. In preparation for this change, you’ll likely find two different postage meter manufacturers: Pitney Bowes and FP Mailing Solutions. Here’s a comparison of the two, and factors to consider when purchasing or leasing a mail machine.
What To Look for In a Postage Meter
To find the best postage meter companies, you need to understand what to look for. Postage meters should serve your business’ mailing capacity needs and print postage quickly and accurately. Some factors that will affect their efficiency include:
- How easy they are to use
- Weighing options available
- Input and output tray size/capacity
- Speed (letters per minute)
These factors can make a big difference in saving your business time and money. If you spend time struggling to print postage or measure a piece of mail incorrectly, you could end up losing postage funds that add up over time.
Pitney Bowes Postage Meters
A popular option for postage machines is Pitney Bowes. So, is Pitney Bowes worth it? Whether a Pitney Bowes postage meter is right for your business depends on what features and capabilities you’re looking for. The company offers products for both smaller-scale mailing needs and large-volume needs.
The “Low to Mid Volume” machines can process up to 300 mail pieces per week and 50 packages per week. The machines under the “Mid to High Volume” classification are for businesses with demanding mailing needs. The SendPro C Auto machine, for example, can mail up to 500 pieces of mail and 50+ packages a week.
What is FP Postage?
FP Mailing Solutions is an alternative to Pitney Bowes postage meters, with similar offerings and features. With meters for both small and larger mail volumes, offerings range from the PostBase mini which can process up to 17 letters per minute, to the PostBase One which can process up to 150 LPM.
Machines offered through FP can weigh mail pieces from 5lbs to 15lbs, and they can process mail postage from $150 to $5000 per month.
Their range in capabilities make them a dynamic for small to large businesses, simplifying the mailing process of metered mail.
Can I Buy My Own Postage Meter?
Postage meters are highly regulated by the United States Postal Service since postage is considered a form of currency. Therefore, postage machines are considered to be a lot like money printing machines, so they are not authorized for selling to individuals or businesses. They must be leased through authorized dealers.
Other USPS postage meter regulations have to do with the security and real-time automation and postage rate accuracy of machines. New IMI Standards will go into effect in 2024, with all outdated IBI meters decommissioned by December 2024. For this reason, it’s crucial to replace old meters before they become obsolete.
What Companies Lease Postage Meters?
Authorized dealers are often managed print providers that offer troubleshooting and technical assistance with setting up and using your equipment. For example, they will help you select the correct mail meter for your business’ mailing needs, which will depend on factors like:
- Number of letters or packages you will send each month
- How much postage dollars you use in a month
- The size and weight of your metered mail pieces
- Your requirements for processing speed and efficiency
Before you commit to a postage meter lease, make sure to research quality postage meter lease companies to ensure they will get you the device you need. They should be well-versed on postage meter rentals and updated USPS standards.
What To Know Ahead of New Mandatory IMI Standards
By the end of 2024, non-IMI-compliant mail meters will be rendered de-certified by the USPS. This is why it's important to have a plan to phase out older machines that follow old IBI regulations. These new regulations are designed to ensure cybersecurity and standardization of postage. To learn more about these standards and how to prepare, check out our blog: New USPS POstage Meter Regulations in 2024: How to Prepare.
How To Lease Postage Meters
To lease a postage meter, find an authorized and reputable print provider. They should be well-versed in metered mail requirements, and they should ask about your mailing needs when advising you on the right machine. If you’re ready to get ahead of the 2024 IMI Postage meter standards, click the link below to get an assessment of your postage needs to find the right device for your business.
