Introduction

A compact postage meter can help small businesses prepare mail, apply accurate postage, and track mailing costs.

This article answers frequently asked questions, including why businesses use postage meters, what benefits they provide, and how to choose the right postage meter for a small business.

Key takeaways

  • Postage meters help small businesses prepare mail faster and reduce the need to purchase and manually apply stamps.

  • An integrated scale helps calculate the correct postage and avoid overpayment or underpayment.

  • Connected postage meters automatically download USPS® rate updates and allow businesses to refill postage funds online.

  • Account tracking and reporting tools provide better visibility into postage spending.

  • The right postage meter depends on your mail volume, required speed, reporting needs, and the space you have available.

  • Businesses in the US must lease or rent postage meters from a USPS-authorized provider.

  • Small businesses should choose a USPS IMI-compliant postage meter.

What is a postage meter?

Postage meters are mailing systems that weigh mail, calculate the correct postage, and print postage directly onto an envelope or postage label.

Why use a postage meter?

Postage meters save time and give you more control over mailing costs. Staff can prepare mail at home or in the office instead of visiting the Post Office to purchase postage.

First-Class Mail® letters cost less to send with a postage meter than with stamps. These savings can quickly add up for businesses that send mail regularly.

What are the benefits of a postage meter for small businesses?

A postage meter allows small businesses to:

  • Prepare mail at any time, even when the Post Office is closed

  • Calculate accurate postage based on mail piece weight and the selected USPS service

  • Print postage directly onto an envelope or postage label

  • Get automatic USPS rate updates

  • Manage postage funds electronically

  • Track mailing costs by department, user, client, or activity

  • Reduce manual steps in the mailing process

Can a business purchase a postage meter in the US?

No. Postage meters cannot be purchased in the US. Businesses must lease or rent them from a USPS-authorized provider. USPS currently lists four postage meter providers, including Quadient.

The provider supplies and manages the equipment, while the business adds funds to pay for postage. Providers may also help with meter setup and required USPS paperwork. Connected systems allow businesses to refill postage online.

How do you choose the right postage meter for a small business?

Consider your mailing needs, mail volume, required speed, tracking and reporting needs, available space, and whether you need mailing or shipping software.

The Quadient iX-1 and iX-3 are designed for different mail volumes and tracking needs.

Feature

Quadient iX-1

Quadient iX-3

Best suited for

Small businesses

Growing offices

Recommended volume

0 to 200 mail pieces per week

100 to 500 mail pieces per week

Processing speed

Up to 18 letters per minute

Up to 45 letters per minute

Mail feeding

Manual

Manual or assisted

Postage tracking

Basic usage tracking

Department-level tracking

Package support

Yes

Yes

USPS IMI-compliant

Yes

Yes

When is the Quadient iX-1 a good fit?

The Quadient iX-1 is a good fit for small businesses with lower mail volumes and limited space.

It processes up to 18 letters per minute and tracks postage spending across up to 10 accounts or departments. Its integrated 10 lb. scale helps calculate accurate postage for letters, envelopes, and packages.

The iX-1 is designed for businesses sending 0 to 200 mail pieces per week. Businesses with higher mail volumes or more advanced tracking needs may prefer the iX-3.

When is the Quadient iX-3 a good fit?

The Quadient iX-3 is a good fit for growing offices that need faster processing and more detailed tracking.

It processes up to 45 letters per minute and tracks postage spending across 50 standard accounts or departments. Its integrated 5 lb. scale and mixed-mail features make it easier to process items of varying weights.

The iX-3 is designed for businesses sending 100 to 500 mail pieces per week.

Conclusion

Small businesses that use a postage meter can prepare mail faster, apply accurate postage, and better track mailing expenses.

The iX-1 is best for small businesses with lower mail volumes, while the iX-3 is best for growing offices that need faster processing and more detailed tracking.

Explore Quadient postage meters to compare your options and find the right system for your business.