Hooray for version 2.0 of Stamps.com!!!
Written: Jul 27 '00 (Updated Aug 02 '00)
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I signed up for Stamps.com during version 1.0, and I have really loved using it. Now comes version 2.0, and it improves the service so much it's amazing!
First, the basics of Stamps.com:
Normal service fees are $1.99/month for up to $25 worth of postage, then 10% from $25 - $200, with a maximum service fee of $19.99/month no matter how much postage you print. Postage is purchased in any dollar amount over $10, with no markup. You must apply for a USPS Postage License to use the service, but Stamps.com handles all the paperwork for you and it only takes about 24 hours.
When you join (right now, at least), they give you $20 in free postage ($40 if you get the more expensive business plan), one free month of service, and a welcome kit. Printing postage is a simple process; the hardest part is the three-step configuration process for your printer. (And that's not very hard, although my work laser printer will NOT cooperate on the envelopes.)
You could, as of version 1.0, print postage for letters or packages, but not postcards. You could print on labels or directly onto some envelopes, and add special services such as Priority or Express Mail, Return Receipt, Certified, etc. (Although for some services you also had to fill out a postal form manually.) You could also print "Additional Postage" if, for instance, you wanted to call the post office for a special pickup, which costs extra. It would also interface with a digital scale, sold through Stamps.com, which seemed really cool.
All in all, Stamps.com has been a great service, if a little basic. But now . . .
What's new in version 2.0:
Stamps.com still has all the great features we've come to know and love. And even more! . . .
First, the interface has gotten MUCH better. It's easy to print postage, buy postage and supplies, get help, change your account and payment information, view reports, and even insure packages directly through the interface.
Second, you can print on ANY SIZE envelope! The process of making a "custom size" envelope, like a greeting card or thank-you note envelope, is simple and quick. You still cannot print on labels other than the ones included, but that is because of USPS regulations rather than a flaw in the program.
Third, you can print postcard postage, as well as parcel post for larger packages.
Fourth, you can now buy postage and supplies, as well as be billed for service, directly through an ACH withdrawal from your checking account, if you don't have or don't wish to use a credit card.
Fifth, reports seem to have gotten better. Keep in mind that these are stored on your local machine (Stamps.com is VERY protective of your privacy, and does not keep records of deliveries and delivery addresses), so you can only access the records of postage you have printed from THAT machine, even if you have the same account installed on two machines. This is, however, not much of a flaw.
Stamps.com seems to have listened to everything its customers had to say -- the new interface and new services are WONDERFUL!
What else?
There's a tab in the new interface called "Shipping Tools", which will help you calculate the cheapest way to ship a package, as well as let you track your packages from a variety of carriers. On the page, it says, "Soon you will be able to ship packages through a choice of carriers. Stay tuned to Shipping Tools for the latest features." This is exciting -- to be able to ship UPS, FedEx, Airborne, etc., all through the same interface!
There's also a referral program -- you can get $5 in free postage for every friend you sign up.
I do wish that the Post Office would clear it for the extra forms needed for things like Certified Mail, Return Receipt, Tracking, etc., to be printed directly through Stamps.com, so that we could stop filling the darn things out by hand. But again, this isn't Stamps.com's fault, it's the USPS'.
This service is GREAT, and the service fees are a small price to pay for the convenience of not having to drive to the post office (especially since i usually decide that i need stamps at 2AM!) The new features make it a HUGE cut above e-stamp, which was its only vague competitor; it's now the hands-down winner.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
owldark
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Location: Memphis, TN
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 3 members
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