Very Affordable Quality System
Written: Aug 24 '00
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I originally signed up with Stamps.com because of the free $25 postage offer. I chose them over Estamps because Estamps (at least at that time) had a $50 setup fee.
The software for this service is easy to download and setup. On initial use, you are applying online for a metered postage account with the post office. You receive email notification when you are approved. I am on the basic plan that is $1.99 per month or 10% for postage used. They keep your credit card number on file, and the minimum purchase of postage is $10. There are other more economical plans for the heavy postage user. This service would probably not be of interest for the light postage user other than the free postage offer. Especially for people who have small or home-based businesses this is a very affordable alternative service as compared to using, for example, Pitney Bowes. No renting equipment, purchasing ink and supplies for that equipment. Compared to such services as Estamps, you do have to be connected to the internet to print out postage as opposed to "downloading the postage" and being able to print out without an internet connection.
You basically just ink and envelopes or paper for your printer. I have both a laser and inkjet printer. This service works well on both of them. Supplies are available for purchase on the Stamps.com website, but this is not required. In the opinion by ruff "Stamps.com is for suckers like you", this person made a fuss over the cost of labels. I have never, as of yet, purchased any labels. I have printed out "labels" on plain white paper and glued them to packages and large envelopes that I have mailed out with no problems at all! As for the cost of ink, I refill my black ink cartridges, and have also purchased inexpensive remanufactured inkjet cartridges. So, the cost of ink is not a big issue with me.
From my understanding, this postage is not for mailing internationally. I rarely send anything internationally. But if I did, and it were a package, I would likely send it by UPS or FedEx.
Postage printed out is destination specific. You cannot change your mind and send that envelope or use that package label for a different address once it has been printed. If you make a mistake, or your printer would happen to be low on ink or toner, you have to apply for a refund of postage that you were not able to use. You generate the application online through Stamps.com's website, print it out and mail it in. The post office charges 10% of the postage charges refunded. I have only had to apply for a refund on postage once, and it was promptly handled and credited to my Stamps.com account (minus the 10% charge). (Or if you would happen to lose your connection to the internet, you would have to apply for a refund on postage. I have never had this happen to me yet.) There is a print sample feature available that you can use if you have any doubt that your printer is setup quite right to print the envelope or label.
I have been able to send both first class and priority mail using Stamps.com Recently (with their recent software upgrade) more options and services have been added.
You can easily view reports of postage you have mailed out. Their address book is handy, and easy to use. You have a choice whether or not you want your return address printed on the envelopes. This is great for when you are using envelopes with the return address already pre-printed on it.
My experience with this service has been very good. Their customer service is good. I would recommend this service to anyone who has moderate postage needs or greater. Or even the person who just wants to get the free postage and try the service. A lot of people, it could save them numerous trips to the post office.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
carolah
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Reviews written: 30
Trusted by: 4 members
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