Does it seem like you're always in line at the post office? That's the last thing you need to deal with, especially at this time of year when there's so much to do. Whether you're a small business owner or just someone who sends a lot of mail, you'd benefit greatly from having the ability to print postage at home or work, rather than having to take all your letters and packages to the post office. So what's holding you back? Maybe you looked into it a while back and determined the expenses associated with a postage meter weren't worth it. While they do provide a convenient, easy way to print postage for all mail services except periodicals, there are drawbacks.
* You'll have to sign a contract that can be exceedingly complex and will usually require you to keep the service for multiple years. If you break it, you'll be subject to exorbitant fees.
* Postage meters won't print the address on your mailpiece so you will have to print out labels first which can be a time crunch when you have a lot of pieces to send.
* If you want to print a logo or other message next to your postage, most meter companies will charge you up to $95 per image.
But now there's an alternative that makes sense for small businesses everywhere. Software-based postage printing solutions, like the one offered by Stamps.com, allow you to print postage and manage all your mailing and shipping needs from your home or office using your existing Windows-based computer. You just need the software (which you can download for free by clicking here), a PC and an Internet connection.
In addition to the benefit of one-step postage printing for all mail services excluding periodicals -- First Class, Priority, Express, Package Services and International Mail -- Stamps.com offers…
* Tracking of your postage spending. Accounting codes can be used to track spending by client, department or cost code.
* If you frequently use Certified Mail and Return Receipt forms, you can use a custom-designed one-piece form to print your postage, addresses, the Certified Mail receipt and the green card all in one step.
* No need to buy special ink. You can print postage using the standard ink in your desktop printer.
* If you misprint postage, you can request a refund electronically and the money will be returned to your account.
* No long-term contract. You can cancel the service at any time.
To start your 4-week no-risk trial of the service, log on to www.stamps.com and download the software. When you sign up you'll receive a credit for $5 worth of postage. If after 4-weeks you decide to stick with the service, you'll receive a welcome package that includes a digital scale valued at $50, another $20 worth of free postage and $5 worth of mailing supplies.
There's nothing you can do about the rising price of stamps, but you can reduce the expense associated with shipping by eliminating trips to the post office and printing the exact postage you need from the comfort of your office.
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