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Mark Ingebretsen

Guide to Postage Solutions for Small Companies

Create your own labels, stamps and mailing campaigns

By Mark Ingebretsen, Creative Project Manager, Stonehand Publishing

The Postal Service Web site can be a one-stop shop for most small-business mailing needs. Other Web sites from private vendors such as Pitney Bowes and Stamps.com let you create a mail handling system able to tackle just about everything from individual letters to direct mail campaigns. Taken together, these postage solutions will enable you to:
  1. Buy stamps you can print from your own PC.
  2. Validate addresses quickly.
  3. Track packages en route to your clients.
  4. Find postage rates and regulations.
  5. Plan and execute direct-mail campaigns.
  6. Track mailing costs.
  7. Save considerable time and money.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Set up your system

Design a simplified mail-handling system that makes sending out stamped letters and packages virtually as easy as zapping off emails.
I recommend: Click-N-Ship, a service available from the USPS, can handle the bulk of any small company's mailing needs, and it's accessible via any Internet-enabled PC in your office. Meanwhile, to save the time and hassle of formatting postage and labels, use a specialized label printer to quickly print stamps one or more at a time. Models by the private vendor Dymo, for example, let you print postage and also integrate with popular business software applications such as Microsoft Word. Pitney Bowes offers several grades of postal meters for for low to hi volume mailing needs. Stamps.com's Desktop Post Office prints on letters or labels from your PC.

Expand after reviewing your mail-room needs

Small business mailing systems can incorporate virtually all the features found in a major mailing operation. But before buying into one, determine what features you'll need most. Ask yourself: "Do I regularly send out hundreds of letters? Do I ship odd-sized packages or send out registered letters? Likewise, estimate the cost of the way you handle mailing operations now and examine the potential for savings.
I recommend: The Pitney Bowes website provides a calculator that helps you estimate the true costs of trips to the post office so you can estimate the savings their products might provide. Another mailing solution provider, Stamps.com, incorporates features specifically for legal professionals that require fool-proof records of the items they send.

Track and reduce mailing expenses

It's important to track mailing costs just like any other business expense and seek savings.
I recommend: Stamps.com has enterprise programs that provide itemized reporting features. Use USPS' online tools to prevent overspending on packages and mail. FedEx users can find cost-cutting measures, too.

Create effective mailing campaigns

Every small company uses direct mail, even if it's only to send out holiday greeting cards. A well-constructed mailing solution can make it easy to create appealing direct mail campaigns and strengthen your company's marketing efforts.
I recommend: Computer equipment manufacturer Hewlett Packard offers free photos and design templates for brochures and other mailing pieces. Find more mailing tips and templates at the USPS Web site's direct mail page. And Vistaprint lets you custom design low-cost brochures, postcards and stationary online.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • If you do just one thing to modernize your mailing system, get a postage scale, which can save you 15 percent on mailing costs.

The official source of Postage Solutions for Small Companies is
the Postage page at Business.com

Official Pitney Bowes Site
Pitney Bowes Mailstation 2™ the Smart Solution For Your Small business. Print Exact Postage Every Time and Save Money. Try It Free For 60 days!
60 Day Free Trial
www.PitneyWorks.com
Office Mailing Equipment - Mailboxes & Parcel Storage
Manufacturer of office mailing equipment, from mailboxes to mail drops to parcel storage. Crafting since 1936. Shop now.
Catalog | Quote | Newsletter | Contact Us
www.mailboxes.com
Pricing for Office Mailing Equipment and Supplies
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OfficeMailing.BuyerZone.com
Office Mailing Equipment at Factory Express
Guaranteed low pricing on major brand mail handling machines including letter openers, letter folders, folder inserters, labelers, tabbers and more.
Letter Folders | Mail Openers | Folder Inserters | Labelers - Tabber
Factory-Express.com

Recommended Solution Providers

PitneyBowes: Postage Products
This site explains the convenience of a digital postage meter; in addition, it lists the advantages of avoiding post office.

U.S. Postal Service: Mailing & Postage
This website lists the products and services available small businesses which can lead them to the information they need prepare the right mailing for their business.

Hasler: Mailing Systems and Solutions
Hasler is a manufacturer of postage meters, folders/inserters, address printers, and mailroom software designed for a variety of business needs.

FedEx: Package/Envelope Services
This site offers a description of the U.S. package/envelope service and a table for calculating fees.

BuyerZone: Mailroom Supplies & Equipment
Supplies online quotes, purchasing advice, advice from other buyers, and buying tools covering multiple vendors.

Stamps.com: Postage Solutions
Their aim is to allow you to "never go to the post office again." On their site, you can print official USPS postage, right from your computer, on envelopes, labels, or plain paper.

Zazzle.com: Customized Postage
Provides the ability to add your logo, URL or address to real US Postage.

Neopost: Mailing Systems
Neopost is a supplier of mailing products and services including postage machines, address printers, folders/inserters and data management systems.

Best Sites to Learn More

U.S. Postal Service: Small Business Impact
The USPS offers a print magazine and email newsletter offering tips on time-saving, engaging new customers, and successful retention of existing customers with the help of U.S. Postal Service products.

UPS: Resources for Small Business Owners
United Parcel Service offers a wide range of domestic and international shipping and receiving services as well as a small business owners solutions guide for saving time and money.



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