Stamps.com

Internet Postage For The Masses

Stamps.com got started in the internet postage business back in the 90's and now boasts over 400,000 subscribers. It's not hard to see why.

From the beginning it has managed to provide an easy, convenient and cost-effective web-based service for mailing letters and packages that just about anyone can master in minutes.

The service is a great option for home offices, small businesses or corporations to print official US postage using any PC, an ordinary inkjet or laser printer, and an Internet connection.

Address Management:

If you have all your customer addresses already stored on your computer Stamps.com can import these from most of the popular contact tracking tools like ACT!, QuickBooks and Outlook. You can also import addresses using standard comma separated (.csv) and tabbed separated (.txt) files.

Once you have your addresses loaded Stamps.com can verify each address before you ship to see if it is accurate, and make any necessary corrections.

Printing Labels:

You can print valid shipping labels on plain paper using your existing laser or inkjet printer. Stamps.com also supports DYMO and Zebra label printers if your shipping volume warrants a dedicated label printer.
If you run a retail business that charges a shipping and handling fee that's more than the cost of postage alone you can conceal the amount you pay for postage from the label. It's a smart way to cut down on disgruntled customers calling to complain about being overcharged. Conversely if you offer free shipping you can leave the postage clearly displayed so your customers will see what a great deal they're getting. Either way it's a win-win situation.

If you're shipping internationally Stamps.com will also print required customs forms.

Customized Postage Stamps:

If that wasn't enough you can also create your own postage stamps using the PhotoStamps product and turn your digital photos, designs or corporate logos into valid US postage.

Conclusion:

Before you sign up there are a few caveats you should be aware of. First, Stamps.com offers $25 in free postage but you only get an initial $5.00 to spend during your trial period. The remaining $20 arrives in the form of $10 per month over the next two months providing you did not cancel your subscription.

The included scale has a capacity of 5lb. Unless your business ships very small items you will probably need to buy a bigger scale. A 10lb scale or higher would be more practical. You should also be aware that your monthly service charge does NOT include postage. Anything you ship with the service is extra or is deducted from your free postage balance.

Stamps.com

  • Stealth Postage - hide actual shipping cost from recipient
  • Address Verification - automatically checks for valid address
  • Address Management - import existing addresses from popular applications like ACT!, QuickBooks and Outlook
  • Prints labels on plain paper using any Windows compatible printer. Also supports DYMO and Zebra
  • Management Reporting - track your postage expenses
  • Package Weighing - auto calculates correct postage with USB 5lb postal scale (included)
  • e-mail shipping and receipt notifications
  • Supports First Class Mail, Priority Mail, Express Mail, Postcard, Flat Rate, Electronic Delivery Confirmation, Media Mail, Library Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Parcel Post, International (Letter, Parcel & Global Priority)
  • Discounted third-party insurance
  • Electronic generation of custom forms
  • Automatic Postal rate updates
  • $19.99 per month with 28 day free trial



Stamps.com:
12959 Coral Tree Place
Los Angeles, CA 90066-7020
888-434-0055

Tags: address verification, internet postage, stamps dot com, stealth postage, USPS,



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