Basics

A postage meter prints the indicia--the marking where the stamp usually goes. This indicia is a a two-dimensional bar code that contains information on the meter type, stamp date and ZIP code.

Benefits

A postage meter can save you money (can print exact postage) and time (fewer trips to the post office) while also providing a more professional look and feel to your mail. There is better expense tracking with a postage meter, as well as better security as in most cases you won't be responsible for stolen mail.

Options

A postage meter can be used to send priority, first class, express and international mail. Packages and bulk mailings can be sent using a postage meter but periodicals cannot.

Leasing

Due to strict government regulations, a postage meter cannot be purchased; it can only be leased. You can lease your postage meter from a few select authorized agents such as Data-Pac Mailing Systems, FP Mailing Solutions, Hasler Inc., Neopost and Pitney Bowes Inc., according to the U.S. Postal Service.

Payments

Since postage meters are leased, a lessee can expect to pay between $20 to $50 per month for a basic machine. The cost of postage is additional.

Source:

United States Postal Service: Postage Meters

More Information:

Postage Meters World

Yahoo Small Business: Postage meters introduction