Desktop Postage

NOTE: This is an ever-changing area for the U.S. Postal Service. Some of the early companies in the testing of new technologies are no longer around and new ways of doing postage are always under development. For the most most up-to-date news on desktop and Internet postage in the United States, check in with the USPS.

Tired of licking stamps? No room for a postage meter? Along with “desktop printing” and “desktop publishing” we can add “desktop postage” to our vocabularies. New technology allows you to print postage directly onto envelopes with your personal computer and printer.

The US Postal Service (USPS) has approved personal computer-generated postage systems that make it possible for business owners to forgo stamps, even for low-volume mailings. See Click-N-Ship for printing shipping labels.

For several years the USPS has been looking for ways to stop postage meter fraud. Both the mechanical devices that record postage usage and the imprint placed on metered mail pieces are targets of tampering or counterfeiting. Some of the new developments in desktop postage are helping in the fight against fraud. And, they make buying stamps more convenient than ever before.

• Shipstream Postage Software from Pitney Bowes
  A very small monthly fee provides you with software to print shipping labels, refill postage online for all types of packages. Requires a PC and Windows-compatible computer. Prints on plain paper.

• Stamps.com Postage From Your Printer
  Print the postage you need directly onto your envelopes and labels, 24 hours a day, with your PC, printer, and an Internet connection. Use for First Class mail, packages, Priority mail, certified mail, and more. Different pricing plans available.

• Printable Postage from endicia
  Offers no monthly fee printing of USPS-approved postage from your Mac or PC. Has a choice of DYMO Stamps using DYMO LabelWriter or DYMO Printable Postage using any inkjet or laser printer.