Metered mail meaning
Metered mail refers to mail that has been weighed and priced using a postage meter, which is a machine that prints the postage and the weight of the mail piece on the envelope or package.
In the past, mail was typically weighed and priced at a post office, and the sender would receive a bill for the postage. With the introduction of postage meters, mailers could weigh and price their own mail, and the postage would be printed directly onto the envelope or package.
Metered mail is typically used for business mailings, such as bills, invoices, and catalogs, as well as for personal mailings, such as sending packages to friends and family. The benefits of using a postage meter include:
- Convenience: Mailers can weigh and price their own mail without having to visit a post office.
- Cost savings: Metered mail can be more cost-effective than buying stamps or visiting a post office.
- Accuracy: The postage meter ensures that the correct postage is applied to the mail piece.
- Tracking: Many postage meters allow for tracking and reporting of mail pieces, making it easier to keep track of shipments.
There are different types of postage meters, including:
- Franking machines: These machines are used by businesses and organizations to print postage on envelopes and packages.
- Postage meters: These machines are used by individuals and small businesses to print postage on envelopes and packages.
- Digital postage meters: These machines use digital technology to print postage and can be connected to a computer or mobile device.
Overall, metered mail is a convenient and cost-effective way to send mail, and is widely used by businesses and individuals alike.