Stamped vs metered mail

The age-old debate!

In the United States, the terms "stamped" and "metered" refer to two different ways of paying for postage on mailpieces.

Stamped Mail

Stamped mail, also known as "postage stamps," is mail that has been paid for with a physical adhesive stamp. These stamps are purchased at a post office or online and are affixed to the mailpiece by the sender. Stamped mail can be used for both domestic and international mail.

Metered Mail

Metered mail, on the other hand, is mail that has been paid for using a postage meter or a digital scale. A postage meter is a machine that prints the postage directly onto the mailpiece, while a digital scale calculates the postage and prints a label with the postage amount. Metered mail is commonly used for bulk mailings, such as bills, invoices, and catalogs.

Here are some key differences between stamped and metered mail:

Advantages of Stamped Mail

  1. Convenience: Stamped mail is easy to use and requires no special equipment.
  2. Flexibility: Stamped mail can be used for both domestic and international mail.
  3. No minimum quantity required: You can send a single piece of mail with a stamp.

Disadvantages of Stamped Mail

  1. Higher cost: Stamped mail can be more expensive than metered mail, especially for large quantities.
  2. Limited tracking: Stamped mail does not provide tracking information.

Advantages of Metered Mail

  1. Cost-effective: Metered mail can be more cost-effective for large quantities of mail.
  2. Tracking: Metered mail provides tracking information, making it easier to monitor the delivery of your mail.
  3. Professional appearance: Metered mail can give your mail a professional appearance.

Disadvantages of Metered Mail

  1. Special equipment required: You need a postage meter or digital scale to use metered mail.
  2. Minimum quantity required: Most postage meters have a minimum quantity requirement for use.
  3. Limited flexibility: Metered mail is typically used for bulk mailings and may not be suitable for small, one-off mailings.

In summary, stamped mail is a convenient and flexible option for small, occasional mailings, while metered mail is a cost-effective and trackable option for bulk mailings.