postage by phone
Postage by phone refers to the system by which a traditional style, in-office postage meter replenishes it’s postage.
Virtually all of the systems, from all of the major postage meter companies, have built-in, push-of-a-button systems which automatically dial out to the main company and allow you to add whatever amount of postage you require. You usually need a phone line connection, although some newer systems are using a network connection to the internet.
In the past the only way for you to get postage into the machine was to send a check, wait for it to be processed, and then download the funds when the check cleared. Obviously, this was a major problem for many companies when they forgot to send a check in advance or had an unexpected large mailing and not enough postage.
Now the companies have several programs which allow you get postage on demand, whether you have prepaid with a check or not.
Postage By Phone payment arrangements can be another area of negotiation for you as a customer. So please, take heed.
One way is ACH (Automated Clearing House) debit. The postage company allows you to download whatever you need and they then automatically withdraw it from your checking account the next day. You need to authorize this and pay an annual fee – typically in the $50 range.
Another way, and the more popular, is that postage meter companies extend you a line-of-credit for postage. You can download – up to your credit limit – as needed. In turn you may be charged a fixed download charge and interest and fees if the downloaded amount isn’t paid back within a certain period usually – less than 30 days.
It’s convenient, but can be a trap for many companies. Forget to pay on time and you start accumulating interest charges similar to a credit card. Your postage costs then become a lot more expensive.
Some postage meter companies even offer incentives for larger customers in this area as well. Some offer gifts based on the dollar amounts downloaded. Some waive fees. Some allow extended terms.
So check your purchasing options when using postage by phone.
