Buying a postage meter ink cartridge for mailing equipment – is one of the ongoing, repetitive costs of owning a postage machine , as I mentioned in “Insider Secret #5.

Some of the original manufacturers’ cartridges now cost well over $100 each and some now approach $200 each. Even with the high cost, the number of imprints may be relatively low and depending on the amount of mail being processed can be a relatively high, ongoing, repetitive cost for a business mailer. On an incremental basis The cost of a postage meter ink cartridge can add about a penny to your postage cost. Add that up over a year and you may have a large expense.

The postage meter ink cartridge is now typically an ink-jet style cartridge with an integrated print head. Older styles used just a ink reservoir style with a separate print head.

Choosing the correct postage meter ink is as important as choosing the right postage meter. You will need the right color ink and the correct ink cartridge for your postage meter, or your postage will be useless.

Postage Meter Ink does now come in a variety of colors, including : red, blue, purple, green, black, orange, and lilac. There are no rules as to which color you can use, but the printed indicia must be acceptable for post office automated systems. The contrast between the package and the indicia must be high enough that the indicia is easily read. You can buy ink in a variety of colors, but red is the most popular.

Quality manufacturers (not all are) of a compatible Pitney Bowes ink cartridge – or those of other leading postage machines – typically promote:

• a higher yield (more post office indicias printed) per cartridge than the original manufacturers
• a guarantee that their compatible postage meter cartridges will not cause damage or  excessive wear to the postage machine.
• a warranty that will cover all costs associated with the repair or replacement of any affected mailing system component
• compatibility with United States Postal Service mail sorting equipment
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• free replacement of any defective cartridge

So look for these assurances, if you do decide to purchase a compatible postage meter ink cartridge.

Some of the best suppliers are advertisers here.

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