Definition

Noun: A postage meter is a mechanical or electronic device used by businesses and organizations to print prepaid postage directly onto mailpieces or onto adhesive labels. It simultaneously records the total postage cost for accounting purposes, eliminating the need for individual stamps.

Usage

A postage meter is used to apply postage and track mailing costs efficiently. * The accounting department uses the postage meter for all outgoing invoices. * Please run this stack of letters through the postage meter before the courier arrives.

Advanced Usage

• Leasing a postage meter: Postage meters are typically leased from authorized manufacturers or suppliers (like Pitney Bowes or Francotyp-Postalia), as they must be approved and periodically inspected by the postal authority.
  • Our lease for the postage meter is up for renewal next month.
• Refilling/resetting a postage meter: The device must be connected to a secure system to add more prepaid postage credit, a process often called "resetting."
  • I need to call to reset the postage meter; we're running low on postage.

Variants and Related Words

• Metered mail (n): Mail on which the postage has been printed by a postage meter, as opposed to bearing an adhesive stamp.
  • Metered mail often qualifies for slightly lower postage rates.
• Postage meter imprint (n): The specific mark printed by the device, which includes the postage amount, date, and often a company logo or permit number.
  • The postage meter imprint on the envelope was smudged.

Synonyms

• Mailing machine: Often used interchangeably, though a mailing machine may include additional functions like folding, sealing, and stacking mail.
• Franking machine: A common term in the UK and other countries.

Related Phrases

• To meter mail: The action of using a postage meter.
  • Her job is to sort and meter mail every afternoon.

Noun

1. meter for bulk mailings that imprints correct prepaid postage on pieces of mail and records the total charge