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Postage Meter: Renting vs. Buying a Postage Meter Machine – Pros, Cons & Hidden Costs
- June 18, 2025
- Postage Meters
Are you paying too much for postage? You might be. Many businesses are losing money on outdated mailing processes. The good news? A postage meter can help you cut costs and simplify mailing. The question is: Should you rent or buy one? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
This article will walk you through both options, highlight hidden fees, and help you make the smartest choice for your business.
What Is a Postage Meter And Why It Still Matters in 2025?
A postage meter machine is a device that prints official postage on envelopes or labels. It replaces the need to buy stamps or visit the post office.
Today’s postage meters are more than just stamp printers. They offer:
- Built-in digital scales
- Cloud-based tracking and reporting
- USPS rate updates
- Batch processing for bulk mail
If your business sends invoices, packages, or letters regularly, a postage meter is still a valuable tool in 2025.
Pros of Renting a Postage Meter
Many businesses choose to rent a postage meter. Here’s why:
- Low Upfront Costs: Renting is budget-friendly. You avoid a large capital expense and can start using the equipment quickly.
- Maintenance Is Included: No need to worry about breakdowns. With Complete Mailing Partners, same-day service is just a phone call away.
- Easy Upgrades: If your volume grows, you can upgrade your meter without buying a whole new machine.
- Ideal for Short-Term or Seasonal Needs: Renting offers flexibility. If your needs change during the year, so can your plan.
Cons of Renting a Postage Meter
Renting might seem simple—but there are some hidden costs you need to know.
- Higher Long-Term Costs: Over time, monthly payments can add up to more than a purchase.
- Contracts and Commitments: Some postage meter companies lock you into multi-year contracts. Cancelling early can come with high penalties.
- Hidden Charges
Be on the lookout for:
- Ink cartridge markups
- Postage refill fees
- Insurance charges
- Tech support fees
Pro Tip: Ask providers to give you a monthly cost breakdown. If they can’t, walk away.
Pros of Buying a Postage Meter
If you want full control, buying may be the better option.
- Ownership Means Freedom: Once you buy the machine, it’s yours. No more monthly payments.
- Tax Benefits: Equipment purchases may qualify for deductions or depreciation.
- Cost-Effective for High Volume Mailers: If you send hundreds of pieces each week, you’ll likely save money in the long run.
Cons of Buying a Postage Meter
Before you search “where can I buy a postage meter,” consider the following:
- High Upfront Cost: Buying a meter can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on features.
- Maintenance Isn’t Always Included: Unless you choose a company like Complete Mailing Partners, you’ll pay extra for repairs and service.
- Upgrades Are Costly: Growth happens. But if your volume increases, you may need to buy another machine.
Renting vs. Buying: A 3-Year Cost Comparison
Let’s break down the numbers. Here’s an estimated comparison for a medium-sized business over three years.
Cost Item | Renting | Buying |
Equipment Cost | $600/year | $1,800 one-time |
Maintenance & Support | Included | $300/year (avg) |
Ink & Supplies | $200–$300/year | $200–$300/year |
Hidden Fees (resets, etc.) | $100–$200/year | $100/year |
Total Over 3 Years | $2,400–$3,000 | $2,400–$2,700 |
Why Postage Meters Still Save You Money
Even with costs, postage meters can lead to real savings:
- Discounted commercial rates
- Reduced labor
- Fewer errors with postage
- No more waiting in line at the post office
It’s not just about cost—it’s about time and control.
Why Choose Complete Mailing Partners
You have options when looking for postage meter companies. But here’s why businesses trust us:
- We’re Local and Responsive: We offer same-day service, 24/7. No call centers. No ticket numbers. Just real help when you need it.
- Talk to the Owner: Our clients can reach the owner or team directly. That’s unheard of in this industry.
- Transparent Pricing: We break down every cost—so you never get hit with hidden fees.
- Flexible Plans: Whether you want to rent a postage meter or buy one outright, we help you decide based on your real needs—not a one-size-fits-all sales pitch.
Ready to Buy a Postage Meter? Let’s Get You Set Up
Choosing the right postage meter machine can save your business time, money, and frustration. At Complete Mailing Partners, we make it easy to buy the right equipment with full confidence. You’ll get expert guidance, clear pricing, and hands-on support from a local team that’s available 24/7. Whether you’re upgrading or buying your first meter, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Get in touch today to explore your options and find the perfect postage meter for your business—backed by fast service and real people you can reach anytime.
FAQ’S
A postage meter is a device that prints USPS-approved postage directly onto envelopes or labels. It weighs your mail and calculates the correct postage, eliminating the need for stamps.
Monthly rental rates range from $20 to $150+, depending on your mail volume and machine features. At Complete Mailing Partners, we help you choose the right model for your needs.
Yes. While many businesses choose to rent, we also sell postage meters. Buying is a great option if you prefer to own your equipment long-term.
You save around $0.04 per letter compared to stamps. For businesses that send hundreds or thousands of mail pieces each month, those savings add up quickly.
Not at all. Small businesses benefit from compact, cost-effective models that improve efficiency and cut postage costs.
Most modern postage meters connect to the internet to download USPS rate updates. This ensures your machine always applies the correct postage.
No. Metered mail is processed just as quickly as stamped mail by USPS and often more efficiently.
Yes. Postage meters streamline bulk mail preparation and can help you qualify for USPS commercial rates when paired with the right software or services.
We provide same-day setup, local service, and 24/7 support. You can reach our owner or team directly no call centers or long wait times.
Just contact us for a free consultation. We’ll assess your needs and recommend the best machine to help you save time and money.
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