Adam Lewenberg, President of Postal Advocate Inc. compares the differences between PC Postage and Mailing Systems (Postage Meters) so you can determine which solution is a better fit for your organization.
The Main Event – PC Postage vs Postage Meters_Webinar Presentation
1. The Main Event – PC Postage vs Postage Meters
Presented by Postal Advocate Inc.
May 17, 2017
2. Adam Lewenberg - Background and Experience
• President of Postal Advocate Inc.
– The only mail audit and recovery firm in the US and Canada
– Manage a portfolio of over 70,000 pieces of mailing equipment for the
largest US and Canadian companies.
– Speak and teach nationally on mail savings and industry trends.
• Industry Co Chair- Boston Postal Customer Council/Mail Systems Management
Association member. CMDSS and MDC Certifications.
• Featured Writer for Mailing Systems Technology Magazine.
• Worked for one of the largest mailing vendors for over 18 years
– Director of national sales for presort, tabletop inserters, addressing
hardware/software and green offerings.
– Was one of the top 5 account managers nationally working with some of
the nations top accounts.
• Not affiliated with any mailing vendor - Unbiased advice.
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3. What We’ll Cover:
1. The Facts
2. Technology changes – The move from analog to digital
connectivity
3. Functional differences of the 2 solutions
4. Customer experience of the 2 solutions
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4. What is happening to business mail
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USPS Mail Volume By Class (Pieces) - In Millions - From USPS Final Revenue, Pieces, and Weight by Classes of Mail
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
% Change
from
2010-
2016
First-Class Mail®
Letters 27,437 24,722 22,735 21,452 20,860 19,887 18,910 -31.1%
Cards 1,447 1,312 1,157 1,049 923 855 795 -45.1%
Flats 2,481 2,218 2,048 1,894 1,758 1,683 1,570 -36.7%
Presort 46,225 44,269 42,524 41,144 40,193 40,174 39,943 -13.6%
Total Pieces 77,590 72,521 68,464 65,539 63,734 62,599 61,218 -21.1%
Priority Mail 779 790 824 871 897 974 1,004 28.9%
Priority Mail Express 43 40 40 39 36 36 33 -23.3%
First-Class Package Service 0 129 411 544 612 732 776
Total Pieces 822 959 1,275 1,454 1,545 1,742 1,813 120.6%
Invoices and Statements – Largest application
More going online
Consolidated print (See reduced decline in Presort)
Checks
Accounts Payable – Move to electronic
Payroll Checks – Almost eliminated
Marketing Mailings (Flyers, newsletters, special offers, post cards etc.)
Outsourced to Mail Houses (Use permits)
Switch to email marketing
Day to Day Mailings – Majority of what is left.
Postage Technology Changes - From USPS Meter Market Share Reports Sep 2015
Year Ending 2008 2010 2012 2014 2015
Changes
from 2008
to 2015
Postage Meters 1,488,874 1,381,151 1,241,973 1,132,815 1,072,365 -28%
PC Postage 865,024 944,180 1,296,441 1,373,651 1,552,317 79%
Package volumes are
growing as the USPS
improves tracking and pricing
is more competitive for
lightweight items going to
residences.
5. Postage Meters will Need to Be Converted
From Analog to Network Connections
• Hard Truth: It is going to be harder to get analog phone lines in the future.
• The mailing vendors are also not including analog modems with new
equipment orders.
• You may not be able to get support for analog connected systems.
• Analog lines cost $3-600 per year without other uses and these charges can
now be eliminated.
• The biggest challenge is firewall issues. This can delay the installation and
require multiple departments to be engaged.
• Since this transition is going to have to occur, it is a great time to
explore your options for your future equipment needs.
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6. Mailing System Options
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PC Postage
Hand Feed
Mailing Systems
Automatic Feed
Mailing Systems
Vendors
Pitney Bowes, Endicia,
Stamps.com (Packages
Only - USPS Click N Ship,
Neopost, Hasler, FP)
Pitney Bowes, Neopost,
Hasler, FP, Datapac
Pitney Bowes, Neopost,
Hasler, FP, Datapac
Typical Monthly Postage Use
<$300 (Higher Shipping
Volumes) <$500 >$500
Equipment Speed (Pieces per Minute) N/A 20-65 70-310
Envelope Sealing N/A •* •
Postage Tapes
Labels sheets or label
printer rolls Tape Sheets Tape sheets or rolls
Weighing 5-100 LB Scales* 2-149 LB Scales* 2-149 LB Scales*
Postal Accounting • • •
Number of Accounts that can be tracked Unlimited 10-50 50+
Transaction Level Detail • •*
Additional Printing Capability
Destination Address Printing •
Return Address Printing • •*
QR Code or Custom Graphic • •*
Full Color Printing •** • High End
Space Requirements Minimal Minimal Medium to High
Monthly Investment $0-35 (Est) >$20 (Est) >$150 (Est)
Postage Refill Charge N/A ** **
Postage Advance Charge N/A ** **
Maintenance Charge N/A ** **
Rate Change Fees N/A ** **
Supplies
Ink - Manufacturer (Per Impression) N/A $.01-.06** $.003-.012**
Tape - Manufacturer (Per tape) $.03-$.07 per label** $.05-.13** $.01-.08**
* - Optional
** - Varies by vendor
7. Simplicity
Mailing System PC Postage
Easy to Use
Walk over to machine, place item on
scale (or use default amount) and run
your mail
Log into website or download software
program. Print postage directly onto
envelope or stamp sheet
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8. Productivity
Mailing System PC Postage
Options: 18-310 Letters per Minute
Sealer/Moisteners
Integrated Weighing Scales
Automatic Feeding
Peel and stick or envelope feeder from
Printer
Ability to import address list –
Destination address and postage can
be run in one pass
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Mailing System PC Postage
4 x 6 label
Some mailing systems may include a
PC Postage Option
Ability to import address list –
Automatic label printing
Letters and Flats
Packages and Priority Mail
9. Flexibility
Mailing System PC Postage
Handle any mail volume, size or class Process mail or packages anywhere
you have an internet connection
Great for agile workforce/small offices
Handle any volume of USPS®
packages
Some solutions offer the ability to
compare and rate packages with
UPS® and FedEx®
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10. Reporting
Mailing System PC Postage
Systems include basic accounting to
track pieces and postage
Visibility to every item stored in history
for 90 days to 2 years.
Class detail through web accounting
available
Flexible accounting options with
details to user spends and access
points
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Standard
• Pieces and Postage for a time period.
• Amount of money added to device.
• 10-100 Accounts Tracked
Enhanced
• Summary or transaction level detail.
• Mail Class Detail.
• 50-3000 Accounts tracked over
defined date range.
• Charts and Graphs
• Exportable to excel
Standard
• 1000 + Accounts Tracked
• Defined date ranges
• Account Balances
• Visibility to every printed item.
• Visibility to who ran the mail.
• Charts and Graphs
• Can see details across an enterprise
• Manage user activity and access
levels.
• Exportable to excel
11. Postage Discounting
Mailing System PC Postage
First-Class Mail $.03 Letter Discount $.03 Letter Discount
Electronic Return Receipt (For
Certified Mail)
$1.30 Savings over Retail
Return Receipt (Option only
available for mid-large mailing
systems)
$1.30 Savings over Retail
Return Receipt – Comes
standard for some PC Postage
solutions
Commercial vs Retail Rates As of 2015, postage meters can
no longer get this discount
unless accompanied by PC
Postage
14% average Savings Priority
Mail, 11% Priority Mail Express
By submitting the address file
and tracking information
electronically
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Retail Commercial Base Commercial Plus
Weight LB's January 22, 2017 January 22, 2017
% Savings
over
Retail January 22, 2017
% Savings
over Base
1 $6.65-10.50 $5.95-9.89 6-13% $5.75-9.59 3%
5 $9.85-30.25 $7.17-28.72 5-27% $6.96-27.86 3%
10 $12.65-52.10 $9.09-50.17 4-28% $8.82-48.66 3%
25 $22.55-99.10 $18.11-90.77 8-25% $17.56-88.04 3%
50 $32.55-156.95 $26.74-143.71 8-19% $25.94-139.40 3%
Flat Rate Envelopes $6.65 $5.95 11% $5.95 0%
Small Flat Rate Box $7.15 $6.45 10% $6.45 0%
Medium Flat Rate Boxes $13.60 $12.40 9% $12.40 0%
Large Flat Rate Boxes $18.85 $17.05 10% $17.05 0%
USPS Priority Mail®
12. Postage Discounting (Continued)
Mailing System PC Postage
First Class Parcels (Packages
less than 16 ounces)
Not applicable 7% average savings by
converting from Retail to
Commercial. Additional 30-62%
savings for 13-15.99 ounce
pieces that qualify for
Commercial rates but would be
forced to go Priority Mail
Discounts only offered through
PC Postage
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*If you are a high-volume mailer and either use
automation software with barcodes or a presort service
for your letters and flats, you will want to continue using
a Mailing System to maintain those discounts.
Weight
Ounces
First-Class Mail®
- Parcels Retail
First-Class Mail®
- Package
Services
Commercial Savings
Up to 4 $2.67 $2.61 2%
5 $2.85 $2.77 3%
6 $3.03 $2.77 9%
7 $3.21 $2.77 14%
8 $3.39 $2.77 18%
9 $3.57 $3.32 7%
10 $3.75 $3.46 8%
11 $3.93 $3.60 8%
12 $4.11 $3.74 9%
13 $4.29 $3.88 10%
14 $6.65-10.50 $4.02 40-62%
15 $6.65-10.50 $4.16 37-60%
15.999 $6.65-10.50 $4.30 35-59%
Convert from Retail to Commercial
14. Contracting
Mailing System PC Postage
Longer agreements Easy options
Leases: Typically 3-5 years in duration
that lock you into a specific payment
Subscription fee (Paid month-to-month
or annually)
Meter rentals: This is typically for low
end Mailing Systems only. Larger
units can be purchased along with a
meter rental and maintenance
agreement. Annual increases and
usage based rates may apply. These
are typically on 1-3 year terms.
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15. Installation and Training
Mailing System PC Postage
New installs must be connected to the
network
Accessed via web or installed directly
onto PC
Low-end – Self install unit Website and online videos
Mid-High End – On site tech install Daily/weekly webinars
Website and online videos
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16. Ongoing Support
Mailing System PC Postage
Detailed website Detailed website
800 call center assistance 800 call center assistance
Low end- Service by replacement Low end – Service by replacement
(Scales and Label Printers)
Mid-High end – On site support
Enterprise Accounts – Dedicated
account manager
Enterprise Accounts – Dedicated
account manager
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17. Billing
Mailing System PC Postage
Paper or electronic billing Paper or electronic billing
Payment Options:
Credit card (Not postage)
ACH (Supplies/Postage/Lease/Rental)
Check
(Supplies/Postage/Lease/Rental)
Payment Options: (Rental/Postage/
Supplies)
Credit Card
ACH
Check
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Invoiced Items
• Lease or Rental
(Monthly/Quarterly)
• Maintenance/Rate Changes
(Annual)
• Postage – Prepaid or
Advanced
Invoiced Items
• Monthly Subscription
• Postage – Prepaid or
Advanced
PC Postage wins this category for
the simplicity of the offer and the
ease making changes.
19. Typical Monthly Costs
Mailing System PC Postage
$20 - $1000/month $5-$40/month
Fees:
Maintenance
Rate Change
Meter Resets
Postage Advance Fees
Postage Overage Fees
Equipment insurance
Late fees
Finance Charges
Property Taxes (on leases)
Fees:
Limited – Some vendors may charge
finance charges and late fees
Supplies:
Ink/meter tape
Low volume: $0.01-$0.13
High volume: $0.003 - $0.08
Supplies:
$0.03 - $0.07 per label. Some
vendors allow you to use Avery
address labels
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20. Fleet Management
Large fleets require a blended approach
• Low Volume locations – Easier to manage using PC
Postage
– Eliminates networking issues
– No hardware maintenance or costs
– Easier to add/remove subscriptions (Flexibility)
– Accounting/Controls – Provide superior detail
• Mid-High Volume locations – Need mailing systems
– More efficient processing
– Some Mid-high-end unit include PC Postage
– Allows for automation – Letter and Flat rates
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21. Event Champion
Mailing System PC Postage
Best suited for higher letter and flat
volumes
Best suited for low volume mailers or
package/priority shippers
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22. Helping multi-location
organizations streamline
their mailing costs
70,000 pieces of
equipment, managed
by Postal Advocate
Recovered over
$4,700,000
in lost postage, vendor
overcharges and fees
ENTERPRISE-WIDEMAILAUDITANDRECOVERY
OVER $27,500,000 IN CLIENT SAVINGS
$697K
60%
Average Client
Savings
Average Equipment
Savings
HOW WE DO IT
• 200+ years of industry experience
• Comprehensive web-based tool
providing visibility of all mail
and equipment spend
• Time Savings - Assistance
in fleet management
visit www.postaladvocate.com or call (888)977-MAIL(6245)
23. Sign Limited Agency
Agreement/Kick-Off Call.
Provide copies of vendor
invoices, AP export,
location list,
equipment inventory list.
Present savings opportunities
and get client approval.
Postal Advocate provides
ongoing support,
manages renewals, billing
and vendor compliance.
Provide enterprise visibility of
all spend, costs and
documented savings
through enterpriseAdvocate.
Provide client log-in.
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3
4 5 6
HOW IT
WORKS
Work with current vendor to build population
report, contract terms/start/end dates,
postage volumes, costs.
Analyze spend, check for contract
compliance, billing errors, vendor
fees/overcharges, lost postage.
Identify savings opportunities.
Submit vendor credit requests,
lost postage forms and
eliminate avoidable fees.
Negotiate pricing. Create catalog.
Work with locations -
asset validation, rightsize, termination…
Full implementation of savings.
visit www.postaladvocate.com or call (888)977-MAIL(6245)
Conduct Analysis
NO COST – AUDIT PHASE CONTRACTED CLIENT
24. Upcoming Webinars
Wed June 14, 2017 at 11AM EST - Top 11 Common Mail Mistakes -
How it could affect your bottom line.
May 17, 2017 24
Check out www.postaladvocate.com
to register
25. Contact info: (20pt)
May 17, 2017 25
Questions?
Contact: Adam Lewenberg - President
888-977-MAIL X 501
adam.lewenberg@postaladvocate.com