Stamps.com Review: Pros and Cons of Using Their Postage Printing Service

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores various experiences and opinions regarding the use of Stamps.com for postage printing, comparing it with the USPS services. Participants share their thoughts on costs, usability, and personal preferences for mailing practices.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Tara, expresses curiosity about Stamps.com and inquires about the printing process and label requirements.
  • Another participant mentions dissatisfaction with Stamps.com's fees and prefers using USPS.com for printing labels on plain paper without added costs.
  • Several users discuss the weighing of mail, with one participant noting the use of a postal scale for non-flat rate items.
  • One participant shares a past positive experience with Stamps.com but indicates they are reconsidering due to increased fees.
  • Another participant highlights the ease of printing individual stamps on Stamps.com compared to USPS for specific weights.
  • One participant mentions that they are currently evaluating Stamps.com and have found initial savings due to promotional offers.
  • Another participant notes that USPS can handle first-class and parcel post, but emphasizes the convenience of Stamps.com for certain postage needs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the cost-effectiveness and usability of Stamps.com versus USPS, with some participants favoring USPS for its lack of fees and others appreciating specific features of Stamps.com.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences related to mailing practices, focusing on the practicality of postage printing services.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants exploring postage options for mailing kits and materials may find the shared experiences relevant to their own practices.

Tara1021
Tara1021
Messages
612
Stamps.com? I got a thingy in the mail today and am intrigued. What do you print the postage on? Do you have to buy labels from them or can you use your own?

Just looking for some feedback!

TIA!

Tara
 
I looked into stamps.com. I didn't like the fees they charge. I use usps.com (the official US Postal Service website). I can print labels with postage on plain paper and tape them to packages, find zip codes, figure postage, etc. There are no added fees for these services.The one big limitation to usps.com is that labels can only be printed for express or priority mail. However, I like sending my kits priority, and when I do that from usps.com, I get free confirmation.
 
Yeah. I was wondering how this works too. How to you know how much postage you need? Do you weigh the mail? With what? I am clueless.
 
I think stamps.com is not cost effective for the amount of mailing we do.

I also use usps.com to mail host packets. The weight doesn't matter because they are flat rate envelopes.
 
If I am mailing something that is not going "flat rate" I weigh it on my postal scale. My packets on the most part go our "flat rate" priority mail.
 
I loved stamps.com before the fees went up so high. I love being able to print out postage stamps and if you needed one for 2 or 3 oz for example you could do it without paying more than you needed to. I am now just using up what money I have left in it and am going to drop it completely unless overnight I get so much business coming my way that it will pay for itself. (dream on, Harriet!)
 
I thought yo ucould use USPS for first class and parcel post as well?
 
dannyzmom said:
I thought yo ucould use USPS for first class and parcel post as well?
Click to expand...

I know that they will pick up for first class & parcel post - but only if you also have something priority or express going out at the same time....
 
dannyzmom said:
I thought yo ucould use USPS for first class and parcel post as well?
Click to expand...
I believe you can, Carolyn, I just know from my experience that to print an individual stamp(lets say 2 oz) it was easier on stamps.com than USPS.
 
I am using stamps.com, but still in the evaluation phase. I print out on labels or blank paper and mail. At least during the initial sign up, I have saved money over USPS (since they gave free postage and allow you to print stamps for the normal first class and postcard rates). I bought a $10 scale at staples or office depot to weigh the envelopes/packages to determine the correct postage.

You can ALWAYS ship from your home at USPS (even with stamps.com postage), you just put the packages out in your mailbox with the flag raised -- they won't make a "special" pick-up but will pick up when they deliver your mail.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Thanks for the info! The offer i got in the mail offers a free scale and $45 in free postage as well as a $5 supply kit. I think I'll just stick to usps b/c it does cost 15.99 a month after the first month.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stamps.com and how does it work?

Stamps.com is an online postage printing service that allows users to print postage for shipping packages and letters directly from their computers. Users can create an account, link it to their shipping carriers, and purchase postage online. The service provides access to discounted shipping rates and allows for easy tracking of shipments.

What are the pros of using Stamps.com?

Some of the pros of using Stamps.com include convenience, as users can print postage from home or the office without needing to visit a post office. It also offers discounted shipping rates, which can save money for businesses and frequent shippers. Additionally, Stamps.com provides features like package tracking, address verification, and integration with various e-commerce platforms.

What are the cons of using Stamps.com?

Cons of using Stamps.com include the monthly subscription fee, which may not be cost-effective for occasional shippers. Some users may also find the software interface to be less intuitive compared to other shipping solutions. Additionally, there may be limitations on certain shipping options or carriers, depending on the user's location.

Is Stamps.com suitable for small businesses?

Yes, Stamps.com can be suitable for small businesses, especially those that ship frequently. The service offers features that can streamline the shipping process, save time, and reduce shipping costs. However, small businesses should evaluate their shipping volume and needs to determine if the subscription fee is justified.

How does Stamps.com compare to other postage printing services?

Stamps.com is often compared to other postage printing services like Pirate Ship and ShipStation. While Stamps.com offers a comprehensive set of features and discounts, other services may provide a more user-friendly interface or different pricing structures. It's important for users to assess their specific needs and compare features and costs before making a decision.

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