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Stamps.com .vs Endicia.com
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Original Post
Just wanted to give everyone a heads up on my recent evaluation of these two services.
As you may know, sending your orders USPS first class mail is probably the least expensive way to go, AND it's faster than UPS.
My problem was that I need to, also add a delivery confirmation and insurance, which meant that each time I needed to send something out, I had to wait on line at the post office. Arrr!
So to here's the scoop. Stamps.com is $16 a month and Endicia.com is $10 a month. A modest price considering what they offer.
I now simply copy and paste the purchases name and address from the Etsy receipt page, into Endica's DAZZLE software, and it prints out a very professional looking label with a pre-printed bar-code-stamp.
(You've seen those. Haven't you?)
You do need a scale, to weigh you package, but aside from the $10 monthly fee, it actually end up being cheaper to use Endicia.com, than going to the post office yourself. Because... the Dazzle software communicates with the US Post Office servers directly, so the Delivery Confirmaton, which you usually pay like 60 cents extra for, is FREE and automatic, AND the Endicia insurance is cheaper than regular US postal insurance.
Sweet. I just use regular paper, tape the label to my package, then drop it in any mailbox. No parking or waiting on line necessary.
From what I hear the Stamps.com program is a little easier to use, but the Endicia program, Dazzle, allows you to design your own label, much like Photoshop or Word, which is nice. Stamps.com doesn't.
Anyway, I recommend the Endicia.com service highly!
I'll check back. If you have any questions, just post them here.
Posted at 6:32 pm Apr 18, 2008 EDT
Responses
I use the free side of Endicia. Most of my items are 13 oz or less and can be mailed 1st class.
You do not need a monthly fee for this and can print postage up to 13 oz, a priority stamp and the bulk rate stamps.
I have a Dymo labeler that I print my address labels with, dymo checks it against the USPS data base and adds a bar code and the +four zip extension.
I print most of my own stamps with my dymo and my endicia account for the cost of the labels (which are CHEAP on ebay)
Anything larger, I mail from my paypal account and use a larger label (or you can print on plain paper and tape to the box)
Love it!!
Posted at 6:38 pm Apr 18, 2008 EDT
I wish i had seen this like 5 days ago. I just signed up for a free trial at stamps.com, which comes with a free scale! after my trial run at stamps.com, i'm going to check out endicia.
Posted at 7:17 pm Apr 18, 2008 EDT
Hey Grace: Tell us more about this FREE side of Endicia.
Are you using their Dazzle software? Or their InstaPostage program?
Also, it the USPS has a FREE program called, Shipping Assistant, that seems feature rich. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who is using it. Here's the link: www.usps.com/shippingassistant/learn.htm
I use these small 4x4x1 boxes for my jewelry, so most labels won't fit. The Endica software allowed me to design my own 4x4 label. Also, with Dazzle, you can add additional text and graphics-- which is good for that branding look.
Posted at 3:08 pm Apr 19, 2008 EDT
The free portion of Endicia comes with the dymo labler.
You can read about it here.
global.dymo.com/enUS/Stamps/default.html
It doesn't do all that the monthly paid account does, but I don't need it to.
This option has been a perfect fit for me.
Posted at 7:28 pm Apr 19, 2008 EDT
I pay $16 for Endicia, I like the service, but what's the $10 deal?
Posted at 7:31 pm Apr 19, 2008 EDT
I pay $16 for Endicia, I like the service, but what's the $10 deal?
Posted at 7:32 pm Apr 19, 2008 EDT
I also pay $16 for Endicia, I signed up in January. When did you guys sign up for the $10 deal? I am wondering if they changed their pricing schedule after I signed up because I didn't see that option! I use international shipping a lot so maybe that is it too?
Posted at 7:35 pm Apr 19, 2008 EDT
$10 is probably a more recent promotion. I pay $16 too.
Posted at 7:35 pm Apr 19, 2008 EDT
Thank you for the information. This is exactly what I have been looking for.
Posted at 7:36 pm Apr 19, 2008 EDT