What is the purpose of a postage meter?

A postage meter is a device that allows businesses to print postage directly onto envelopes, labels, or other mail pieces. The meter works by using a digital scale to weigh the mail and calculate the correct postage amount, which is printed onto the mail piece using a built-in printer.

Can I purchase a postage meter?

In the United States, postage meters can only be leased from a select few authorized vendors. Postage is a form of currency that is regulated much like the printing of money.

What are the benefits of having a postage meter?

Save 3 cents on every First Class Letter sent and other postal discounts Reduce trips to the post office Access multiple rates and services from the convenience of your home or small office Take the guesswork out of postage and eliminate the risk of overpaying Easily track overall mailing costs

How do I determine which postage meter is right for my business?

The right postage meter for your business depends on several factors, including the volume and type of mail you send or ship. Compact models are best suited for small to medium size businesses (SMBs) and larger models are designed to handle high-volume mailings from the most demanding mail centers. To learn more check out our Ultimate Postage Meter Buyer's Guide or speak to a Quadient Mail Expert. Get the Guide

What is Intelligent Mail indicia (IMI) and why is it important?

IMI is short for intelligent Mail Indicia. IMI mailing systems can capture more data and sync with the USPS every 72 hours instead of 90 days like its predecessor IBI. They are up to date with all the latest technology for security and accurate postal rates and offer additional analytics and tracking software. The USPS has mandated that all businesses and organizations using a postage meter upgrade their machine by 2024 if they are not yet IMI compliant. To learn more, speak to a Quadient Mail Expert.

Postage Meters & Mailing Systems

Postage Meter Comparison:

Find the Best Postage Meter for Small Business and Beyond

Low to Mid Letter Volume

Ideal for home offices and small business looking to streamline their mailing process

iX-1 Series Postage Meter
Compact design perfect for small spaces.
Access over 50 USPS® postage rates and services.
Detachable 10 lb. scale for accurate weighing.

iX-3 Series Postage Meter
Effortless mailing and shipping operations.
Integrates with Quadient’s shipping software for one-stop rate shopping.
Track and report postage costs with Neostats.

iX-5 Series Mailing System
Flexible and efficient with a color screen and intuitive control panel.
Intelligent Mail® Indicia (IMI) and Dimensional Weighing (DIM) USPS®.
Available in power-assisted hand feed (iX-5 HF) or auto-feed (iX-5 AF) models.

Mid to High Letter Volume

Designed for businesses with moderate mailing volumes requiring efficiency and compliance

iX-7 Series Mailing System
Handles mid to high-volume mailing with speeds up to 175 letters per minute.
User-friendly color touchscreen, various weighing and stacking options.
Compliant with IMI and DIM USPS® requirements.

iX-9 Series Mailing and Shipping System
Sets a new standard for productivity and efficiency in high-volume mailing.
Offers simple ergonomic operations and maximum uptime.
Meets the latest IMI and DIM USPS® requirements.

Feature	iX-1 Series	iX-3 Series	iX-5 Series	iX-7 Series	iX-9 Series
Processing Speed	18 LPM	45 LPM	110 LPM	175 LPM	300 LPM
Scale Capacity	10 lb	10 lb	15 lb	30 lb	70 lb
Mail Feed Type	Manual	Manual	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic

iX-1 Series Postage Meter

Combine mail and parcel processing into one simple solution with Quadient's IX-1 postage meter. No more waiting in line for stamps at the post office. Access over 50 USPS® postage rates and services, including First-Class Mail®, Priority Mail®, and Certified Mail™ from the convenience of your home or small office. The IX-1 offers a wide range of standard features, innovative apps, and a detachable 10 lb. scale.

Learn more Order now

iX-3 Postage Meter

The iX-3 Series is the best mailing machine choice for effortless mailing and shipping operations.

Couple the iX-3 with Quadient’s shipping software, for one-stop rate shopping. Add Neostats to track, report, and reconcile postage costs for mail and parcels.

Learn more Order now

iX-5 Series Mailing System

Ideal for mid-level mail volume Quadient's iX-5 mailing system is flexible, efficient, and easy to use. This postage powerhouse machine features a color screen and intuitive control panel.

The iX-5 meets the latest Intelligent Mail® Indicia (IMI) and Dimensional Weighing (DIM) USPS® requirements. Available in two models: a power-assisted hand feed (iX-5 HF) or auto-feed technology (iX-5 AF).

Learn more

iX-7 mailing system

Designed for mid to high-volume mailers,the iX-7 Series mailing system is built to perform in the most demanding mail centers.

The iX-7 postage machine features an easy-to-use color touchscreen, two processing speeds, and various weighing and stacking options.

Process up to 140 letters per minute (iX-7) or 175 letters per minute (iX-7PRO).Quadient's iX-7 meets the latest Intelligent Mail® Indicia (IMI) and Dimensional Weighing (DIM) USPS® requirements.

Learn more

iX-9 series mailing and shipping system

The iX-9 sets a new standard for productivity, operability, and efficiency standard for high-volume mailers. The iX-9 is a high-output mailing and shipping system Quadient's mailing machine delivers simple ergonomic operations, investment protection, cost savings, reliable production, and maximum uptime.

The iX-9 also meets the latest Intelligent Mail® Indicia (IMI) and Dimensional Weighing (DIM) USPS® requirements.

Learn more

Picture of an iX-9 Series Mailing System

The Quadient mailing system is great, easy use and they have great customer service.

— Brian Fahl

Business Professional | US Department of Veterans Affairs

USPS® Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI)

The USPS is actively decertifying postage meters that do not meet Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) standards, but there is some good news for your business! Take a closer look.

Postage meters & mailing systems

Postage Meter Comparison:

Find the Best Postage Meter for Small Business and Beyond

Low to Mid Letter Volume

Ideal for home offices and small business looking to streamline their mailing process

Mid to High Letter Volume

Designed for businesses with moderate mailing volumes requiring efficiency and compliance

iX-1 Series Postage Meter

iX-3 Postage Meter

iX-5 Series Mailing System

iX-7 mailing system

iX-9 series mailing and shipping system

USPS® Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about postage meters

Related Solutions

Contact us