The term mailing systems can include a range of products designed to help your office process mail more efficiently.

The most basic component of mailing systems is a postage meter. Postage meters are a welcome addition to any office that sends even a relatively small amount of mail: metered mail has a professional look, is convenient, and can save you money. You can also end those annoying last-minute runs to the post office. If you spend more than $50 per month on postage, your office will almost certainly benefit from having a postage meter.

It is important to know that meters cannot be purchased. Under federal regulations, they can only be leased. Other parts of the postage system can be purchased, but ownership of the meter itself is strictly controlled.

Mailing systems usually include more than just a basic postage meter. Often, the mailing system includes feeders, sealers, label printing, scales, and more. It's important to note that almost all of these features can be attached to a postage meter: much like digital copiers, postage meters can handle a wide range of tasks. For example, mailing systems with an automatic feeder can meter large stacks of envelopes at speeds of over 200 per minute.

Newer mailing systems include digital postage meters. Other components of mailing systems that are generally separate pieces of equipment include letter folding equipment, openers, and inserters.