Why Bubblefast has joined
the Stamps.com bandwagon
Bubblefast opened its doors in May of 1999. Back then we used a Pitney Bowes postage meter to process our USPS mailing labels. We paid an obnoxious amount of money for meter rental and an exorbitant amount for ribbon replacement. We had to call in our postage refill over the telephone. We printed mailing labels from our computers, hand fed each one through the meter, peeled off the backs, and attached the labels to our product. Don’t even ask how we got refunds. Talk about the Stone Age!
When we attended eBay Live in 2006 we were introduced to Endica Postage. For $35.99 per month we could import all our orders into their software, batch print labels, and post tracking numbers back into our database. We could purchase new postage online. The software even created customs forms for us. We were in USPS heaven!
So, as they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. For years Stamps.com was wooing Bubblefast to switch. Yes, our fees would be reduced by 50%, but compared to our old system, we were already saving so much money we didn’t feel it was worth the time and effort to make another switch. Besides, we kept hearing that Stamps.com was always a step behind Endicia in keeping up with the post office updates and changes.
I had met Eric Nash, Director, Online Marketing for Stamps.com at several eBay events. The last one I attended was the eBay Radio Party in June 2011. Eric finally convinced me to give Stamps.com a try on 30-day free trial basis.
I was NOT disappointed.
Even though Endicia was far and above better than our original Pitney Bowes solution, it was not without its own issues. The software consists of three separate programs, Endica, Dazzle, and Galaxy. When to use which is a bit confusing. The most critical issue for us, however, was technical support. When I have a question or problem I need to know that I can talk to someone live – NOW. With Endica, you have to leave a message and technical support will get back to you (sometimes) within 24 hours. This was never an acceptable option for me. If I am having problems printing postage for today’s shipments, I cannot wait until tomorrow to get an answer. My customers expect me to ship today.
So, here are 10 reasons why Bubblefast switched to Stamps.com and will not switch back:
1) Technical support and customer service is available live, M-F 6:00 am-6:00 pm PST. Every contact I have had has been with someone who was friendly, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. All my questions have been understood and answered in a timely manner.
2) The software is user friendlier and more intuitive.
3) The desktop software is integrated with the web-based software. You can print labels from either one. The history and tracking are synchronized so you can create reports or track from either one.
4) The monthly cost is less than half. In fact, if you print from eBay only, it’s free!
5) Stamps.com understands the small business eCommerce niche and caters to us.
6) Easier to locate postage balance and ability purchase additional postage. You can purchase in any amount above $10.00 instead of limited, specified increments.
7) Address verification is quicker and easier.
8) Batch printing is spooled, so my computer is not tied up.
9) The post back process is automatic. I don’t have to perform a separate action to make it happen.
10) Tracking and reporting are unbelievably accessible!
In all fairness, no single solution is perfect. The Stamps.com software is slower to load, due to its synchronization with its web-based version. However, I find this an acceptable sacrifice compared to the benefits reaped. Also, Stamps.com is still a little behind in customs forms for APO addresses. My understanding is that this will be fixed by their next release. Based on our usage, I have found nothing else that needs improvement.
Stamps.com, has made a conscientious effort to market themselves to the small business eCommerce niche. As big as Stamps.com is, they are catering to us little people. They make themselves accessible and they really understand us and our needs. Thank you to Eric Nash for your persistence in getting us to make the move.
Erc Nash will always make himself available to answer any of your USPS qusestions. He can be reached at enash@stamps.com. In fact, even you decide not to use Stamps.com, Eric has a free gift for you. Check out this USPS® Priority Mail® Rate Comparison Table. This chart is a fantastic tool for comparing different USPS rates for different services by weight and zone. We use this everyday and it helps us make the right decisions and save a lot of money on postage!
If you sell on eBay only and don’t need the software to print out any other type of
postage, you can use Stamps.com for free! |
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Selling on eBay? Stamps.com Makes Shipping Easy!
- Import orders from eBay with one click
- Print all USPS mail classes including First Class International
- International Customs Forms integrated into the software
- Delivery Confirmation posted-back into your “My eBay” account
- Hidden Postage, SCAN forms, packing slips . . .
Stamps.com has it all! |
Otherwise, Stamps.com only costs $15.99 per month.
Plus, you get a 4-week free trial with bonus gifts. It’s a great bargain!! |
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Selling on Amazon, eBay or your own website?
Stamps.com Makes Shipping Easy!
- Import orders from Amazon, eBay, PayPal & more with one click
- Print all USPS mail classes including First Class International
- International Customs Forms integrated into the software
- Delivery Confirmation posted-back into eBay and Amazon
- Hidden Postage, SCAN forms, packing slips . . .
Stamps.com has it all! |
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