USPS Ends Meter Label Solution

In 2015, some sellers were unhappy to learn that the USPS was ending standalone support for its Click-N-Ship for Business App (CNSB) and transitioning to a meter label solution in an effort to reduce fraud.

Now USPS is getting rid of the meter label solution. A reader forwarded an email received today that said, “As of March 31, 2018, MLS (meter label solution) will no longer be available for use.” the email advised shippers to use its web-based ClickNShip solution or its desktop Click-N-Ship for Business Pro software, or to move to a solution from a third-party vendor.

In 2015, the USPS took the sting out of its change by advising customers that those who switched from Click-N-Ship for Business without meter to regular Click-N-Ship would receive Commercial Base pricing, which is cheaper than retail rates. However, regular Click-N-Ship no longer provides discounts – its pricing is the same as retail rates.

We’re not sure how many online sellers are impacted by the change. The reader who emailed us said it was unfortunate for low volume shippers like himself “that are now forced to use regular Click n Ship, or business users being forced to provide ACH banking info through CNSB Pro.” As for third-party solutions, he said “They all charge an exorbitant monthly fee ranging from 10 to 30 bucks.”

Many sellers view the monthly fees as worth the convenience and cheaper postage rates (commercial base rates), and it’s our understanding that some services may waive the monthly fee in some cases.

We’ve asked the USPS for its reasoning in stopping support for MLS. Shippers have until March 31, 2018, let us know if you’re impacted.

Ina Steiner

Ina Steiner is co-founder and Editor of EcommerceBytes and has been reporting on ecommerce since 1999. She's a widely cited authority on marketplace selling and is author of "Turn eBay Data Into Dollars" (McGraw-Hill 2006). Her blog was featured in the book, "Blogging Heroes" (Wiley 2008). She is a member of the Online News Association (Sep 2005 - present) and Investigative Reporters and Editors (Mar 2006 - present). Follow her on Twitter at @ecommercebytes and send news tips to ina@ecommercebytes.com. See disclosure at EcommerceBytes.com/disclosure/.