USPS Refund for Meter Stamps

Once you have printed a meter stamp, the postage funds have been “used up” by the machine, even if the printing is illegible. That is why it is important to make sure the correct value is shown on the machine before inserting the mail piece or tape strip, and to not let the ink level get too low. We recommend that you always keep a spare ink cartridge on hand for this reason.

USPS Refund Guidelines

For complete and up-to-date guidelines you can go to www.usps.com and search HELP > FAQs for
Is Postage Meter Postage Eligible for a Refund?

Postage Meter indicia is eligible for a refund if it is complete, legible, valid, unused and printed on un-mailed envelopes, wrappers, or labels made in accordance with DMM 604.9.3.4. This includes:

• Postage printed on the back (versus the front) of a letter
• Only a portion of the postage printed or postage isn't legible
• Too much postage was printed on the item
• Not enough postage was printed on the item
• Incorrect date on the meter
• Incorrect information (street name, number, city, etc)

You must submit the indicia within 60 days from the date shown on the indicia to the licensing Post Office™, the United States Postal Service® processes the refund request. When the unused metered postage is affixed to a mail piece, the refund must be submitted with the entire envelope or wrapper.

For all indicia except those produced by PC Postage systems, you will need to submit the indicia to the licensing Post Office. The Postal Service™ charges 10% of face value on the indicia if the total is $350 or less. If the total face value is more than $350, the charge is $35 per hour for the actual hours to process the refund; the minimum charge is $35.