To prevent potential mail fraud, postage meters can only be leased from authorized manufacturers, and the US Postal Service (USPS) must set, seal and check the meter into service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a postage meter?
You can only lease postage meters from authorized manufacturers. See additional information below for a list of authorized manufacturers.
Can I sell stamps on eBay?
Yes, stamps can be sold, including collectible stamps. Learn more in our Stamps, currency and coins policy.
Read our full policy
Postage meters policy overview
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) regulates the sale of postage meters. Because postage meters can only be leased by authorized dealers, you can't list postage meters on eBay.
Read more about postage meters, including where to lease them - opens in new window or tab and about postal service federal regulations - opens in new window or tab.
Make sure your listing follows these guidelines. If it doesn't, it may be removed, and you may be subject to a range of other actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.
What are the guidelines?
Allowed
- Postage meter bases
- Postage scales
- Actual postage (such as collectible stamps)
Not allowed
- Postage meters (see additional information below)
Additional information
Postage meters are devices that can be leased from authorized manufacturers and used to print postage labels. A meter locks once there is no postage or minimal postage remains on the meter. A meter generally must be taken to the licensing post office to be reset by payment for additional postage. Avoiding the payment of postage by misusing a meter is against the law.
You can lease postage meters from authorized manufacturers. The USPS holds the manufacturers responsible for the control, operation, maintenance, and replacement of their meters. The following manufacturers are authorized to lease meters:
Ascom Hasler Mailing Systems Inc.
19 Forest Pkwy
Shelton, CT 06484-0903
Francotyp-Postalia Inc.
1980 University Ln.
Lisle, IL 60532-2152
Neopost
30955 Huntwood Ave.
Hayward, CA 94544-7005
Pitney Bowes Inc.
1 Elmcroft Rd.
Stamford, CT 06926-0700
No one other than an authorized manufacturer may possess a postage meter without a valid USPS meter license and a rental agreement with the meter manufacturer. Also, the USPS must set, seal (if applicable), and check the meter into service. Other parties in possession of a meter must immediately surrender it to the manufacturer or the USPS.
Why does eBay have this policy?
Selling postage meters is prohibited by law, so we don't allow them on eBay.