The Comprehensive Guide to USPS Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) and Postage Meter Decertification [WITH Q&A]
Understanding IMI compliance and what it means for your business
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard about the new IMI postage technology from the USPS®, or you received a notification from your postage meter vendor that your machine is being decertified. Postage meters are important to ensuring the smooth operation of your business and the timely deliverability of critical customer communications. So, what happens when your machine gets decertified? In this article, we outline everything you need to know about postage meter decertification and get you straight to the essential IMI information so you can navigate the process successfully.
What if you could...
Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) Fast Facts
IMI ensures you always use the correct postage. No overcharges or returned mail!
- Postage updates happen every 72 hours compared to every 90 days with previous technology.
- No more special phone lines are needed just for your postage meters.
- Stops miscalculations! Postage is automatically calculated based on Service Class.
- Transaction-level data for each mail piece...daily
- IMI standards go into effect in June 2024. All postage meters must meet those requirements.
What is indicia?
An indicia is a printed graphic, marking or barcode on mail pieces that indicates to the United States
Post Office, your postage on a particular piece has been paid.
What are the benefits of Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI)?
IMI is good news for your business! This new technology allows the Post Office to automate more of the
behind-the-scenes work that goes into delivering the millions of mail pieces and shipments sent every day.
All that efficiency is passed on to your business through improved delivery times and better account
security and tracking. Faster delivery and tracking of your invoices, statements, and other critical mail pieces
results in shorter billing cycles, better days sales outstanding, and happier customers!
There’s more good news for businesses of all sizes. Grab our IMI Reference Guide to see how IMI stacks up
to the current postage technology.
Digitally transform mailing
Unify printed and digital communications and track the delivery of every communication you send from one platform.
- Enable multi-channel delivery
- Send mail according to customer preference
- Mail from anywhere, at any time
Empower employees and remote staff
Boost productivity in or out of the office and reallocate staff to higher-value, more meaningful and strategic tasks.
- Reduce manual workload
- Enable remote workers to mail from anywhere!
- Outsource your mailing process
Combat rising postage costs and expenses
Improve your mail process while also taking advantage of special pricing and commercial discounts.
- Save with postal discounts
- Get access to presort rates
- Spend less time and resources preparing mail
Faster updates
IMI-ready machines update postal data every 72 hours!
Better pricing
Save at least 33% Over Pitney Bowes, No hidden fees!
Reduced costs
Save 5% on every First-Class letter compared to stamps.
No overspending
No more incorrect postage or miscalculations.