Rate Change Roundtable 2009

[PB-Lori]

Hi,

If  you have a DM200 - DM450, we'd like to find out how the Rate Change process went for you.

The process should have gone as follows:

1. 2 weeks prior to the effective date you received a letter from us with instructions on how to download new rates
2. 1 week prior to the effective date, if you still had not downloaded your rates, you received an eMail from us with the same information
3. Some time prior to the effective date, you followed the instructions, and downloaded the rates to your system

This is all that you needed to do PRIOR to the effective date.

So, my questions:

1) Did you download PRIOR to the effective date?

2) Did you receive download instructions? If so, was it by mail or by eMail?

3) Were you able to follow the instructions? If not, what did we miss?

4) What troubles, if any, did you run into?  For mailstation/mailstation2, did you have to perform a power cycle (turn off/on) for your new rates to display?

5) Were you able to confirm that you had successfully downloaded the rates? If so, how?

6) Did you also download a SOFTWARE update at the same time you downloaded your rates (longer download time)?

IMPORTANT!!!!!

Each of our systems behaves slightly differently. So, if you are responding with a post, PLEASE include your model number so that we can keep everyone sane as we discuss symptoms.  If you are unsure what your model number is, please use the Browse Products category on Rate Change Central (www.pb.com/ratechange). Click on the Digital Meters and Systems link until you find the picture of your system. The model number is listed at the top of the page (pick the 1st model # you find in the list). Some Examples: DM200i, mailstation2, DM100i, DM300c, DM500, etc.

[wyatt1848]

The download process is fine.  However, users should be given the option of when to conduct the download prior to changes going into effect.  I attempted to refill postage about a week or more prior to a rate change and simply because I connected to Pitney Bowes to download postage, the system automatically began downloading updates without me having a choice to do it at that time.  I was in a hurry to finish processing mail, and was forced to wait for a half hour download.  That is inconvinient and inappropriate for the user to not be able to decide when to conduct the download.

[remax15]

As a whole the process worked pretty good. Only had one problem when the initial download got hung up about halfway through and I had to restart the process.

[PB-Lori]

Hi Remax15,

This sometimes happens due to the amount of people downloading at the same time.  I'm glad to hear that the process worked out in the end.

Thank you for the post,

Lori

[LanceB]

The rate change was miserable for us because we have a VOIP system.

[123gabriel]

It all went good, but I did have to restart while it was donwloading the first try.

[PB-Lori]

Hi 123gabriel,

Some times you'll need to power cycle your machine when there is a software update along with the rate update.  Thank your for the post.

Lori

[carol5620]

We purchased a DM400c. Went through seemingly easy procedure on December 16, 2008, following instructions that I'd never have to set my presets again (our presets are based on postal classes). Received confirmation that new rates would automatically downlaod on May 12. However, on May 12 the rates did not roll over, so I had to repeat the whole process, which as one of the previous responders noted, doesn't work well when your trying to do so while rushed to run the mail!

We'll see if they roll over next rate change.

[PB-Lori]

Hi Carol5620,

If your meters default setting is set to a 'class', for example 1st class reg, the rates should automatically roll over on the effective date (as long as the download is done).  You can view the instructions on our rate change website at www.pb.com/ratechange.  Key in your model number in the Find by Product Code block and click on the Verify Rates tab.

Thank you for your post,

Lori

[jrmtsd]

I have a DM900. The download process went very easy and quick. No problems. The machine even asks if I want to set the postage now. I downloaded 2 weeks prior to the increase.