richierich
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posted on August 6, 2001 10:55:34 PM new
I just started using Endicia and have wasted a lot of labels.
I have a HP Deskjet 895 CXI printer. I have been using the blue arrow labels suggested by Endicia. $42/500 + $11.05 shipping that's over 10 1/2 cents each label.
What label do you use? What printer do you use? Where have you found the best priced labels, what brand what size? And most of all are they easy to get everything on? Priority mail, DC, address and return address?
Auctions are all about 2 people wanting 1 item. The trick is having it listed when the 2 bidders are looking.
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misscandle
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posted on August 7, 2001 12:07:12 AM new
Richie, I share your pain. It took me a few messed up labels before I figured out how to print my labels properly. You can call or e-mail support at Endicia and ask if they have the print settings for your particular printer.
I began by getting a regular #10 business envelope to print properly. Then, I played with the offsets and settings until I could get the Blue Arrow labels to print correctly using the envelope feed on my printer. Printing on plain paper for the first few tries kept the Blue Arrow casualties down to an acceptable level.
Once my new postage scale arrives (an eBay purchase, of course), I'll be ready to take on the world. Hang in there.
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richierich
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posted on August 7, 2001 12:30:16 AM new
I have close to 25 wasted labels already. I have to test print each time. Then the test comes out ok and the real label does not, it looks like it double prints. That is the problem using a deskjet. It is not the layout. I think the blue arrow labels are to thick to feed properly. Once I had the correct layout the test env was not a problem.
Endicia customer service is taking all day. I emailed them at 8:00 am on Monday and they replied at 5:57 pm. Of course they work normal day time hours....I don't.
I have 11 labels done, I will not mention the time I have spent. I will see how many are rejected at the PO on Tuesday.
It puts the postage on for insurance but how do you get the form to file a claim? If I have to wait at the PO to do that, just how much time am I saving?
Auctions are all about 2 people wanting 1 item. The trick is having it listed when the 2 bidders are looking.
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commentary
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posted on August 7, 2001 01:36:56 AM new
I do not use Endicia. However, I print fairly thick stock cards using my Epson 860 printer. It is an inkjet with a straight path. No problem.
Usually, straight path printers can handle fairly thick paper/labels with no problems. Is your HP printer a straight path or is there a curl to the path?
Also, I use plain paper and cut them to true size to do test prints. This helps me cut down on waste of labels or stock cards.
You might want to search past threads on this topic by using the site search feature below. I have seen this topic discussed multiple times in the past with significant responses.
[ edited by commentary on Aug 7, 2001 02:34 AM ]
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eternallythankful
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posted on August 7, 2001 03:09:06 AM new
Hi richierich,
I understand your frustration in getting this all set up with Endicia, but I think that once you get through it and get it all to work, you're going to like it. I went through some of this about a month ago. After much struggle, I finally e-mailed customer support. They gave me the answer I needed to configure the software to print using labels of my choosing, and I've loved Endicia ever since.
I use the Avery 8164 label, which is 3 1/3" x 4". You must use two of them, because you cannot get everything to fit on one, but I can do it for approximately $.04 per package. I put my return address and the DC on one, and the main address and postage on another. It works quite well, and they give your package a much more polished appearance. I use an HP Deskjet 610CL with no problems. I did experience jamming initially when I was trying to print the test envelope, but the label sheets go through without any problem. Ebay is a great place for labels, but if you can't find what you need there try gflabels.com.
The Dazzle software is great, once you get past the learning curve, and it has made my life a lot easier. I love it! Best of luck!
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paintpower
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posted on August 7, 2001 05:56:13 AM new
richierich: hang in there! You will simply love Endicia once you get it working. I had some slight problems when I first started. I am using the Blue Arrow labels and a Lexmark Z32 printer (problem was my printer which is a big piece of junk!). I did all the test prints on plain paper until I got it working like I wanted. I've not had any problems with the labels.
Insurance question: pick up a supply of the blank insurance forms at your post office and fill them all out at home. Then all you have to do is get the little green receipt stamped as it is already paid for. Granted, you still have to stand in line for this one but the clerk doesn't have to do anything but stamp the green slip and the package. I haven't had an insured item over $50.00 so I don't know how that one works since it has a number on it like a tracking number.
I've had no problems contacting Endicia customer service. Since they are on the west coast the time difference makes it hard to call them in the morning but they have always called or answered my email very promptly.
Curious. When you set up your printer to use with Endicia did you use the printer wizard setup? That's how I got mine working right.
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ezinkjetstore
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posted on August 7, 2001 07:24:07 AM new
Hi,
I use Priority Mail envelopes from the PO. It's a little cramped, but everything fits on okay. And hell, they're free.
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peiklk
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posted on August 7, 2001 08:17:11 AM new
ezinkjetstore: I assume you mean Priority Mail LABELS, right?  I doubt the envelopes fit in many printers.
I plan to get the Blue Arrow labels, because they seem like they will work better. For now, I bought the full-sheet Avery labels and cut them into 3.5" x 8.5" strips. My wife has an arm cutter, so they are cut straight.
I then feed them in sideways, so the 3.5" side in going into the printer. Finally got the thing to work -- took a little effort. But I've lost about $17 in postage ($7 misprinted, so I sent for refund. $10 printed into the electronic neverland and thus I had nothing to show for my effort).
My Lexmark has an adjustable guide to hold the paper -- I think I was setting this too close and the label was slightly nudging it and thus getting stuck. I tried the other day leaving a 1/8" gap and everything went through from that point on.
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paintpower
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posted on August 7, 2001 08:35:03 AM new
This was the problem with my printer. The paper guide is a piece of junk. I feed my labels with the longest side. My labels are actually printing like a piece of paper and are printed out just like paper. Have had no problems. It was set up like this when I used the printer setup wizard in the Dazzle software. It took me FOREVER to get the test envelope to print out right because the printer would not take it through right. This printer does not print envelopes well at all, so guess that is why the labels were messing up when trying to print them like an envelope. Printing them like paper and they work just fine.
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psyllie
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posted on August 7, 2001 08:43:11 AM new
I also use full-sheet labels by cutting them in half down the middle. I print four labels total from the one sheet--each "half" goes through the printer twice, with one label printing in one direction, and then on the second pass the second label printing in the other direction. I cut them apart after they're printed. My printer is right here next to my computer so it takes only seconds to do this--wouldn't work if you had to cross a room and keep flipping the sheets around lol.
This works out really great for me, since I have a whole case of these labels on hand from an old business project--I paid only $8 a box last year through Viking. The project ended, and I had no further use for these labels until Endicia came along! I think this figures out to about 2 cents per label.
I had to do a lot of practicing before I got it set up right. I practiced with plain paper with the "print postage" option clicked off, so didn't waste any labels or postage.
And I have to chime in with a big "hooray" for Endicia's CS. It can take a while to get an answer because of the time difference, but they have always responded to my (sometimes really stupid) questions--and yesterday I even got a "follow up"--wow!
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avaloncourt
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posted on August 7, 2001 09:17:07 AM new
The Avery 8164/5164 3 1/3" x 4" is a good choice. I currently buy them from a seller on ebay as his price is much better than I have found elsewhere.
The comments written above demand this question... Why are you wasting a single label trying to get things set up? You don't actully have to print on label stock to determine if labels are printing correctly for the set-up. Load your printer with blank white paper and print the test to that page. Remove the page and place it behind a page of label stock. Use a light behind that if necessary. Take a look at the placement and make changes as needed. No wasted labels.
peiklk: If you switch to the 3 1/3 x 4 labels you will save a lot of money over Avery's full sheet labels. Essentially, it's the same thing you are doing except there are six labels per page, two columns of three labels. This will give you a left (Delivery Confirmation) and right (Postage & Address) label for each print. Remember to buy another manufacturer's brand to save money. Avery is obscenely expensive. By printing to this type of label you can use exactly the same setup you are using now. Then just peel off the left and right side labels and stick them on your package. You had exactly the right approach for the labels, just use less expensive ones.
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ezinkjetstore
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posted on August 7, 2001 09:58:10 AM new
pek:
Yes sorry that was Priority mail LABELS not envelopes, I hadn't had my second cup of coffee when I wrote that this morning.
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peiklk
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posted on August 7, 2001 10:01:35 AM new
avaloncourt: Do you cut those labels as well between the pairs? My concern with those is printing one set, then the second set, etc.
I don't want to lose a pair of labels because I only printed two sets.
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avaloncourt
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posted on August 7, 2001 10:53:34 AM new
peiklk: Here is how I approach this label configuration. I use the Avery Full Sheet setup provided in the endicia software. The layout of the 3 1/3" x 4" labels is:
1 2
3 4
5 6
I have made two versions of that full sheet label template. One I call fullsheetbottom and the other is fullsheetmiddle. I just load whichever is appropriate for the position I want to print in. There is no cutting involved.
When I have a new sheet I load the labels and select the fullsheetbottom template. This prints the Delivery Confirmation on label 5 and the address/return address/postage on label 6.
If I need to print on the middle I load the fullsheetmiddle template. This will use labels 3 and 4.
I never made a top position template because I just load the page upside-down so that labels 1 and 2 are at the bottom and use the bottom template.
All you need to do is adjust your position to make sure the Delivery Confirmation bar code or the address does not fall on the seam between the labels and just peel off the left and right side and apply them to your package. Just run a test on a blank sheet of paper and see where they line up on the label sheet and adjust accordingly.
I buy my labels off ebay from data-labels.com Their website is more expensive than their ebay pricing. I believe I bought 3000 of this size label the last time I got them. They also have good prices on other sizes of labels.
Here are my label templates for the full sheet label format using the Avery 8164/5164 compatible labels.
http://www.fellowpages.com/endicia/
Download them and place them in the following directory:
C: > Program Files > Envelope Manager > DAZzle
Just make sure your label setting next to the "Buy" icon in the software is set to Avery 8165 Full Sheet. Then use the "Open Layout" under file and select either the fullsheetmiddle or fullsheetbottom template. Then all you will have to do is peel off the label set you printed. No more cutting or hassle.
[ edited by avaloncourt on Aug 7, 2001 11:29 AM ]
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peiklk
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posted on August 7, 2001 11:02:42 AM new
Thanks!
Just looked them up and placed a bid. If I get them from $10, it'll be less than 5 cents per set (including shipping).
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richierich
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posted on August 7, 2001 12:38:44 PM new
I have to practice on labels for two reasons. #1 My printer prints them using the envelope feeder. #2 The thickness is what I believe is messing me up.
I was expecting the PO to reject half by labels today. They did not even look at them except for the ones I had insurance on.
But how is Endicia saving me?
I still had do wait in line - walk in they are on #3 I have #34 and 3 windows open. Almost one hour later, I get my turn at the window.
Had 4 insured packages, I asked about get the green slips for home and was told they most be filled out by the computer or they are not valid.
Had 19 first class which for what ever reason I can not get my computer to print on the label, it wants to print in the center.
Had 3 international packages.
Finally 1 3/4 hours later I am finally out of there! That is what I was hoping to avoid by using Endicia.
Maybe next time!
Auctions are all about 2 people wanting 1 item. The trick is having it listed when the 2 bidders are looking.
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misscandle
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posted on August 7, 2001 12:44:32 PM new
Richie: you might want to look into U-PIC.com for insurance. Reduced rates and no hassle claims process. Nothing to put on the package, so you don't have to stand in line for "insurance only" packages. If you use Endicia's free delivery confirmation, you'll get an even cheaper rate of insurance from U-PIC.
I believe a combination of Endicia and U-PIC can truly save time and money, once one figures out how to use them.
Good luck!
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peiklk
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posted on August 7, 2001 12:47:33 PM new
Go to your P.O. when it's not busy and ask them where you can just drop metered mail. I just drop mine on a side counter next to one clerk and that's it.
I use U-PIC for insurance now (or just self-insure when the value is low), so that saves time that way.
Free DC from Endicia goes on every package -- Cannot wait for them to get it on First Class!!!
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richierich
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posted on August 7, 2001 10:23:24 PM new
Avaloncourt - thanks for the setups!
I will try this labels.
Thanks
Auctions are all about 2 people wanting 1 item. The trick is having it listed when the 2 bidders are looking.
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paintpower
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posted on August 8, 2001 05:06:05 AM new
richierich wrote: Had 4 insured packages, I asked about get the green slips for home and was told they most be filled out by the computer or they are not valid.
Guess my Post Office is just too small. They don't have a computer. They are still weighing packages on an old spring-type scale! They still use all the forms that have to be filled out by hand so I'm able to fill out all my insurance forms at home before I go. If I'm lucky there's only 1 other person in front of me, who is probably just talking to the postmaster! They move out of the way and wait until I finish my mailing and then go back to talking! Something to be said for good old small rural post offices!
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avaloncourt
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posted on August 8, 2001 08:14:07 PM new
No problem at all. Glad I could help.
Here's something interesting. I got a call from a polling company last night and they are doing polling for the postal service, specifically about PC Postage. I was glad to answer their questions.
Some of their survey questions were a little dated though. They were still calling media mail by book rate. They also wanted my average per piece costs on standard mail, first class and Priority. This caused a bit of a problem. Their software isn't loaded with the Media Mail rates. I told him my average Standard Mail costs for a Media Mail piece was costing me $1.45 but their system would not take any amount lower than $3.45. That is the minimum for Parcel Post.
They also asked questions about services I would like to have automatically processed by the PC Postage system. They ran down a list of services and I was happy to say absolutely yes on Insured and Certified. I got a chuckle when they said Delivery Confirmation. I told him Endicia.com already does that.
They didn't have any questions on International mail or customs processing. 
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rent20
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posted on August 9, 2001 06:52:32 PM new
I am amazed at all this fuss over trying to find the perfect label for Delivery Confirmation when the answer is for free at the Post Office. Just use the DC label (Jan 1999)provided for free at the Post Office. All it takes is a bit of experimenting around and you can get the postage/address and DC label to fit.
Click below to see a perfect example:
http://members.home.net/dell2615/priority
The Post Office is phasing these older labels out in favor of newer smaller ones, so might as well stock up on the older labels while you can.
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richierich
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posted on August 9, 2001 09:49:00 PM new
rent20 - Your labels look good. However, they will not work for me as they do not print correctly in my printer. HP Deskjet 895CXI. What kind of printer do you have?
I need 3/4" all the way around for non-printable space. And then it just don't fit.
I like that FREE label thought!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Auctions are all about 2 people wanting 1 item. The trick is having it listed when the 2 bidders are looking.
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HarryWhitehouse
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posted on August 11, 2001 01:48:29 PM new
RichieRich
Hi, I'm with Endicia!
I asked one of our folks to go down and buy an HP CXI class printer yesterday because folks reported an inordinate amount of feeding problems with that printer.
The only unit our local store had in stock was an 960CXI. This unit has two input trays -- a top and a bottom. The top tray has a fixed slot on the right side which I *gather* is supposed to accept manually-fed envelopes or label stock. The bottom tray has two adjustable slides -- one for paper width and the other for paper length.
Question: Does this physical description match that of the HP printer you have?
We did some experimenting Friday PM. We found first that feeding our blue arrow label through the fixed slot on the top tray was VERY UNSATISFACTORY!. The slot didn't provide enough lateral support and the resulting print job was very crooked. Also the label fed very poorly. Our immedidate conclusion is that this manual feed slot on the top tray SHOULD NOT BE USED!
We had much better success loading the labels in the lower tray. We moved the two adjustment tabs to fit the size of the labels. The labels go face down (blue arrow down). We even put a stack of 6 labels in this position and they all fed perfectly.
We are going to do more experimentation this printer on Monday, but I'd like to hear what your specific experiences were (and if the physical layout of your printer is the same as I've described).
When we've finished, I hope to post a few DAZzle layouts for this printer series on our Web sites.
Best
Harry
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rockaroladotcom
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posted on August 11, 2001 04:01:04 PM new
BEST DEAL!! Use the FREE USPS priority labels - I use the August 2000 version and Endicia has a template set up for these. You can print everything except the return address. Then, buy a pack of mini return stickers at the office supply (around $20/8000 labels) and make yourself some return addy stickers. Works great, I can get the DC info on the basic label and the total cost is negligible.
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darrelll
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posted on August 11, 2001 11:25:37 PM new
The August 2000 labels won't fit the DC on it. But the pric is right...
I bought the 4"x6" labels from fetpak.com, they have a great price. About 4 cents each in quantity.
When testing the labels, use regular paper until you start getting close on the printing.
I use an epson 860 printer and they print great with my $5 knockoff cartridges.
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darrelll
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posted on August 12, 2001 07:58:48 AM new
My post office doesn't have the the Jan. 1999 labels...
I think post offices that have some old stock is about the only way of getting them...
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rent20
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posted on August 12, 2001 09:01:46 AM new
The old Jan 1999 are not that hard to find. Several Post Offices in my area still carry them. One in particular has thousands of them as the lobby has several hundred. A clerk told me that have about 20 boxes in the back of the Jann 99 labels. Figure several thousand labels to a box, and you are looking at lots of labels...enough to last the typical Post Office for years. Just ask around your local Post Ofice and you should find plenty. You can also still order the Jann 99 labels on line from the Post Office.
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yisgood
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posted on August 12, 2001 09:09:23 AM new
Just this weekend I experimented a little. I was able to print the entire label, including postage, return address, mailing address and DC on the free priority labels available at the Post Office (228 August 2000). The trick was to print is sideways down the middle of the label. The 'from' and 'to' kind of peek out near the DC but I took the packages to the PO and they had no problem accepting them. If you want my layout, just email.
Now a question: I mailed a package on Friday from a mailbox (priority with DC). As of Sunday it shows no information. Even if I hadnt mailed it, doesnt it always show "accepted in XX at 10 PM?"
http://www.ygoodman.com
[email protected]
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avaloncourt
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posted on August 12, 2001 12:39:27 PM new
I hope Harry jumps in about the comment above. I'd like to know why the entries are not showing up as well. It is taking two days for DC information to show up now and this has been going on for 3 days. Possibly there are some upgrades taking place at Endicia since there have been Dial-A-Zip outages across the weekend.
The reason I'm concerned about this is that a DC entry from Friday is not yet showing in the system and the buyer has been an incredible jerk through the whole transaction.
[ edited by avaloncourt on Aug 12, 2001 12:41 PM ]
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