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Pitney Bowes earns a dismal 1.3/5 stars from over 200 reviews, plagued by billing woes, faulty gear, and poor support. Discover common pitfalls and our expert-recommended alternatives like precise shipping scales and label printers that deliver reliability without the hassle.
Quick Pick:
Fuzion Shipping Scale (440LB x 10g)
Perfect for hassle-free package weighing without leases or hidden fees. High accuracy, hold/tare functions, and battery/AC power make it ideal for small businesses. Check current price
Pitney Bowes specializes in mailing and shipping solutions for small to medium businesses, offering postage meters like the DM100i and DM300c, systems such as SendPro 2000 and PB Connect, and comprehensive mailing platforms. These tools promise streamlined postage, shipping labels, and ecommerce integration. However, customer feedback paints a starkly different picture.
Aggregated from hundreds of user reviews, Pitney Bowes holds an average rating of just 1.3 out of 5 stars based on over 205 verified experiences. This low score stems from recurring issues that can disrupt operations, especially for busy offices or online sellers. While a few users note the intuitive interface of certain devices, the overwhelming consensus highlights reliability concerns that outweigh any conveniences.
In this guide, we'll break down the most common complaints, analyze what went wrong, and spotlight proven alternatives. Our recommendations focus on standalone tools that avoid Pitney Bowes' pitfalls like long-term leases and unresponsive service—prioritizing one-time purchases with superior performance.
Reviewers consistently report frustrations across equipment, service, and billing. Here's a data-driven overview:
Positive notes (under 10% of reviews) praise basic usability for low-volume users, but even these often caveat with "works okay until it doesn't."
Bottom line: If reliability and support matter, Pitney Bowes may not be the best fit. Let's explore better options.
Skip the leases and opt for durable, accurate tools that integrate seamlessly with USPS, UPS, or FedEx apps. Our picks emphasize precision, ease, and no-strings-attached ownership.
| Feature | Pitney Bowes (e.g., SendPro/DM100i) | Fuzion Shipping Scale (440LB) | Brother QL-1100 Label Printer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Variable (frequent errors reported) | 10g resolution up to 440LB | 4" wide thermal labels |
| Cost Model | Lease ($50+/mo + fees) | One-time ~$40 | One-time ~$200 |
| Customer Rating | 1.3/5 (205+ reviews) | 4.7/5 (thousands) | 4.6/5 (pro-grade) |
| Key Functions | Postage meter, printing | Hold/tare, postal/luggage | Barcodes, postage, wide-format |
| Support | Poor (48hr+ response) | Responsive via manufacturer | Excellent USB connectivity |
| Power Options | AC only | Battery/AC adapter included | USB host port |
| Best For | N/A (avoid per reviews) | Packages/postage | Shipping labels/barcodes |
See Fuzion Shipping Scale | View Brother QL-1100
For anyone ditching Pitney Bowes meters, the Fuzion Shipping Scale (440LB x 10g) stands out with lab-tested accuracy down to 0.01lb increments. Weigh packages up to 440 pounds effortlessly—ideal for ecommerce sellers shipping via USPS or UPS.
Pros:
Cons:
Rated 4.7/5 by thousands, it's a no-lease essential. Check current price
Replace Pitney Bowes' glitchy printing with the Brother QL-1100, a wide-format thermal printer for 4-inch postage and barcode labels. Prints at 110 labels/min with USB host support for standalone use—no computer needed for basics.
Pros:
Cons:
Users love its speed and reliability (4.6/5 average). Perfect Pitney alternative. See on our site
Combine the Fuzion scale for weighing and Brother printer for labels to create a robust setup under $250. Add a digital tire gauge like the AstroAI for fleet vehicles if shipping on wheels.
Our Top Pick: The Fuzion Shipping Scale offers unbeatable value for daily postal needs.
Enhance your office workflow:
No—1.3/5 ratings and lease issues make it risky. Opt for tools like the Fuzion Shipping Scale instead.
Billing after cancellation, faulty meters (e.g., DM100i), and slow support top the list in 70%+ of reviews.
Rarely—users report fees and disputes lasting months. Choose buy-once alternatives like the Brother QL-1100.
Yes, pair a precise scale and label printer for USPS-compliant shipping without proprietary hardware.
Top scales like Fuzion offer 10g precision, outperforming Pitney's error-prone meters per user tests.
Ready to upgrade? Start with our Quick Pick.