Rate change Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Postage Rates Data Update?
When the Royal Mail or Parcelforce changes its rates, your Pitney Bowes meter needs to be updated to reflect the changes. Pitney Bowes packages the new information for delivery to your mailing equipment so you can ensure the correct postal tariffs are being used.
This process includes 1 or 2 choices from the below:
•  Updating and installing the new rate data on your PB meter through a connection with the Pitney Bowes Data Center
•  Updating and installing the new rate data into your Postal Scale/PB Meter by fitting the updated Rates Card /Dongle
•  Updating and installing the new rate media onto your Meternet Accounting system with a CD ROM.

Q. When do I need to perform the Postage Rates Data Update?
Although carriers may announce rate changes months in advance, the actual rate data is usually only available for installation 1 week or less prior to the effective date of the rate change. You can download and install the new rate data as soon as they become available.

Pitney Bowes will inform you when rates will be ready for download. Details about the Rate change can be found at www.ratechange.co.uk.

Installation is a straightforward process. The information provided through the www.ratechange.co.uk website will guide you through the process on your system to install the available rates update.
You should install the new rate data as soon as it becomes available. The data will be stored in your meter and become active on the date the rate change becomes effective.

Rate Media updates however (such as for the Meternet system) need to be installed on the effective date of the Rate Change to the associated PC’s before any Franking Activity commences.

Q. My meter has Error 1103 on display. How can this be cleared?
Error 1103 is caused because the meter has lost its rates download.

You will also see the error Rate Manager Not Initialised.

The error usually occurs after a software download and when the scales are used.

The error is usually caused by accessing the incorrect menu to download the new rates. You must follow the steps below to successfully download the rates.

Click here to download instructions

Q. Where can I get a complete list of Royal Mail’s postage rates?
Call Royal Mail on 08457 950 950 or click here and you will be taken to the Royal Mail website
   
Q. How do I update the postal rates on my mailing equipment?
 Click here for a list of the scales and mailing equipment affected by this rate change and full details on how to update the postage rates.
   
Q. Will I be charged for an updated postal tariff for my equipment?
  That depends on whether or not you have an Annual Service Agreement with your equipment and what level of cover you have subscribed to. We will write to all customers detailing their individual circumstances in advance of any changes
   
Q. When will I receive my updated postal tariff?
We will start to dispatch these rate chips and disks for customers from 17th January 2011 and delivery will take 3-5 working days.
   
Q. Why do I need a rate PROM?
From time to time Royal Mail and / or ParcelForce announce changes in their postal tariffs. Your scale needs to be updated with the latest rates to ensure your mail carries the correct postal costs. In 2010 HMRC announced that certain postal services would be liable for VAT and the January 2011 update is to update all Pitney Bowes mailing machines to make sure that they are compliant with this.
    
Q. How do I change my Postage Meter memory presets? 
 It"s possible that you may have your meter"s memory presets allocated to one or more of the tariffs that have changed. If you need help changing the settings of your meter"s memory presets, follow the relevant link below:- links to a pdf file for:

B721 PostPerfect
Paragon Mail Processor
 
Q. I have downloaded the new software version and a job preset is now not working. What should I do? 
The job preset would have been originally created using a manual entry of the value rather than using the rate table i.e. by keying in the price manually. It is now a HMRC requirement that all items are processed using either the weigh platform/scale or manual weight entry, utilizing the rate table. You will need to recreate this job preset using the scale/platform then save the new preset.

Q. I have no display to my scales after inserting the PROM 
 PROM not inserted correctly, disconnect the power, remove PROM and place into the hole, push PROM firmly until you hear a loud ‘snap’ into place.
   
Q. Error 02 on display 
PROM fitted incorrectly, see previous question on how to re-fit.
   
Q. PROM doesn’t appear to fit 
Check the model number on the prom, also check the model number that is located under the weighing platform of your scale. If the model numbers do not match, call the helpline on 08444 990 383
   
Q. My Scale is asking for L/C (Location Code)? 
  A new Scale will ask for Location Code (whereabouts of machine), refer to Location Chart in Op Guide/Install Guide.
   
Q. Error 33 on display
(1) Meter could be in sleep mode, press any key to activate.
(2) Scale could be in an option, CE/C to clear.
   
Q. Error 32 on display 
Refers to meter. Check for meter errors. Turn Scale off and remove PROM, re-insert firmly and turn back on.
   
Q. Any error showing on Scale 
Disconnect the power, remove PROM, re-insert firmly until you hear the loud snap and check all leads and connections are pushed in, turn Scale back on.
    
   
Q. How do I rate my mail if I have no prom/update?
You will need to weigh your item, refer to the rate chart and frank the mail accordingly. Click here to download a rate chart
   
Q. Why do I have to pay for my Rate Update?
Royal Mail are the regulators for the postal service, they have enforced a price change therefore we have to cover the manufacture/shipping costs to provide every customer with these new updates. Depending on your agreement new rates maybe chargeable if they are not covered within your rental. The new postal rates continue to offer you a discount so there are benefits to be gained.

Q. What is a Firmware Update?
Pitney Bowes mailing systems operate on an embedded set of software instructions called firmware. Firmware (or software) downloads, often used interchangeably, refers to regular updates that ensure your Pitney Bowes product is up-to-date with operational enhancements and features. Your meter is updated with the latest version of firmware through a connection with the Pitney Bowes Data Center. Firmware is identified by a version number and will vary according to your system.

Q. When do I need to perform the firmware download?
When you connect to the Pitney Bowes Data Center to add postage or perform other transactions such as a balance enquiry, the Data Center will detect if an update is necessary and will display a message (Update Required, Update Available) on the meter. When this happens, you should perform the update (sometimes called firmware/software update or download) as soon as possible.