Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a shipping interface within a user interface are shown. A shipping interface of embodiments is provided within a open architecture or multiple application user interface, such as a browser user interface. A user may be enabled to use a same shipping account with respect to any number of applications or functions. Moreover, a user may be enabled to select a shipping provider of preference, even where the underlying application or function does not support the selected shipping provider or any shipping functions. Embodiments provide comparison of various shipping providers to a user for selection. Embodiments comprise a browser plug-in operable to provide a shipping interface, such a by inserting one or more shipping buttons within a page displayed by the browser, within a popup window, within a frame along the main browser window, within a browser menu bar, tool tray, etcetera.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide processing of payment errors with respect to delivery services in accordance with user preferences. According to embodiments, a delivery service user provides information with respect to how payment errors with respect to delivery services provided to the user are to be handled to facilitate electronic and/or automated processing of such payment errors. A user may authorize payment shortages on the user's behalf, may request notification for an ad hoc determination as to how the shortage is to be handled, or may elect to have postal items returned in the case of payment shortage. Various levels of payment error handling services may be provided with respect to users. Detailed information, such as statistics with respect to users' payment errors, the numbers and types of payment errors, user's preferences in handling payment errors, etcetera, may be provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide metering of postage value using accumulated postage information are shown. Embodiments implement an accumulated postage register in a postage security device which is incremented each time a postage indicium is generated and which is reset when a postage value settlement operation is performed. Accumulated postage may be paid for using various accounts, including pre-funded or pre-paid accounts, credit accounts, debit accounts, and billing accounts. Accordingly, embodiments may be used with respect to a post-paid metering model, a pre-paid metering model, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a shipping interface within a user interface are shown. A shipping interface of embodiments is provided within a open architecture or multiple application user interface, such as a browser user interface. A user may be enabled to use a same shipping account with respect to any number of applications or functions. Moreover, a user may be enabled to select a shipping provider of preference, even where the underlying application or function does not support the selected shipping provider or any shipping functions. Embodiments provide comparison of various shipping providers to a user for selection. Embodiments comprise a browser plug-in operable to provide a shipping interface, such a by inserting one or more shipping buttons within a page displayed by the browser, within a popup window, within a frame along the main browser window, within a browser menu bar, tool tray, etcetera.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide metering of postage value using accumulated postage information are shown. Embodiments implement an accumulated postage register in a postage security device which is incremented each time a postage indicium is generated and which is reset when a postage value settlement operation is performed. Accumulated postage may be paid for using various accounts, including pre-funded or pre-paid accounts, credit accounts, debit accounts, and billing accounts. Accordingly, embodiments may be used with respect to a post-paid metering model, a pre-paid metering model, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide metering of postage value using accumulated postage information are shown. Embodiments implement an accumulated postage register in a postage security device which is incremented each time a postage indicium is generated and which is reset when a postage value settlement operation is performed. Accumulated postage may be paid for using various accounts, including pre-funded or pre-paid accounts, credit accounts, debit accounts, and billing accounts. Accordingly, embodiments may be used with respect to a post-paid metering model, a pre-paid metering model, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide processing of payment errors with respect to delivery services in accordance with user preferences. According to embodiments, a delivery service user provides information with respect to how payment errors with respect to delivery services provided to the user are to be handled to facilitate electronic and/or automated processing of such payment errors. A user may authorize payment shortages on the user's behalf, may request notification for an ad hoc determination as to how the shortage is to be handled, or may elect to have postal items returned in the case of payment shortage. Various levels of payment error handling services may be provided with respect to users. Detailed information, such as statistics with respect to users' payment errors, the numbers and types of payment errors, user's preferences in handling payment errors, etcetera, may be provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide processing of payment errors with respect to delivery services in accordance with user preferences are disclosed herein. According to embodiments, a delivery service user provides information with respect to how payment errors with respect to delivery services provided to the user are to be handled to facilitate electronic and/or automated processing of such payment errors. A user may authorize payment shortages on the user's behalf, may request notification for an ad hoc determination as to how the shortage is to be handled, or may elect to have postal items returned in the case of payment shortage. Various levels of payment error handling services may be provided with respect to users. Detailed information, such as statistics with respect to users' payment errors, the numbers and types of payment errors, user's preferences in handling payment errors, etcetera, may be provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using information, provided in association with a shipping parcel containing or associated with the goods, by a shipping service provider and a recipient of the goods are shown. According to one embodiment, coded data, such as provided in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or barcode, is used to identify the parcel and the goods, either directly or through correlation with other information, such as shipping information and/or inventory information. The coded data is preferably in a format readable by both the shipping service provider and the recipient of the parcel.

Abstract: Systems and methods which facilitate single user sign-in for multiple accounts are shown. Embodiments create a single user base which maps users to multiple accounts. The use of a single set of credentials by the user is provided for according to embodiments irrespective of the applications associated with the various accounts having very different security protocols. A system hosting the shared user base preferably provides a single authentication point for multiple services. Embodiments an authenticator string, as may be passed between a client and bridge server and/or client and application, in order to enable user access, detect attacks with respect to a client conversation, etcetera. In addition to providing a shared user base for single sign-in, embodiments provide additional shared functionality and/or functionality not available from the applications themselves.

Abstract: Systems and methods which facilitate single user sign-in for multiple accounts are shown. Embodiments create a single user base which maps users to multiple accounts. The use of a single set of credentials by the user is provided for according to embodiments irrespective of the applications associated with the various accounts having very different security protocols. A system hosting the shared user base preferably provides a single authentication point for multiple services. Embodiments an authenticator string, as may be passed between a client and bridge server and/or client and application, in order to enable user access, detect attacks with respect to a client conversation, etcetera. In addition to providing a shared user base for single sign-in, embodiments provide additional shared functionality and/or functionality not available from the applications themselves.