Meter billing
A way of charging for printer and copier use based on the number of pages produced, tracked by each device's built-in meter.
Meter billing is a way of charging for printer and copier use based on the number of pages produced. Every device has a built-in counter — its meter — that records pages printed. The dealer collects that count (a "meter read"), then invoices the customer at an agreed rate per page, often called a click charge.
How meter billing works
- The device counts pages. Each printer or copier keeps a running total, usually split into black-and-white and color.
- The dealer collects meter reads. Monitoring software such as Printanista or FMAudit gathers counts automatically; otherwise customers submit them manually.
- Usage is calculated. This month's read minus last month's read equals pages printed in the period.
- The invoice is generated. The dealer's ERP — typically e-automate — multiplies usage by the contracted per-page rate and applies any monthly minimum.
Example calculation
A customer's contract charges $0.01 per black-and-white page and $0.06 per color page.
| Meter | Last read | This read | Pages used | Rate | Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black & white | 45,200 | 52,200 | 7,000 | $0.01 | $70.00 |
| Color | 8,100 | 9,600 | 1,500 | $0.06 | $90.00 |
| Total | $160.00 |
If the contract had a $150 monthly minimum, the customer would still pay $160, since usage exceeded it.
Why meter billing matters to dealers
Meter billing is the revenue engine of managed print services. It also generates a steady flow of customer questions — "why is my invoice higher this month?", "how do I submit a meter read?" — that dealer support teams answer every day.
Related terms
- Cost-per-copy (CPC) contract — the contract type built on meter billing
- Managed Print Services (MPS)
- e-automate
- FMAudit
How Auralis fits in
Meter-read submissions and billing questions are among the most repetitive requests a dealer's support team handles. Auralis is an AI support platform that answers them automatically, using the dealer's own contract and billing data. See meter-read and billing question support.
FAQ
A meter read is the page count taken from a printer or copier's built-in counter at a point in time. Dealers compare consecutive reads to calculate pages printed during a billing period. Reads are collected automatically by monitoring software, submitted by the customer, or taken on site.
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