a modular placement device for a feed station of a mail processing apparatus , wherein the feed station includes an ejection roller , has a housing that is separate for the modular placement device located upstream , in terms of the mail flow , of the feed station . the housing has a cavity therein to receive a stack of mail items , and a pressure element mounted so as to be pivotable and so as to be plugged into the cavity . the pressure element exerts a pressure force on the stack of mail items in the cavity , with a bottommost item of mail being pressed against the ejection roller so that the bottommost item of mail is propelled in the mail flow direction . the weight loss of the stack due to removal of the bottommost item of mail therefrom is counteracted by the pressure element .