How Do Franking Machines Work?

A franking machine prints a postage impression directly onto your mail instead of a stamp. It weighs each item, applies the correct Royal Mail tariff, and prints a dated impression showing the postage paid – giving you discounted rates, accurate pricing and a more professional-looking envelope.

What a franking machine does

Franking machines are designed to put a franking impression on your mail items so that they can be posted. The impression shows a printed value on the mail item instead of a traditional stamp. Franking machines can produce a red, or blue (Smart Meter only), franking impression on your mail.

A franking machine gives you a discounted price for your mail compared to stamps, so you can save money on postage. It also means all mail is always accurately priced, which is one of the main reasons businesses choose to frank.

What is on a franking impression?

The basic franking impression on your mail includes:

• The item price
• An identifier number
• The date
• Place of posting

Many franking machines also let you frank further information on your mail, including:

• Greeting messages
• Company logo
• Company name
• Company return address

A franking machine comes with all of the most up to date Royal Mail postal tariffs, allowing you to select your preferred class, size and details, such as next day delivery. This information is then franked onto your mail items. By franking a company logo, name and/or return address, you can use the machine as a promotional tool and improve your professional business image – with the added convenience of never having to visit the Post Office to buy stamps.

After you have franked your mail

Once you have franked a mail item, you simply sort your mail so it can be posted to the Post Office and sent out by Royal Mail. As you have already weighed and franked your mail, you do not need to do this again.

Royal Mail supplies businesses using a franking machine with the necessary bags, pouches and trays so your mail can be sorted correctly and dealt with immediately. Larger businesses often prefer to pay Royal Mail to collect mail directly from them rather than going to the Post Office, as they send out much larger volumes.

Processing and sending your mail with a franking machine could not be simpler. If you are interested in buying one, get a franking machine quote or a Mailmark franking machine quote here.

Frequently asked questions

Do franking machines save money?

Yes. A franking machine gives you discounted Royal Mail rates compared with stamps, and every item is weighed and priced accurately so you never over-pay.

What information is shown on a franking impression?

The basic impression shows the item price, an identifier number, the date and the place of posting. Many machines can also add a company logo, name, return address or greeting message.

Do I still need to go to the Post Office?

No. Once mail is weighed and franked you simply sort it into the bags and trays Royal Mail provides, then post it or arrange for Royal Mail to collect it directly.

What is the difference between red and blue franking ink?

Standard franking impressions are printed in red ink. Smart Meter (Mailmark) machines print in blue ink, which improves readability of the franked impression.