What to Do If You’ve Franked Too Little or Too Much Postage

If you have franked too little postage, re-frank the item with the missing amount before you post it. If you have franked too much, do not post the item – start again with a fresh envelope and claim the value of the unused impression back from Royal Mail. Either mistake is easily fixed as long as you catch it before the mail leaves your mailroom. If you are unsure which type of machine you have, check with your franking machine supplier.

If you have a Mailmark machine and paid too little

1. Using a black ballpoint pen, boldly cross through the 2D barcode of the Mailmark impression – taking care not to cross through the price you paid.
2. Write your initials next to it.
3. Re-frank the envelope with the extra amount, either on the bottom left-hand corner / shorter edge, or, if using a franking label, place it to the left of the original impression.

If you have a standard machine and paid too little

1. Simply re-frank the envelope with the additional postage, either on the bottom left-hand corner / shorter edge, or on a franking label placed to the left of the original impression.

If you franked too much (any machine)

1. Do not post the item.
2. Remove the contents and start again with a fresh envelope or packaging.
3. You can reclaim the value of unused, clearly readable franking impressions from Royal Mail by returning the whole unused envelope or label to Royal Mail's franking refunds team.

Royal Mail sets the conditions for franking refunds – including any minimum claim value, administration fee and time limit – and these can change, so check the current refund terms with Royal Mail before you submit a claim.

FAQs

How do I fix franked mail that is underpaid? Re-frank the item with the missing amount before posting. On a Mailmark machine, cross through the 2D barcode (not the price), add your initials, and re-frank to the left of the original impression.

Can I get a refund for overpaid franking? Yes. Do not post the item – return the unused, clearly readable impression to Royal Mail and claim the value back, subject to Royal Mail's current refund conditions.

What happens if I post an underpaid item by mistake? It will usually still be delivered, but Royal Mail recovers the shortfall plus an administration fee.

Upgrading to a Mailmark franking machine makes accurate postage far easier. View our franking machines or call 01543 572 776. Mailcoms is a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of postal franking machines (since 2008).