How to Get Your Franked Mail Ready for Posting

To get franked mail ready for posting, sort it by size and postage class, frank each item with the correct date and value, keep Mailmark and non-Mailmark items separate, then bundle it and hand it to Royal Mail by your agreed method. Franking correctly keeps postage low and avoids surcharges.

Sort your mail first

Separate your post by format (Letter, Large Letter and larger items) and by class. Getting the format right matters, because Large Letters and parcels are priced differently from standard letters.

Check the machine, date and credit

Make sure your franking machine shows the correct date, has enough ink for clear impressions, and has enough credit loaded for the day’s post.

Frank each item with the right value

Weigh items where needed and apply the correct postage for the size, weight and class. Clear, correctly valued impressions are what keep mail moving without a surcharge.

Bundle and hand over to Royal Mail

Keep franked items facing the same way, bundle them by class, and present them to Royal Mail through your agreed collection or posting method.

Want clearer impressions and fewer surcharges? Browse franking ink and labels, see our franking machines, or call 01543 572 776.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare franked mail for posting? Sort by size and class, frank each item with the correct date and value, keep it tidy and bundled, then hand it to Royal Mail by your agreed method.

Why does my franked mail get surcharged? Usually because the postage value is too low for the size or weight, the date is wrong, or the impression is unclear. Correct franking and good-quality ink prevent this.

Do I need to keep Mailmark and non-Mailmark mail separate? Keeping your post sorted by class and format makes handover to Royal Mail simpler and reduces errors that can lead to surcharges.