What is franking?

Franking is a way of paying for and printing postage directly onto your mail using a franking machine, instead of sticking on stamps. It is usually cheaper than stamps for businesses, gives mail a more professional look, and lets you weigh, price and post items from your own desk. Royal Mail charges franking machine users lower rates than stamp prices on letters and large letters, so the more you send, the more you save.

How franking works

Franking is done with a franking machine. You place your letter or parcel on the machine, it weighs the item and works out the correct postage, and it prints a postage impression (a “frank”) directly onto the envelope or onto a label. Franks are printed in ink, which can be blue or red depending on the service. You then post your franked mail as normal.

Why businesses use franking

Businesses of all sizes use franking machines, and smaller firms benefit just as much as larger ones. The main advantages are:

• Pricing advantages – franked letters and large letters cost less than the equivalent stamps, and Mailmark users get the lowest available Royal Mail rates.
• Convenience – no trips to the Post Office and no stamp-licking; you weigh, price and frank in one step.
• A professional image – a clean, branded impression looks more professional than a stamp and can carry your logo or a promotional message.
• Immediate access to a wide range of products – postage services, supplies and account controls in one place.

Who can use a franking machine?

Any UK business can use a franking machine, but you must hold a Royal Mail licence to do so. Mailmark is Royal Mail’s current franking standard – it uses blue ink and carries the best franking rates – so a Mailmark machine keeps your postage as low as it goes.

FAQs

What is franking in simple terms? It is printing pre-paid postage straight onto your mail with a franking machine, instead of using stamps.

Is franking cheaper than stamps? For Mailmark users, yes – Royal Mail rates for franked letters and large letters are lower than the equivalent stamp prices.

Do you need a licence to use a franking machine? Yes – a Royal Mail licence is required to operate a franking machine in the UK.

What colour is franking ink? Franks are printed in blue or red ink; Mailmark franking uses blue ink.

New to franking? See our range of franking machines or browse our franking ink and supplies. You can also call us on 01543 572 776.