The different types of franking machines

Franking machines fall into three main types: Standard, Smart Meter and Mailmark. A Standard machine needs the price entered manually, a Smart Meter machine calculates the postage automatically, and a Mailmark machine is the most efficient – using a machine-readable 2D barcode and carrying Royal Mail’s lowest rates.

A standard franking machine requires you to refer to a pricing wallchart and manually input the correct price into the franking machine. A Smart Meter franking machine calculates the postage automatically as long as you select the correct UK or international product. A Mailmark franking machine is far more efficient – the successor to the traditional town and crown die, with a faster, machine-readable 2D barcode.

How to tell which type of franking machine you are using

You are using a Mailmark franking machine if your franking impression carries a 2D barcode like this:

If your impression looks like the one below, you are using either a Smart Meter or a Standard franking machine:

You are using a Smart Meter franking machine if you select Royal Mail products automatically, your impression is in blue ink, and you receive VAT invoices on some Royal Mail products. You are using a Standard franking machine if you input prices manually and your impression is in red ink. If you are still not sure, contact your supplier.

What to do if you no longer need your franking machine

If you no longer need a franking machine, contact your supplier to arrange for it to be withdrawn. Your supplier will contact Royal Mail to process the withdrawal, and a cheque refund for any unused credit balance will be sent to you. If Mailcoms is your supplier, call us on 01543 572 776 or email info@mailcoms.co.uk to start this process.

How Mailcoms can help

Mailcoms is a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of franking machines, so we can provide a Mailmark franking machine to suit your needs. If you are interested in getting one or upgrading to Mailmark with lower prices available, please view our franking machine page here or call us on 01543 572 776.

Frequently asked questions

What are the three types of franking machine?

Standard, Smart Meter and Mailmark.

How do I tell if I have a Mailmark franking machine?

Its impression carries a machine-readable 2D barcode rather than the traditional town and crown die.

Which type of franking machine has the lowest postage rates?

Mailmark – it carries Royal Mail’s best franking rates.