What happens if you use non-approved franking ink?

Using non-approved franking ink can lead to rejected, delayed or surcharged mail, premature ink depletion, printhead damage and a voided warranty – so any upfront saving is usually a false economy. Royal Mail requires clear, readable franking impressions, and only approved ink is guaranteed to meet that standard, which is why we always recommend sticking with Royal Mail approved suppliers like Mailcoms.

When it’s time to top up your franking machine ink cartridge, you might be tempted by low-cost ink alternatives on eBay or Amazon. But is the initial saving really worth it? Below we explain the risks of using non-approved franking ink.

The risk of mail rejection

Royal Mail has strict standards for mail quality, especially the clarity and readability of your franking impressions. If your print is too light, blurry or inconsistent because of low-quality ink, your mail may be:

• Delayed.
• Returned to sender.
• Surcharged or even destroyed.

Royal Mail can and will reject mail that doesn’t meet its requirements or can’t be processed easily, especially as automation and barcode scanning become more precise.

False savings & hidden costs

Non-approved franking ink looks cheaper upfront, but more often than not it leads to:

• Premature ink depletion.
• Increased printhead wear and tear.
• Time lost re-printing rejected items.
• Costs from damaged mail or complaints.

Over time, these indirect costs far outweigh the minor savings from unapproved alternatives.

Possible machine damage

Every franking machine is engineered with very specific ink formulas in mind. Non-approved ink can:

• Invalidate your warranty and service agreement, resulting in costly repairs.
• Clog the printhead.
• Fail to dry correctly on envelopes.

Royal Mail approved franking ink from Mailcoms is tested and guaranteed to meet or exceed OEM specifications, keeping your franking machine running smoothly.

Why choose approved ink from Mailcoms?

• Royal Mail approved and tested.
• Guaranteed compatibility with your franking machine.
• Full technical support from trained technicians.
• Next day delivery available.
• The same quality as OEM, often at a better price.
• Reminders and automatic reordering options so you never run dry.

Final thoughts

Cutting corners with non-approved franking ink can cause anything from machine damage to outright mail rejection. For peace of mind, reliable performance and full Royal Mail compliance, we advise all companies to stick with trusted, approved supplies. View our range of franking machine supplies here.

At Mailcoms we offer a range of franking machines. To get a franking machine or upgrade to a Mailmark machine with even lower prices available, view our franking machine page here or call us on 01543 572 776. We are a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of postal franking machines, and we’ve serviced and supplied over 40,000 customers nationwide.

FAQs

Can I use non-approved ink in my franking machine? You can, but it risks rejected or surcharged mail, printhead damage and a voided warranty, so it is rarely worth the small upfront saving.

Will non-approved ink void my warranty? Yes – using non-approved ink can invalidate your warranty and service agreement.

Is approved franking ink more expensive? Not necessarily – Mailcoms approved ink matches OEM quality, often at a better price, with next-day delivery available.