What is a Franking Machine?

Understanding Franking

Businesses that utilise a franking machine rather than traditional stamps can achieve significant savings in both time and money. While the concept of a postage stamp is straightforward, owning and operating a franking machine involves a bit more detail. Below, we address some common questions regarding franking machines.

What Does a Franking Machine Do?

A franking machine is a device that marks letters (or prints labels for larger items) to signify to postal services that the necessary postage fees have been paid. These machines come equipped with various features and can be integrated into broader systems designed to handle additional mailing tasks, such as folding, inserting letters into envelopes, and processing large volumes of mail efficiently.

Why Is It Cheaper to Use a Franking Machine?

Using a franking machine is generally faster and more efficient than manually applying stamps. This efficiency translates into time and cost savings for businesses. Additionally, adding credit to a franking machine online is quicker and more straightforward than purchasing or ordering stamps.

Moreover, franking a letter is usually less expensive than mailing it with stamps of the same size and shape. For instance, using Royal Mail’s Mailmark service ensures lower costs compared to stamps, with potential savings of up to 21%. For more detailed pricing information, you can visit our postage rates page.

What Is the Difference Between Franked and Stamped Mail?

In essence, a franking mark replaces a traditional stamp. However, there are notable differences. The franking machine applies a clean and consistent mark that can include additional information such as the sender's address or company logo. Consequently, businesses that send franked mail project a more professional image.

Is a Franking Machine Worth It?

Every business has unique mailing needs and different volumes of outgoing mail. However, if your business regularly sends mail—even in smaller quantities—a franking machine can be a cost-effective solution. For instance, Quadient offers franking machines for lease, making the initial investment more manageable than one might expect.

For further details and to explore how Quadient can assist you in maximising the benefits of franked mail, consider our intelligent franking machines, which cater to businesses of all sizes.