Franking FAQs
Can I use a franking machine to frank any type of mail?
Franking machines can be used to post items using most Royal Mail services including:
- First Class
- Second Class
- Recorded Delivery
- Special Delivery
- Cleanmail
- Mailsort
- ParcelForce Worldwide Services
- International / Airmail
You can also use franked impressions to pay for lots of other Royal Mail services such as Business Collections and one-off collections.
Where do I get a franking machine and how do I choose one?
Royal Mail do not directly supply franking machines but Smartech can provide you with a suitable machine and because we are independent we can offer you a choice of manufacturers.
Types of franking machines vary from more simple, low-volume machines to larger automated machines, which will recognise the size, weight and thickness of mail. Which machine is suitable for your company will depend on the type and volume of mail you are posting. The machine suppliers will be able to advise you.
How much does franking cost?
There will be a machine rental or purchase cost, maintenance charges and you may need to purchase consumables such as ink or franking labels.
However, these costs are offset by the discounts available to you for posting franked mail. You will save at least 14p per item on standard Royal Mail services, and you will save even more when you use other services such as Special Delivery.
Where and how can I post franked mail?
We will supply you with pouches, trays or mailbags to help you with the correct presentation of your mail. These can be obtained free of charge once your franking machine has been set up.
Franked mail can be handed in at your local Post Office or Mail Centre or it can be posted in a franked mailbox. Franked mail must not be posted in a regular post box, unless you are using low volume posting envelopes. These low volume posting envelopes can be obtained from your machine supplier but can only be used to post up to thirty items of mail per day.
Alternatively you can arrange for Royal Mail to come and collect your outgoing mail from your premises each day. Call 08457 950 950 for more details on this service.
Are there any other benefits to using a franking machine?
In addition to qualifying for discounts on all your postage costs, franking your mail is an easy way to project a more professional image of your company. By customising your franking mark, you can include your company name and logo, as well as your return address, on every item of post you send. You could also use your franking impression to carry a specific advertising message, draw attention to an offer or promotion or just to build awareness of your brand and the services you offer meaning every item of mail you send becomes an advertising opportunity.
The highly visible franking impression creates a consistent identity across every mailing, regardless of the size, colour or shape of your envelope stocks. This helps to reinforce your brand and create consistency throughout the customer journey.
Plus, as well as giving a good impression to your customers, it makes your mail easier to process, which reduces the risk of delays when it comes to delivery.
Posting using franking impressions means your mail will be instantly recognisable and the assurance that it’s from a familiar source will be welcomed by your customers; a great way to improve customer relations instantly.