What Is a Franking Machine Used For?

A franking machine is used to pre-pay and print Royal Mail postage directly onto your letters, large letters and parcels, instead of using stamps. Each machine is linked to a business postage account, so you load credit, weigh your item, select the service and frank it – applying a dated, paid postage impression that can also carry your company logo or a marketing message.

A short history of franking

The word “franking” comes from the Latin francus, meaning “free”. Franking machines were first sold commercially in the UK in 1922, and the technology has been refined ever since – from early manual crank-and-die machines to today’s digital, Mailmark-enabled models.

Franking machines in today’s modern era

The main purpose of a franking machine is to pre-pay your postage while staying connected to Royal Mail. Each machine is linked to a business account, and you pay for postage before franking the letter, parcel or packet you need to send. You set the correct date, weigh the item, and the machine applies a franking impression that is specific to your business using inkjet technology.

Because businesses have different needs, there are various franking machines available, differing in size, capacity and features – but all are designed to give you the benefits of franking. Royal Mail and your franking machine supplier provide support to keep your machine running, and postage discounts apply to franked mail, which is one of the main benefits of owning one.

Franking as a marketing tool

As well as postage savings, franking gives you free marketing space. Your franking impression can include a company logo, return address or a custom slogan, so every item you send promotes your business.

Mailcoms is a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of postal franking machines (since 2008), and we supply our own range of machines. To get started, view our franking machines or call us on 01543 572 776.

Frequently asked questions

What is a franking machine used for? It is used to pre-pay and print Royal Mail postage directly onto mail, instead of using stamps.

Is franking cheaper than stamps? Mailmark franking users receive lower Royal Mail rates on letters and large letters than the equivalent stamp prices.

Can a franking machine print my logo? Yes. Most machines can add a company logo, return address or marketing slogan alongside the postage impression.