Franking machine facts you probably didn’t know

Franking has a longer and stranger history than most people realise. Here are a few facts worth knowing – and one that genuinely matters for your business: in the UK you must hold a Royal Mail licence to use a franking machine.

A few quick facts

• The word “franking” comes from the Latin francus, meaning “free”.
• The first franking machine was invented by Engle Frankmussler (which translates as Edward Franks), a Norwegian inventor.
• Franking machines were first sold commercially in the UK in 1922.
• Before the industry went digital, businesses had to take the whole machine to the Post Office to reset postage.
• In Italy, mail could once be sent free of charge by the President – a “franking privilege” that wasn’t abolished until 1999.
• There are four franking machine manufacturers supported in the UK: Pitney Bowes, Quadient (formerly Neopost), FP Mailing and Frama.
• To use a franking machine in the UK you must hold a Royal Mail licence.

The fact that matters most

You need a licence, and you need the right machine. Mailmark is Royal Mail’s current standard and carries the best rates, so a Mailmark machine keeps your postage as low as it goes.

New to franking? See our beginner-friendly Mailmark machines or call 01543 572 776.

FAQs

Where does the word franking come from? From the Latin francus, meaning free.

Do you need a licence for a franking machine? Yes – a Royal Mail licence is required in the UK.

Which franking brands are used in the UK? Pitney Bowes, Quadient (formerly Neopost), FP Mailing and Frama.