Top Tips For Saving Money On Postage

The best ways to cut your business postage costs are to use a franking machine for Royal Mail’s lower franking rates, pack smarter so items fall into a cheaper size band, use a courier for heavier parcels, buy packaging in bulk, and monitor your postage spend so you can see exactly where to save. Used together, these steps can make a real difference to what your business spends on post.

If your business sends mail daily, weekly or monthly, postage can add up quickly. The good news is there are plenty of ways to keep costs down and get the best value for money. Here are our top tips for saving money on postage and optimising your mailing room.

1. Pack smarter

Simply picking the correct packaging can save your business money. The price of postage depends on the size and weight of the item, so if your item is classed as a small parcel it will be cheaper to send than a medium parcel, even at the exact same weight. Always consider the dimensions of what you are sending. If you are ever unsure, check the Royal Mail size and weight guide: size and weight formats for UK mail.

2. A franking machine

Franking your mail is one of the best ways to send post and cut your postage costs. However much you send, there is a franking machine to suit your needs, and it is easy to use and top up with credit whenever you need it. The savings can be significant compared with sending unfranked mail. Work out your own savings with our franking savings calculator.

With more advanced franking machines, you can also monitor your postage and get a clear overview of how much mail you send and what you spend each day, week or month. That makes it easier to see where to cut costs. Franking is also a more efficient way to send mail, especially in large volumes: you always pay the correct amount, and items can be collected by a courier.

3. Courier service

For heavier mail items, a courier service may be more cost-effective. Courier prices have come down in recent years, making them more affordable for smaller and larger businesses alike. For items under 2kg, Royal Mail should still be your main service, but for anything heavier a courier may be cheaper. If you can guarantee a regular volume of deliveries, a courier may even offer you a discount, so it pays to shop around.

4. Bulk packaging

Instead of buying packaging individually as you need it, buy in bulk. You can often get a discount from your supplier, and because packaging prices tend to rise over time, buying in bulk gives you plenty of stock and can save money in the long term.

5. Monitor expenses

Do you know how much you spend on postage? Many businesses do not, and end up spending more than they need to. As mentioned above, a franking machine can monitor your postage and give you a clear overview of how much you send and spend. That insight helps you identify where costs can be cut and money saved.

If you are interested in getting a franking machine, or upgrading to a Mailmark machine with even lower prices available, please 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 (since 2008), and we have serviced and supplied over 40,000 customers, from small businesses to some of the largest organisations in the UK, with our own range of models.

FAQs

What is the best way to save money on postage? Use a franking machine to access Royal Mail’s lower franking rates, and pack smarter so items fall into a cheaper size and weight band.

How much can a franking machine save me? It depends on what and how much you send. Use our franking savings calculator for a figure based on your own mail.

Does packaging size affect the cost of postage? Yes. Royal Mail prices depend on the size and weight band, so the right packaging can move an item into a cheaper band.