What is a franking machine?
Are you considering getting a franking machine but are unsure if it is the correct move? Browse our complete franking guide below to discover exactly what a franking machine is, how one operates and the benefits it can bring to your business.
A franking machine explained
A franking machine is a piece of mailroom equipment that prints postage directly onto outgoing mail items such as letters, parcels & packets – replacing traditional stamps. It will accurately calculate and print the correct postage based on the mail item’s weight and size. This will save your business money whilst streamlining your mailroom.
Best franking machines for sending parcels
Compare franking machines
 Parcelsend Lite |  Parcelsend+ |  Parcelsend Speed | |
Daily volume | Up to 30 items | Up to 100 items | Up to 500 items |
Mail processing speed | 20 items per minute | 65 items per minute | 120 items per minute |
Mail feeder type | Manual | Automatic | Automatic |
Integrated Scale | 2.5kg scale | 7kg scale | 7kg scale |
Cost centre accounts | Up to 100 | Up to 100 | Up to 500 |
Thermal shipping label printer | |||
‘Special Delivery’ & ‘ Signed For’ 1D barcode compatible | |||
Best franking machines for sending letters
What is a franking machine used for?
A franking machine is used to allow a business to print postage from the comfort of their own office whilst taking advantage of postage savings. This works by franking machines printing a Mailmark impression (often referred to as an Indica), which includes a 2D barcode, directly on to envelopes or adhesive franking labels for your parcels. This impression can be used to print a company logo and/or return address to help make a businesses communications look much more professional.
How does a franking machine work?
What is franked mail or post?
Franked mail or post are items that includes something called a franking impression or indicia instead of a traditional stamp in the top right corner of a item. This impression is produced by using a franking machine to send your outgoing post. You can print a franking impression directly onto your envelope or franking label rather than applying a stamp. The Royal Mail can process franked mail items faster and more efficiently which is why franked mail items are sent at discounted rates.
What is an Indica and what does it look like?
What are the advantages of a franking machine?
When using a franking machine, there are many extra franking benefits you will receive. Here are just a few:
- Save money on every item you frank as you will have exclusive access to franking savings.
- Save time in your mailroom as it is a much quicker process to frank all your mail compared to applying stamps.
- Increase your businesses professionalism on your mail by printing a company logo, return address or promotional message on to your outgoing mail.
- Franking is more secure as your postage is securely protected on the franking machine compared to stamps which are often loosely left lying around the office.
Find out what the top 10 franking machine benefits are via our useful infographic here.
