What is a franking machine?
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.
What is franking?
Franking is the method of pre-paying postage by using a franking machine to print a mark – also known as a franking impression. This impression often includes a 2D barcode, an indication that postage has been paid and a company logo or return address.
Best franking machines for sending parcels
Compare franking machines
 Parcelsend |  Parcelsend Speed | ||
Daily volume | Up to 100 items | Up to 500 items | |
Mail processing speed | 65 items per minute | 120 items per minute | |
Mail feeder type | Automatic | Automatic | |
Integrated Scale | 7kg scale | 7kg scale | |
Cost centre accounts | 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?
Franking machines operate by automatically selecting the correct postage price based off of the weight of the item you are sending. This is done BEFORE the item is even franked. This helps ensure that the correct postage is always applied, eliminating the risk of over or under paying your postage. The funds to pay for your postage are stored securely on the franking machine and it can be topped up via online portals.
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?
A Mailmark indicia is the franking marking that is applied to outgoing mail items via a franking machine. It is the alternative to a stamp, and it indicates to the Royal Mail that postage for the item has been paid for. It will be printed directly on to a envelope or franking label. An example of this can be seen below:
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.
Summary: What Is a Franking Machine?
A franking machine is a device that prints postage directly onto your mail, replacing the need for traditional stamps. It calculates and applies the correct postage using built-in scales, often at discounted Mailmark rates. Ideal for businesses of all sizes, franking machines save time, reduce mailing costs, and give mail a professional, branded appearance.
