How to Avoid Common Franking Mistakes

The most common franking mistakes are franking the wrong date, missing the last post, underpaying and overpaying – and most are easy to fix. Correct a wrong date or an underpayment by crossing out the old impression and re-franking; use a late-posting envelope if you miss collection; and reuse or reclaim overpaid postage rather than sending it.

We know how easy it is to make a franking mistake now and then. Human error is sometimes inevitable, and the result is a cost to your business. Many of these mistakes can be easily avoided or fixed, so we’ve put together some useful tips.

Franking the Incorrect Date

Franking the wrong date happens more often than you might think, and there is an easy fix with a Mailmark franking machine:

1. Using black ink, draw a line through the incorrect date.
2. Choose ‘zero test print’ on the franking machine and check the date is correct.
3. Re-frank the envelope with the correct date – either in the bottom left corner, or frank a franking label and place it to the left of the original impression.

Missing the Last Post

Another common mistake is missing the post or collection time. If your items are already franked, simply re-frank with the next day’s date and post the following day. If your mail is urgent:

1. Place your franked items in a late-posting envelope (available from your franking machine supplier – view our range here). Please note you may use only one late-posting envelope per day, with a limit of 30 letters.
2. Post the late-posting envelope in a Royal Mail postbox in time for a later collection that same day.
3. Check the postbox collection times before posting, and don’t post after the last collection.

Underpaying for Postage

You may accidentally underpay for your mail with a Mailmark franking machine. If so:

1. Cross through the 2D barcode impression so it is unreadable. Do not cross through the price you paid.
2. Write your initials.
3. Re-frank the envelope with the extra amount – either in the bottom left corner, or on a franking label placed to the left of the original impression.

Overpaying for Postage

On the other hand, you may accidentally pay too much. If so:

1. Do not post the item.
2. Remove the contents and start again with a new envelope.
3. Send any unused franking items to Royal Mail.

If you are interested in getting a franking machine or upgrading to a Mailmark franking machine with even lower prices available, please view our franking machine page here or call us today on 01543 572 776.

We are a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of postal franking machines (since 2008) and we’ve serviced and supplied over 40,000 customers, from small businesses to some of the largest organisations in the UK, with our own range of machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I correct the wrong date on franked mail?

Draw a line through the incorrect date in black ink, use the zero/test print to confirm the right date, then re-frank the item (in the bottom left corner or on a franking label) with the correct date.

What can I do if I miss the last post?

Re-date already-franked mail for the next day, or for urgent items place them in a late-posting envelope (maximum 30 letters, one envelope per day) and post before a later Royal Mail collection.

What if I underpay or overpay postage?

If you underpay, cross through the 2D barcode (not the price), add your initials and re-frank the extra amount. If you overpay, do not post the item – reuse the contents in a new envelope and return unused franking to Royal Mail.