The Different Types Of Franking Machines

The types of franking machine vary from smaller, low volume models designed for the smallest mail volumes to the larger, more automated franking machines which will recognise the size, weight and thickness of your mail items. However all franking machines can be separated into three main types – a Standard Franking Machine, a Smart Meter Franking Machine or a Mailmark Franking Machine.

A standard franking machine requires you to refer to a pricing wallchart and for the correct price to be manually inputted into the franking machine. A Smart Meter franking machine will calculate the postage price automatically as long as you select the correct UK or International product to use. A Mailmark franking machine however is far more efficient. It is the successor of the traditional ‘town and crown’ die with a faster, machine readable, 2D barcode.

How to tell which type of franking machine you’re using

You’re using a Mailmark franking machine if your franking impression* looks like this:

However, if your franking impression* looks like the below, you’re using either a Smart Meter franking machine or a Standard franking machine:

You’re using a Smart Meter franking machine if:

– you select Royal Mail products automatically through your franking machine
– your franking impression is produced in ‘Blue’ ink.
– you receive VAT invoices on some Royal Mail products you use.

You’re using a Standard franking machine however if:

– you manually input prices into the franking machine.
– your franking impression is produced in ‘Red’ ink.
Still not sure what type of franking machine you use, please contact your supplier.

*images shown are for illustration purposes only

What to do if you no longer need your franking machine

If you no longer wish to use or no longer need a franking machine, please contact your franking machine supplier ro arrange for your franking machine to be withdrawn. Your supplier will contact Royal Mail and they will process the withdrawal request. A cheque refund for any unused credit balance on the machine will be sent to you.

If Mailcoms are your franking machine supplier, please call us on 01543 572 776 or email us at info@mailcoms.co.uk to start this process.

How Mailcoms Can Help

Mailcoms are one of the Royal Mail’s Authorised independent inspectors and maintainers of franking machines and as such we can provide you with a Mailmark franking machine to suit your needs.

A Mailmark franking machine can help massively when sending your mail. If you are interested in getting a franking machine or upgrading to a Mailmark franking machine with even lower prices available, then please view our franking machine page here or call us today on 01543 572 776.