Top Franking Tips To Save Money On Mail

The best franking tips are simple: check the postage rate before you frank, confirm the address, sort mail by service and size, fold letters where possible, and send your post the same day you frank it. Following these steps helps your business avoid penalties and pay the lowest possible postage on every item.

Check The Postage Rates Before Posting

Before you frank your mail we advise that you check the postage rates. Many customers accidentally pay more than they need to by franking the incorrect rate onto their post. For example, a common mistake is to set a small parcel rate when a large letter rate would be cheaper.

Get The Address Right Before Posting

Again, before you frank your mail we advise that you check the address is correct. This will reduce and almost eliminate items being returned to your business.

Sort Your Mail Out

Before franking we advise that you separate your mail (letters and packets) by service and size. The service being first class or second class, and the size being standard or large.

Fold Your Letters When Possible

As simple as it sounds, we suggest you always fold your letters when you can. Why? Under Royal Mail’s Pricing in Proportion scheme, businesses can save money by folding a letter and using a smaller envelope.

Use The Closest & Most Convenient Method

There are many ways to send your post, but always use the closest and most convenient method. You can use Royal Mail collections, though this can carry a charge depending on the amount you send and spend each year. You can also take your franked items to a local post office or sorting office, with some customers choosing to use a dedicated franked mail box.

Use Franked Mail Pouches

If you send a lot of mail for collection, use Royal Mail’s franked mail pouches. These are suitable for standard and large letters, with as many as 200 letters or 45 large letters fitting into a single pouch. If pouches are not suitable for your business, mail bags are also available.

Send Your Post The Same Day

A franking impression includes the date, so it is important that you send your mail the same day you frank it. Many franking machines do have an advanced date feature, where you can frank an alternative date such as the next day’s date.

Get Recorded Mail Signed Off

When using a recorded service, such as Special Delivery or Signed For, the post office must sign it off. If using a Royal Mail collection service, the postman can do this for you.

If you are interested in getting a franking machine or upgrading to a Mailmark machine with the best available franking rates, 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 franking machines, having serviced and supplied over 40,000 customers, and we can supply you with our own range of models.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can franking save my business money?

Franking saves money by applying the correct, lowest postage rate to each item, qualifying for Royal Mail’s Pricing in Proportion savings, and using Mailmark rates, which are the best available.

Why should I send franked mail the same day?

A franking impression includes the date, so mail should be sent the same day it is franked. Many machines have an advanced date feature to frank the next day’s date if needed.

How many letters fit in a franked mail pouch?

A single Royal Mail franked mail pouch holds as many as 200 standard letters or 45 large letters. Mail bags are also available for larger volumes.

Do I need to do anything special for recorded mail?

Yes. Recorded services such as Special Delivery or Signed For must be signed off by the post office, or by the postman if you use a Royal Mail collection service.