What Happens If You Use Non-Approved Franking Ink?

When it’s time to top up your franking machine ink cartridge, you might be tempted by low-cost ink alternatives found on eBay or Amazon. But is the initial saving really worth it? The answer is: No. In this blog, we explain the risks of using non-approved franking ink and why sticking with Royal Mail Approved suppliers like Mailcoms is always the smarter choice.

❌ The Risk of Mail Rejection

Royal Mail has strict standards for mail quality, especially when it comes to the clarity and readability of your franking impressions. If your print is too light, blurry, or inconsistent because of low-quality ink, your mail may be:

  • Delayed.
  • Returned to sender.
  • Surcharged or even destroyed.

Royal Mail can and will reject mail that doesn’t meet their requirements or cannot easily be processed through their system – especially as automation and barcode scanning becomes more precise.

Franking Machine Ink

💸 False Savings & Hidden Costs

Non-approved franking ink will appear cheaper upfront, but more often than not they lead to:

  • Premature ink depletion.
  • Increased printhead wear and tear.
  • Time lost re-printing rejected items.
  • Costs from damaged mail or complaints.

Over time, these indirect costs far outweigh the minor savings from unapproved alternatives.

🛠️ Possible Machine Damage

Every franking machine is engineered with very specific ink formulas in mind. Non-approved ink:

  • Invalidate your warranty and service agreement, resulting in costly repairs.
  • Can clog the printhead.
  • May not dry correctly on envelopes.

Royal Mail Approved franking ink from Mailcoms is tested and guaranteed to meet or exceed OEM specifications, keeping your franking machine running smoothly.

✅ Why Choose Approved Ink from Mailcoms?

✔ Royal Mail approved and tested.

✔ Guaranteed compatibility with your franking machine.

✔ Full technical support from trained technicians.

✔ Next day delivery available.

✔ Same quality as OEM – but at a better price.

✔ Plus, we offer reminders and automatic reordering options so you never run dry.

Final Thoughts

Cutting corners with non-approved franking ink can result in a range of issues – from franking machine damages to outright mail rejection. For peace of mind, reliable performance, and full Royal Mail compliance, we advise all companies to stick with trusted, approved supplies. View our range of franking machine supplies here.

At Mailcoms, we offer a range of franking machines. If you are interested in getting a franking machine or wish to upgrade 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.

We are a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of Franking Machines with over 20,000 customers nationwide and we can supply you with our very own range of models.

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