What is a franking system?

A franking system – also called a franking machine or postage meter – is a device that calculates, prints and applies the correct postage directly onto a mail item, instead of using a stamp. In the UK it must be authorised by Royal Mail, and it prints a dated “franked impression” that proves postage has been paid, giving businesses a faster, cheaper and more professional way to send post.

How a franking system works

A franking system is an alternative to a stamp. Rather than buying stamps, the machine produces a franked impression that prints the postage cost and other important details of the mail item, including a cancellation and a dated postmark. A franking system is also often referred to as a franking machine, a postage meter or a postage machine.

Franking system features

Over the years the franking system has developed and enhanced its capabilities to help businesses. Most modern franking systems share a range of features:

• Feeding system – every franking machine has a feeding system to process a mail item. It can be manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic, and depending on the machine, items as thick as 20mm can be franked.
• Smart Meter technology – gives businesses access to VAT services and products.
• Mailmark technology – gives access to the 2D barcode frank and the lowest franking prices.
• Advertisements – frank a company logo, slogan or return address to enhance the look of your mail.
• Job memories – store common mailing jobs, such as first class letters, for quicker access.
• Label dispenser – usually on higher-volume machines, this makes franking labels easier to produce.
• Weighing scale – usually standard, so you can accurately weigh and price every mail item.

How much does a franking system cost?

Franking machine prices depend on the model and your mail volume. For current pricing, view our range of franking machines and request a quote, or call us on 01543 572 776.

FAQs

What is a franking system? A franking system, or franking machine, is a Royal Mail-authorised device that calculates, prints and applies postage directly onto mail, replacing stamps and proving postage has been paid.

Is a franking system the same as a franking machine? Yes. Franking system, franking machine, postage meter and postage machine all describe the same type of device.

Do I need Royal Mail approval to use one? Yes. In the UK franking machines are regulated by Royal Mail, and you need a licence to use one.