What Is A Mailmark Franking Machine?

A Mailmark franking machine is one that uses Royal Mail’s Mailmark franking standard, introduced in 2014. Instead of the traditional town and crown impression, it franks a professional 2D barcode in blue ink and qualifies for Royal Mail’s best franking rates. Mailmark machines also carry Smart Meter technology, automatic rate updates and LAN connectivity.

When researching franking machines, you may have seen the words Mailmark, Mailmark franking or Mailmark franking machines. Following on from our explainer on smart franking machines, this guide explains what a Mailmark franking machine is and how it can be of use to you.

A standard, non-Mailmark franking machine franks mail using the town and crown impression, sometimes in older red ink. A Mailmark franking machine does much more for your business: it can give access to further postage discounts and franks a new, professional 2D barcode impression. Here is how it works.

What Can a Mailmark Franking Machine Do?

Postage Savings

If you want to benefit from Royal Mail’s lowest postage rates, Mailmark franking is the place to be. Mailmark franking machines give businesses access to Royal Mail’s best franking rates compared with standard franking, with further savings available on standard First Class and Second Class letters. [FACT NEEDED] For a complete, current list of savings, see our up-to-date Royal Mail postage rates.

A New 2D Barcode

A Mailmark franking machine produces a 2D barcode impression when you frank mail. This impression is more professional than the traditional town and crown die, and it holds information about the mail item and the class used.

What Are the Other Benefits of Mailmark Franking Machines?

As well as the above, a Mailmark franking machine offers more that can benefit your business.

Frank Using Smart Meter

All Mailmark franking machines also come with the latest Smart Meter franking technology. This lets users take advantage of technology that can identify different types of mail to work out whether VAT is applicable, while franking in smart blue ink. Find out more about smart franking here.

Automatic Updates

Whenever Royal Mail makes postage changes, or if your franking machine requires any other update, a Mailmark franking machine does this automatically. This is convenient and ensures you are always using the latest technology and rates.

LAN Connectivity

Connecting to the internet has never been easier or faster. A Mailmark franking machine can connect via LAN, providing the fastest way for instant re-crediting and software updates.

Get a Mailmark Franking Machine Today

If you are thinking of adding a Mailmark franking machine to your business, or upgrading from a standard franking machine, Mailcoms can help.

Mailcoms is a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector and Maintainer of postal franking machines, and we can provide a Mailmark franking machine to suit your needs. Whether you want to buy or rent a franking machine, or simply want advice on the decision, we are happy to help.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mailmark franking machine?

A Mailmark franking machine uses Royal Mail’s Mailmark standard, introduced in 2014. It franks a 2D barcode impression in blue ink and qualifies for Royal Mail’s best franking rates, instead of using the traditional town and crown impression.

Do Mailmark franking machines save money on postage?

Yes. Mailmark franking carries Royal Mail’s best franking rates, which are lower than standard franking and considerably lower than stamps for many mail items.

What is the difference between Mailmark and Smart Meter franking?

Mailmark is the 2D barcode franking standard that determines your postage rate. Smart Meter is the underlying technology that identifies mail types, applies VAT correctly and franks in smart blue ink. Mailmark machines include both.