What is a franking machine?

Choose the Best Franking Machine for Your Business

Thinking about getting a franking machine for your business but not sure if it’s the right move? Dive into our Franking guide below to discover what a franking machine does, how it operates, and the perks it brings to your business!

What is a Franking Machine?

A franking machine is a device that prints postage directly onto envelopes or labels, replacing stamps. It calculates and prints the correct postage based on the mail's weight and size, streamlining mailing processes and reducing costs for businesses.

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Best Franking Machines for small businesses
Explore SendPro® Mailstation Franking Machine
Sending from 0 to 20 items a day
The perfect franking machine for light volumes of mail fast, with ink included as standard.
Explore SendPro® Mailstation
Explore SendPro® C
Sending from 20 to 50 items a day
Process light volumes of mail fast, with franking ink included as standard.
Explore SendPro® C
Explore SendPro®+
Sending from 50 to 100 items a day
Simplifies the way your office sends letters and parcels with Royal Mail® and Parcelforce® Worldwide. Free proof of delivery with every parcel you send.
Explore SendPro®+
Compare Franking Machines
Up to 20 pieces
Up to 25
Up to 2.5kg
Up to 16 letters/min
Manual
No
Up to 50 pieces
Up to 100
Up to 7kg
Up to 50 letters/min
Semi-Automatic
No
Up to 100 pieces
Up to 150
Up to 7kg
Up to 65 letters/min
Semi-Automatic
No
Best Franking Machine for large mail volumes
SendPro® C Auto / SendPro C Auto+
Sending from 100 to 300 items a day
Reduce mail preparation time as you seal and frank your envelopes at the same time. Handle large volumes of mail with the integrated feeder - bringing productivity and ease to the office environment.
Explore SendPro® C Auto / SendPro C Auto+
Explore SendPro® P2000
Sending from 300 to 1000 items a day
Ideal for all types of businesses, the SendProP2000 franking machine is a durable postage solution that automates and simplifies the process of sending different sized mail pieces and shipping parcels.
Explore SendPro® P2000
Explore SendPro® P3000
Sending from 1000 items per day and industrial mail
The SendProP3000 franking machine is our most powerful solution. It is, therefore, suitable for high volume business mail processing activities.
Explore SendPro® P3000

What is a franking machine used for?

Franking Machines allow businesses to print postage within their office while taking advantage of savings.

Franking machines print a ‘Mailmark indicia’ including a 2D barcode, directly onto envelopes, postcards or adhesive labels. It can also be used to print a company logo onto an envelope or label often making business’ communications look more professional.

How does a franking machine work?

Franking machines select the correct postage price, by weighing the item you are sending before printing the postage on the mail item. This prevents you from overpaying for your postage. The funds to pay for your postage are stored securely on the franking machine and in most cases can be topped on via online portals.

What is franked mail or post?

Franked mail are items posted using a franking machine. Franked mail will have an indicia that includes a unique 2-D barcode in the top right corner as opposed to a stamp.

What is an Indica and what does it look like?

A Mailmark indicia is a marking on a mail item, which is used instead of a stamp, to indicate the payment of postage. It is usually printed directly onto an envelope or label. Below is an example of a Mailmark indicia

Meter migration

What are the advantages of a franking machine?

There are many benefits to having a franking machine. Here are just a few:

  • Save money as you will be able to take advantage of Mailmark franking tariffs.
  • Franking is quicker and more accurate than applying stamps.
  • Print your logo, return address or promotional message on your envelopes, presenting a professional image to your customers.
  • Franking is more secure as there are no stamp books lying around the office.

Benefits of Using a Franking Machine

The benefits of using a franking machine include cost savings on postage, streamlined mail processing, and reduced time spent on manual stamping. It also provides a professional appearance for mailed items and simplifies tracking and managing postage expenses.

See how much you can save

Pitney Bowes has been supplying franking machines for over 100 years and is constantly innovating to bring some of the most modern technology to the market. However, many businesses in the UK are still unaware of the benefits a franking machine brings.

"a cost-effective solution for managing and processing our outbound mail"
Stephen Bott HR & Facilities Manager Charterhouse Holdings plc
Cost Savings
Franking machines often provide discounted postage rates compared to traditional stamps, helping businesses save money on every piece of mail they send.
Increased Efficiency
With a franking machine, businesses can quickly and accurately process large volumes of mail, reducing the time and effort required for postage.
Professional Appearance
Franked mail gives a more polished and professional look, enhancing the company's image and leaving a positive impression on recipients.
Franking Resources
*Save 78p versus Royal Mail® 1st class stamps based on a 1st Class Large Letter 100g and save 5p verses Royal Mail® 2nd class stamps with Mailmark® franking machine prices. Savings for other services can be found here. Savings do not include equipment running costs or consumables. No minimum volumes needed (prices correct as of 7th October 2024)