Mailpost Business Franchise Opportunities

This article answers what is a franking machine, and why as a business person in the UK you should consider using one over using stamps.

Firstly let’s answer what is a franking machine or specifically a “frank”. Wikipedia define it as follows:-

Franking (or “franks”) are any and all devices or markings such as postage stamps (including printed and/or embossed on postal stationery), printed or stamped impressions, codings, labels, manuscript writings (including “privilege” signatures), and/or any other authorized form of markings affixed or applied to mails to qualify them to be postally serviced.

Franking machines can also known as postage meters, though this is more of a Pitney Bowes brand name as they are the original makers of the franking machine. Like we refer to vacuum cleaners as Hoovers (the original manufacturer).

But forsake the tasty nourishment to be had from the licking and sticking the required stamps for a large batch of post. And the reason to exit the office in order to buy more stamps; was all that kept me from going mad some boring afternoons.

Progress and automation are now compelling the Royal Mail to incentivise us with better discounts in return for moving to franked mail over stamped mail.

Quoting the Royal Mail website “Franking is the quick and easy way to manage your mail that can save you time and money while projecting a more professional image of your company. It’s cost effective and easy to use, with a flexible range of products and services, and because you can pay for credit as and when you need it, you’re in complete control of your postage.”

So what types of post is a franking machine used for?

Franking machines can be used for most Royal Mail services including:

* First Class * Second Class * Recorded Delivery * Special Delivery * Cleanmail * Mailsort * ParcelForce Worldwide Services * International / Airmail

You can also use franked impressions to pay for lots of other Royal Mail services such as Business Collections and one-off collections.

Show me the money! – How much can I save?

Based on an average basket of mail, mostly letters with the odd parcel thrown in about 15 -18%! And when you consider you’ll also gain time savings from not having to send someone out to buy stamps and apply them, add some nice marketing benefits (your franked mail can include your lovely colour company logo), and the humble franking machine offers sound commercial benefits.

If you want to break your savings down in more detail, the way this calculates is that the post office discount franked mail, because it’s easier for them to handle.

Save at least 3p on every 1st Class Letter you send Save at least 5p on every 2nd Class Letter you send Save at least 11p on every 1st class large letter Save up to 89p on every 2kg Parcel you send

Tags: Mailpost, Peter Kritas

This entry was posted on at 4:56 am and is filed under Mailpost, Peter Kritas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.