The Ultimate Franking Machine Guide
A franking machine is your key to cheaper postage for your business. A franking machine is
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Best Franking Machines For Your Business
We take you through a range of franking machines suited to all kinds of budgets.
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Best Franking Machines For Your Business
We take you through a range of franking machines suited to all kinds of budgets.
Did you know there are only four Royal Mail-authorised franking machine manufacturers in the UK? Although it might not seem like there’s much choice out there, each of these companies provides a range of machines suited to meet your postal needs.
Today, we will examine each manufacturer and three of its models suited to low, medium, and high post volumes. This will allow you to make an informed choice about which franking machine is best for you and your business.
What is a Franking Machine?
Sometimes known as postage metres, franking machines are feed-in devices that help you to process large quantities of mail. Whether a letter, postcard, or parcel, franking machines simplify the mailing process. Instead of a traditional stamp, they print a unique mark or ‘frank’ to cover postage costs.
This allows you to benefit from Royal Mail’s franking prices, which are cheaper than standard postage rates. A first-class stamp will cost you £1.35, whereas the franking equivalent is just £1.06. Although this 29p saving might not seem like much on the surface, it adds up quickly for businesses sending large volumes of mail.
It’s not just money you’ll save either; you’ll also save countless hours. You won’t have to go to the post office, wait in line to purchase stamps, and then spend hours manually sticking them on the items by hand. Your franking machine will do this for you, automating the process and making it more efficient.
But the convenience doesn’t end there. Using the built-in scales, you’ll be billed the exact amount based on your item’s weight, size, and destination. This is taken directly from your account and can often be accessed and managed via an online portal, further boosting ease of use and efficiency.
What are the Benefits of a Franking Machine?
Reduce Your Postage Costs
One of the main benefits of making the switch is cost savings. Using a franking machine will save you 29p per first-class letter sent and 16p per second-class letter. If you process and send large amounts of mail, this can help save you tens of thousands of pounds over the year.Â
Improve Efficiency
Because you won’t have to waste time going back and forth to the post office and manually sticking stamps on your post, you’ll have so much more time on your hands. This can then be spent focusing on other, less tedious areas of your business.
Customisable Printing
Franking machines allow you to customise the printed mark on your post. This could be a message to your customers for a personalised touch. Use it as free marketing and inform them of upcoming offers and events. Or just print your logo for a professional look.
Increase Security
Franking machines have a PIN code to use the machine and access reports like monthly spending and department usage. You also won’t have to worry about stamps being stolen or lost, as you’ll no longer have any need for them.
Generate Business Essential Reports
Tracking things like spending and which departments are using the machine the most can give you a unique insight into your business. This can help with forecasting, strategy building, and cost-cutting.
Customisable Printing
The franking machine’s built-in scales mean you won’t ever overpay or underpay your postage costs. This can also help improve customer satisfaction, as they won’t ever be stuck with a bill because you’ve not paid the correct postage amount.Â
Always Up to Date
Because your franking machine is connected to the internet, it will automatically download up-to-date postage rates and apply them to each use.
Different Types of Franking Machines
Although each franking machine has the same purpose, they can be broken down into three types—small, medium and high volume. As the name suggests, these process varying levels of post. Understanding the different types can help you choose the right machine to meet your needs.
Low-Volume Franking Machines
If you run a smaller operation with minimal mailing needs, then a low-volume franking machine may be the right choice for you. These smaller and more cost-effective machines can process up to 50 letters daily. These are great for startups, self-employed ventures, or businesses that send occasional outgoing mail.Â
The Pitney Bowes SendPro Mailstation and Frama Matrix F12 are great examples of low-volume franking machines. Offering a simple set-up with integrated scales and compact designs.Â
If you’re looking for ease of use, lower operational costs, and processing small amounts of post, then a low-volume franking machine is for you.Â
Medium-Volume Franking Machines Â
Medium-volume franking machines are the next step up and ideal if you have moderate mailing requirements. This could be a quickly growing SME or a business that sends out mail consistently. Some can process up to 120 letters per minute and have advanced features like automatic feeding, dynamic scales, and programmable touch controls.Â
Options like the Quadient IN-600 and Francotyp Postalia PostBase 7Al offer unmatched efficiency and include features like expense tracking for multiple accounts.Â
It costs more than its low-volume counterparts but strikes a balance between performance and affordability if you’re looking to scale your operations.
High-Volume Franking Machines
High-volume franking machines are designed for those sending large amounts of post daily. These can process up to 310 letters per minute and possess advanced features like full-colour printing, mixed mail feeding, and high-capacity scales.Â
Elite models like the Pitney Bowes SendPro P3000 and Quadient IN-700 are perfect for larger organisations with complex mailing needs. Machines like the FP Mailing PostBase One and Frama Matrix F62 can easily automate large mail volumes seamlessly.Â
The Big 4 Franking Machine Providers Reviewed
Okay, so this is what we’re all waiting for: the review of the Big Four UK franking machine providers! Just a quick heads up on how we’re going to do this. We’ll give you a brief overview of the business, then select one low, medium and high volume model from each provider, and at the end, we’ll put them in a comparison table to help you make your decision.Â
Make sense? Great, let’s get started!
1. Pitney Bowes
Pitney Bowes is the largest big four franking machine providers in the UK. It is an American company based out of Stamford, Connecticut, with a UK headquarters in Hertfordshire. It provides mailing solutions to countless businesses globally, including over 90% of the Fortune 500.Â
With over 90 years in the game, its extensive range of franking machines meets the needs of all business sizes.
Low-Volume Model: Pitney Bowes SendPro Mailstation
Processes up to 16 letters per minute/30 items a day.
The Pitney Bowes SendPro Mailstation offers a range of features geared towards smaller businesses. Released in 2022, this entry-level model has an integrated 2.5 kg weighing scale and smart meter system. The latter allows VAT services and smart blue franking ink to be used.Â
It is a semi-automatic feeding device with a Royal Mail Mailmark technology and can store postal rates for quick access. You’ll benefit from automatic date and time updates as well as PIN code protection for increased security and the ability to print all current postage rates for various envelope and package sizes.Â
The SendPro Mailstation also provides quick access to SendPro online and supports franking on labels or envelopes.
Medium-Volume Model: Pitney Bowes SendPro C Auto
Processes up to 120 letters per minute.
Designed for medium-volume mailing, the SendPro C Auto processes up to 120 letters per minute and includes an automatic feeding system as well as a 7 kg integrated weighing scale. Despite its compact design, it comes with a colour touchscreen with guides and tips, along with the latest Mailmark franking prices that update automatically.Â
You can store postal rates for rapid access, benefit from automatic time and date updates, and use smart blue ink printing and VAT reporting capabilities. The system also supports DL, C5, and C4 envelopes up to 9.5 mm thick.
High-Volume Model: Pitney Bowes SendPro P3000
Processes up to 310 letters per minute.
The SendPro P3000 is tailored for high-volume mailing, processing up to 310 letters per minute. Its automatic feeding system and 5 kg weighing scale (upgradeable to 7, 12, or 35 kg) meet the demands of those with large-scale postage needs. You can quickly process envelopes up to 16 mm thick, set PIN codes for protection, and handle various envelopes and package sizes.
2. Quadient (formerly Neopost)
Before a large-scale rebrand in 2019, which changed its name to Quaidient, Neopost, as it was known then, formed way back in 1924. It’s a British company that still has its headquarters located in Essex.Â
Quadient prides itself on its outstanding customer service and has a UK-based call centre to handle your needs. You’ll also be assigned a business advisor when you purchase one of its machines to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck and using your franking machine to the best of its abilities.
Low-Volume Model: Quadient (Neopost)IS-280c
Processes up to 20 letters per minute / 50 letters per day.
The Quadient IS-280c is a compactly designed franking machine that can handle up to 20 letters per minute. It has an integrated 2 kg weighing scale, an 8 mm envelope thickness capacity, and the ability to connect to the internet via LAN or WiFi. You can have 10 different users with unique PIN codes, and it comes with high-resolution inkjet printing, customisable advertising slogans, and automatic postal rate updates.Â
Medium-Volume Model: Quadient IN600
Processes up to 110 letters per minute / 500 items per day.
The Quadient IN600 supports processing speeds of up to 110 letters per minute, making it ideal for medium-volume needs. It features a customisable weighing platform with capacities of 5 kg, 10 kg, or 30 kg and can handle envelopes up to 12 mm thick. You can connect to the internet with either LAN or WiFi, with no additional charges for rate updates.Â
You’ll also benefit from a colour display, PIN security for up to 50 users, online postage reporting, and low-ink email alerts. It also offers optional differential weighing for precise postage calculations.
High-Volume Model: Quadient IN700
Processes up to 110 letters per minute / 500 items per day.
Designed for large-scale operations, the Quadient IN700 processes up to 150 letters per minute. The standard weighing scale is 5 kg but can be upgraded to 10 kg or 30 kg for your higher-volume postal needs. Its automatic feeding system and Mailmark compliance make it incredible for efficiency.Â
Automatic updates for date and time, smart blue ink printing, and VAT reporting capabilities are all great benefits of this beast of a machine.
What Mailing Solution are you looking for?
'Parcel Shipping' for packages or 'Franking Machine' for high-volume mailing
3. FP Mailing (Formerly Francotyp Postalia)
Founded in 1923 as Francotyp Postalia, now known as FP Mailing, it has been operating in the UK for over 20 years. FP introduced the first digital franking machine, automatic franking machine, and electronic franking machine to the world. FP continues to innovate today, as it remains at the forefront of franking machine technology.
Low-Volume Model: FP PostBase Mini
Processes up to 17 letters per minute / 20 items per day.
The FP PostBase Mini’s compact design makes it perfect for small offices with limited space. It has an integrated 2 kg weighing scale and processes standard letter sizes from a user-friendly interface with a simple display. It also allows for company logos or custom messages to be printed.
Mailmark compliance provides access to lower postage costs, while automatic date and time updates simplify operations.Â
Medium-Volume Mode: FP PostBase 7Al
Processes up to 70 letters per minute / 200 letters per day.
The FP PostBase 7Al processes up to 70 letters per minute, supporting various envelope sizes, including DL, C5, and C4. It has a range of weighing scales (up to 5 kg), a time-saving automatic feeding system, and a colour touchscreen display for easy operation.Â
Mailmark compliance and smart meter technology keep your costs low, while expense tracking and multi-account management allow for wider-reaching benefits within your business.
The FP PostBase One is designed for those needing high-speed mailing, processing up to 150 letters per minute. It includes upgradeable weighing scale options, a high-speed automatic feeding system, and Mailmark-compliant smart meter technology.Â
Its user-friendly interface, large touchscreen display, and expense-tracking capabilities across multiple departments or accounts make it ideal for larger operations.
Want to Know More About Franking Machines?
If you want to know more about how franking machines work, how much they cost, and how they can benefit your business, read our ultimate franking machine guide. The guide takes you through all of the above and more so you can choose your franking machine with confidence.Â
4. Frama
Frama may be the smallest of the Big Four, but it is also the fastest-growing in the UK. Relatively new to the game compared to the others, it formed in 1970 in Switzerland and was actually the first manufacturer to include touch screens on their franking machines.Â
It also takes its relationships with its clients very seriously. All new employees undergo a rigorous training program so that the company always delivers exceptional customer service.Â
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The Frama Matrix F12 is a low-volume machine with a standard 2 kg weighing scale (upgradeable to 5 kg) and a large back-lit touchscreen display with 18 OneTouch functions. Mailmark compliance offers lower postage costs, while features like pop-up weight display, automatic postage recalculation, and up to 9 cost centres for expense tracking enhance your efficiency.Â
Additional capabilities include three custom advertising stamps, envelope handling up to 10 mm thick, and online tariff updates via FramaOnline2.
Medium-Volume Model: Frama Matrix F32 Franking Machine
Processes up to 50 letters per minute.
The Frama Matrix F32’s semi-automatic feeder allows it to process up to 50 letters per minute with a letter thickness of up to 10 mm. It includes a large back-lit colour touchscreen display with 30 OneTouch functions, stack weighing mode for postage recalculations, and Mailmark compliance for lower costs.Â
Features like online tariff updates, support for up to 25 cost centres, and six custom advertising stamps make it great for those looking for a versatile machine.
The Frama Matrix F62 handles high-volume needs with processing speeds of up to 95 letters per minute, putting its automatic feeder to good use. It supports letter thicknesses up to 10 mm, features a large back-lit colour touchscreen with 36 OneTouch functions, and has Mailmark compliance.Â
It also includes stack weighing for automatic postage recalculation, support for up to 100 cost centres, and optional accessories like a large letter tray and envelope sealer.
What Mailing Solution are you looking for?
'Parcel Shipping' for packages or 'Franking Machine' for high-volume mailing
Low-Volume Franking Machines Comparison
| Manufacturer | Model | Processing Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Pitney Bowes | SendPro Mailstation | Up to 16 letters per minute |
| Quadient | IS-280c | Up to 20 letters per minute |
| FP Mailing | PostBase Mini | Up to 17 letters per minute |
| Frama | Matrix F12 | Up to 50 letters per day |
Medium-Volume Franking Machines Comparison
| Manufacturer | Model | Processing Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Pitney Bowes | SendPro C Auto | Up to 120 letters per minute |
| Quadient | IN-600 | Up to 110 letters per minute |
| FP Mailing | PostBase 7Al | Up to 70 letters per minute |
| Frama | Matrix F32 | Up to 50 letters per minute |
High-Volume Franking Machines Comparison
| Manufacturer | Model | Processing Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Pitney Bowes | SendPro P3000 | Up to 310 letters per minute |
| Quadient | IN-700 | Up to 150 letters per minute |
| FP Mailing | PostBase One | Up to 150 letters per minute |
| Frama | Matrix F82 | Up to 140 letters per minute |
How Can I Get a Franking Machine?
We hope that’s cleared up a few questions about which franking machine manufacturer is best for you. Now, there’s just one thing left to answer. How can you get a franking machine?
Luckily, the process couldn’t be any easier. All you have to do is answer the question below and answer a few quick questions about your business. You’ll receive a range of tailored quotes completely free of charge. This is a no-strings-attached deal, so if you don’t like what you see, you can walk away at no cost to yourself.Â
Tap below to get a comparison now!
What Mailing Solution are you looking for?
'Parcel Shipping' for packages or 'Franking Machine' for high-volume mailing
- It only takes a minute.
FAQs
How do I know which franking machine is right for my business?
Choose a franking machine based on your mailing volume, budget, and required features like speed, connectivity, and label printing. For heavy-duty usage, consider high-capacity machines designed for bulk mailing needs.
Can I customise the franked mark with my company logo or message?
Yes, most franking machines allow customisation of the franked mark. You can add your company logo, promotional messages, or contact details to enhance brand visibility and professionalism.
Who are the big four franking machine manufacturers in the UK?
The UK’s Big Four franking machine manufacturers are Pitney Bowes, Quadient (formerly Neopost), Frama, and FP Mailing Solutions. It offers a range of machines catering to various business needs.
How can I get a franking machine for my business?
To get a franking machine, compare tailored quotes from suppliers. Fill out our quick form online to receive no-obligation quotes, allowing you to choose the best option for your business needs.
