What Is a Franking Machine?Franking machines are pieces of equipment that streamline all of your postal needs. Their built-in scales weigh your post and calculate the cost based on weight and distance using real-time Royal Mail rates. Because they print a 2D barcode on your envelope or package instead of a stamp, you are given access to franking machine Royal Mail discounted rates, which could save you up to 34% on your postage costs. How Much Does a Franking Machine Cost?Franking machines can often prove themselves invaluable to businesses that deal with a lot of postage, but they come with a cost. Some franking machines can cost north of £5,000 if you want to own the machine itself. Other machines, capable of processing less postage, have a smaller price tag but still come at a price you'll need to carefully think about. As an alternative to buying a franking machine outright, you can rent one monthly, which helps you cut costs in the medium to short term. Find out more about how much you can expect to pay for your franking machine below. Renting a Franking MachinePurchasing a brand-new franking machine can be a significant financial commitment, especially if your business is only just getting off the ground. So renting a franking machine is a good way to keep the upfront cost low.  The cost of renting a franking machine depends on the type of machine you rent, but the price is usually between £20 and £30 per month if you're looking to rent a machine suitable for the kind of postage associated with small businesses. If your business deals with a larger volume of posts, then you can typically expect to pay around £50-£100 per month.  Renting eliminates the need for a one-time expenditure on an advanced machine that you may only use for a brief period.Buying a Franking MachineBuying a franking machine is obviously more expensive initially than renting one, making it most suitable for businesses that have a larger budget and are certain to get their money's worth out of the machine.  As mentioned above, different types of franking machines can deal with different volumes of postage. The one for you therefore mainly depends on how much postage you expect to be dealing with. A machine designed for low volume will cost around £1,000, while medium volume will require a machine in the region of £2,500. Machines to deal with high volume can cost around £5,000. Second-hand franking machines may also be able to offer a more affordable way of owning your franking machine; they're available from several reputable vendors. 

What Is a Royal Mail Franking Licence?A Royal Mail franking licence is a legal requirement for businesses or individuals who use a franking machine to process their mail.  The licence includes details such as the name and address of the user, the address where the machine will be used, and the model and name of the machine. How To Apply For a Royal Mail Franking LicenceBefore you apply for a Royal Mail franking licence, it's important to note that all franking machine users must have a valid franking licence issued by Royal Mail. Additionally, your machine must be in credit before you start using it. Follow the simple steps below to apply: Choose a Franking Machine: Select a franking machine from an authorised manufacturer. You can either lease or buy the machine.Provide the required information to the manufacturer, who will then guide you through the application process and will require certain information, such as your name, address, and details about the machine you will be using. Complete the application form provided by the manufacturer and submit it to them. They will then forward your application to Royal Mail on your behalf. There may be a fee associated with obtaining the franking licence. The manufacturer will inform you about the cost and payment process. Once Royal Mail receives your application, they will review it and issue the franking licence. Once you have a franking licence, it is valid for one year and will require annual renewal for as long as you wish to keep using it. What's the difference between a franking machine and a regular postage stamp?A franking machine is a mechanical device that prints postage directly onto the envelope or label for parcels; it can be used to print postage for large volumes of mail, making it a convenient option for businesses that send a lot of mail.  A regular postage stamp is a small piece of paper that is stuck onto an envelope to pay for postage and is generally a more flexible option for businesses that send smaller volumes of mail.  The key difference between the two can be found in their cost-effectiveness. Franking machines are a more cost-effective option for businesses that send large volumes of mail, while stamps are better suited for individuals that send smaller volumes of mail.Franking Licence CostThe cost of the licence is usually included with the cost of the franking machine itself, so it depends on whether you're buying or renting your franking machine, and on the type of franking machine you get. Usually, the supplier will handle the licence application process for you.