Tip # 1: Choosing the right category
The first criteria when choosing the right kind of franking machine is volume. Before buying a franking machine, you should know how many letters you will be sending each day and how many mails do you need to send per minute. Different models of franking machines have different limitations. There are franking machines which can send mails faster than the other. There are 3 categories to choose from depending on the speed and volume that the franking machine can process. The low volume category can send letters around 2000 (+ or -) per day. Mid volume category can send more letters than low volume while high volume category can send the most number of letters per day. Make sure that the model you will choose can let you send all the letters that you need to send each day.

Tip # 2: Thickness and heaviness of letters
There are letters which are heavier and bulkier than the others. Most franking machines have built in weighing scale which enables you to weigh your letters before you send it. There are also letters that allow only limited thickness of letters, make sure that you check these specifications when choosing the franking machines that you will buy.

Tip # 3: Choosing a good brand of franking machine
Not all brands produce the same quality of franking machines. Make sure that you buy from trusted franking machine manufacturers. Franking machines is not cheap but it can save you a lot of money when you purchase. If you bought poor quality franking machine, it might malfunction after few months and thus the goal of saving money will be lost. For small volume category, we recommend DM50 which is a very efficient and very durable model of franking machine. This franking machine actually has 30-day free trial making you feeling more secure when choosing t for your business.

Not all franking machines have refillable ink cartridge. Franking machines with cartridges that can’t be refilled are mostly the old models of franking machines. Now, most new models of franking machines have refillable ink cartridges. Buying new models is actually more expensive than the old franking machines but it can save you more money in the long run. Another advantage is that it has an improved feature making it more efficient than old models.

Disposing ink cartridges
Ink cartridges are mostly made of plastic materials which means it can be recycled. When throwing ink cartridges make sure that you put them in the recyclable trash bins. Some empty ink cartridges can also be sold back to its manufacturer or it can sometimes be used as a discount when buying new ink cartridge. Check out what your manufacturer is offering before you buy your franking machine.

Refillable Ink Cartridges
If you really want to save money on postage, perhaps you should consider models of franking machines with refillable ink cartridge feature. Refilling ink cartridges is definitely cheaper than buying a whole new ink cartridge and this could be a lot of savings. There are a lot of new models of franking machines that offers refillable ink cartridges. Be sure to check them out and learn more about how it can help you save more money.

Most companies are working on different ways to introduce their products to their potential clients and current customers. Companies know that this is very significant because this is a means of endorsing their business, attracting new customers and creating loyal customers for their company as well as increasing business revenue. Normally at first, companies begin with sending out their mail via traditional postage stamps and they will most likely purchase books of postage stamps beforehand. However, this approach causes some problems. The use of traditional stamps can end up to overpaying for postage. In addition, it is not convenient to use as it requires you to weigh each package or letter individually and then you have to look up to their corresponding postal charge. So there will be a need to keep track of the numbers of stamps that you have use and the costs you are spending manually. This is somewhat manageable if you only have just few letters to send in a week. On the other hand, it becomes more expensive and time consuming when the number of post increases.

Nowadays, you will surely be glad about franking machines. Having a franking machine in your company creates a hug change and it can improve your business successfully. This magnificent device can eradicate travels to the post office, it has a real-time keeping of account and it provides brand awareness as this kind of machine can print the logo and name of your company at the side of the postage frank on every parcel or letter. As you can see, a franking machine is indeed a time saving and money saving kind of device. Now, how does a franking machine work? This machine works by weighing the parcel or letter accurately and then it calculate the postal charge depending on a parcel’s or letter’s destination. Sending mail by means of paying for postage through a franking machine is cheaper for the reason that Royal Mail, as of August 2006, introduced markdowns on franked postage charge. This means that you can save 2 pence on each item.

Franking machines are created in all sizes and shapes which can differ from simple manual to large automated model machines. Some machines have a stacking and sealing function. Having one of these machines soon is indeed brilliant for the company. While it is very possible to purchase a machine, it appears to be a more famous option to hire one and just pay for a monthly bill. Franking machine rental includes service agreement as well as machine maintenance. In addition, it is a lot easier to upgrade your franking machine if you only rent it.

On the other hand, if you really wanted to purchase one rather than to rent, it is highly encourage to research more about franking machines. There are quite a lot of brands of these machines so it might be a little confusing to choose which one is which.  To make a wise pick and to avoid regrets, you have to spend some of your time searching and comparing items. You can easily do these things online. Take time to browse and read reviews about some certain brands so that you will know which one is really the best. You can list your three top choices and then pick which one you think is best for your company needs.  In addition, make sure that the franking machine you choose is manufactured by a trusted and well-known company. Do you still doubt about these brilliant machines? It is now time to switch from traditional to modern equipment, so you better think twice.

Although the Royal mail does not supply such machines but there are authorised dealer who supply them and will give an estimated cost involved with the machines. The franking machines can be bought or taken under lease and the firm will also have to bare expenses like the inspection cost, maintenance fee, ink and label purchase. The franked mails are usually posted through the regular posting box in the Post office which uses a low volume posting envelope, otherwise franked mails have their own assigned boxes. The franking machines give the mails a good look and the company can customise the printing to print in labels and logos to advertise the firm.

Advantages of franking machines

• Cheaper stamps: the new price of the Royal Mails will come into effect from April 2011. This price offers a 30% discount on franked mails than regular mails.
• It gives the business a professional image
• The franking machines can be re credited every 24 hours so that the firm does not run out of stamps or posting materials.
• Slogans and logos can be added with it.
• Royal Mail treat franked mail as business mail and avoid delays.
• Postage is exact. No over stamping, saving the firm expense and no under stamping saving surcharges to the customer.
• Less hassle with stamps.
• PIN codes are included for extra security.
• Individual postal account in Post Office.

With the franked mails, there are a few restrictions to follow:

• A license is to be issued from the Royal Mail for the usage of the franking machines.
• The Royal Mail also holds the right to withdraw permission for using the franking machine if they meet any contravention with the firm or if they feel the mails are being misused.
• Only a red ink may be used and the machine has to be updated through inspection.

Advantages of the franking machine

• Increased security and more reliability. Addition of an ERA (External return address) with the logo of the franks and the undelivered mail will return to the posting office.
• Professional feeling and logo printing. The franks allow logos to be added, a small personal message or any sort of product advertisement or promotion, for somewhat free.
• For private firms, this saves up to 22% from the Royal Mails. Since the letters are pre coded, it enables discount from the Royal Mail and any other privileged discount.
• The franks save a lot of time. No licking and arranging of the stamps, so it saves a lot of time.
• Convenient. The machines are easy to use and are not hefty, which means they can be used by anyone and everyone.
• The franking machines make the job much easier and to be performed much easier.

Over the years the franking machines have developed in many ways. With the government mailing services using it, private firms too have taken it into account and use small franking machines unlike the large ones used in the government sectors. The universal postal union (UPU), register the franks which means just by printing on the mails, they become eligible for mailing service. Not all mails are kept under the authority of the franking machines. Mails are franked according to their classes and under the regulations of the world’s national postal administration.

The franking machines enable an organisation to pay for credit as required and so the firm is in full control of it. Medium sized business and sole traders can also use it since there is no limitations on the goods franked and the amount of discount they will receive. Items that can be franked and used with the Royal Mail are:

• First class
• Second class
• Recorded delivery
• Special delivery
• Cleanmail
• Mailsort
• ParcelForce Worldwide service
• International / airmail

Apart from these, franked mails can be a means of payment for any service ordered through the Royal Mail.

The Royal Mail directly does not supply franking machine but can advice a number of certified suppliers who can provide a franking machine. The machines vary from simple low volume machines to large automated machines that recognise the thickness of the mail and frank them accordingly. Depending on the mailing requirements of the firm, the supplier will be able to able to advice the required machine. Depending on the machine the expense will be determined and whether the machine is taken on lease or bought will also be a factor. Inspection and maintenance costs, together with the ink and label expenses can be estimated by the supplier. These costs are often reduced by the discount offered by the franked mails.

Apart from the cost effectiveness and the reliability of the mails, franking machines give the mails a professional look. Small logos and messages can be printed on the mail which means the company can advertise on through their mails, almost for free. Franking reduces the risk of mailing failure and enables mail to be delivered quicker. The machines can print in ERA (external return address) which ensures the mail returns to the owner if not delivered.