Franking machines are used by businesses of all sizes as a simple and easy way to organize mail. Not only does it weigh outgoing mail, but as the name implies, it will also frank all of your outgoing mail as well. Postage is prepaid into the machine and topped up when needed via telephone or online. To put it simply – franking machines offer a hassle-free way to send mail.
The Benefits of Franking Machines
No matter whether your company sends out large or small volumes of mail, every business can benefit from the addition of a franking machine. Here’s why:
- 1. Convenient
Franking machines are incredibly convenient and save businesses time that would otherwise be wasted on trips to the post office. With this one simple machine, you can weigh and accurately stamp all of your outgoing mail. This eliminates the need to wait in queue at the post office. If you are the type of business that sends out large volumes of mail, a franking machine is an absolute must-have for your office. It allows you to focus on managing and running your business and spend less time making trips to the post office.
As an added bonus, you never have to worry about running out of postage as franking machines can be topped up online at any time. Once the items have been properly weighed and stamped, they can be dropped off at your local post office or in a franked mailbox.
- 2. Cost-effective
The Royal Mail offers generous discounts on franked mail. This is primarily because the Royal Mail does not have to spend more resources on issuing stamps and processing stampedmail. With discounts being increased substantially over the last few years, franking machines are a worthwhile investment even for businesses that send out small volumes of mail. Franking machines can also be used for packages, special delivery, first class and even international mail.
- 3. Accurate postage
Over or under stamping is a major concern for businesses. Employees can easily misjudge the weight of an item and incorrectly stamp the letter or parcel. These errors alone can wind up costing a company a substantial amount of money each year. With a franking machine, you can rest assured that your outgoing mail is accurately weighed and stamped accordingly – every time.
- 4. Creates a Professional Image
As an added benefit, modern day franking machines allow businesses to include their name, logo and slogan or company message. This creates a professional image for your company and can also be used as a clever marketing tool. Messages can be saved, added and reused as often as you would like. It serves as free promotion for your company in a simple yet effective way.
Finding the Right Franking Machines
Franking machines can either be purchased or leased. Each machine must be licensed by the Royal Mail, but they do not actually sell the machines. They do, however, recommend reputable suppliers that you can work with to purchase or lease your machine.
Leasing a machine will allow you to avoid having to invest the large upfront cost of purchasing a machine. In many cases, a leasing agreement will also include maintenance. Leasing also gives you the flexibility of upgrading or downgrading your machine as your postal needs change.
Buying a franking machine will give you the benefit of not being tied to a contract and not having to make continual monthly payments for your machine. Furthermore, your franking machine becomes a company asset.
Regardless of whether you plan on buying or leasing your franking machine, you still need to determine which machine will work best for your company’s needs. Ultimately, this will come down to how much outgoing mail your company sends as well as the type of mail your company typically sends out. For example, if your company tends to send out a lot of parcels, choosing a machine with a built-in scale may be the best choice.
Using a comparison website, such as http://www.qpsfranking.co.uk, is one of the best ways to find a franking machine that not only suits your needs, but your budget as well. This is done by answering a few simple questions after which you will be presented with the best options and the most up to date prices on the recommended machines. Not only will this save you money, but it will also save you from having to waste time comparing machines and prices yourself.
