Franking Machines and Shipping Solutions

A franking machine is a device that prints postage directly onto envelopes or labels, providing a more convenient and often cost-effective way of handling your business letters and parcels.

Franking machines offer discounted postage rates, time savings, and a professional appearance for business letters and parcels. They also help in tracking postage expenses more accurately.

1. Mail volume: estimate how many items you send daily or monthly. 
2. Mail types: consider whether you send mainly letters, parcels, or both, as some machines handle specific mail types better.
3. Features you may need: decide on features like automatic feeding, integrated scales and your maintenance needs.
   

Yes, we offer demonstrations. Our specialists will walk you through the functionalities (online or in-person) so you understand how our franking machines can meet your specific needs.

The cost of a franking machine can vary widely based on features:

1. Purchase costs: Entry-level models start around £500-£1,000, while advanced models can cost several thousand pounds.
2. Lease costs: Leasing can range from £15 to £100+ per month, depending on the model and features.
3. Additional costs: supplies, service contracts, and maintenance fees add to the overall expense.
   

An all-inclusive contract covers franking ink (AutoInk), repairs and replacements with a 48-hour service for faulty machines, free Royal Mail rate change updates, unlimited resets, and company logos, return addresses, and QR codes.

AutoInk is a subscription service from Pitney Bowes which saves up to 86%* vs RRP. AutoInk monitors your franking machine ink levels and automatically sends you a replacement franking ink cartridge when you’re running low. You don’t need to do anything; the machine will alert us, and we’ll handle the rest, including delivery.-Included as standard with: SendPro Mailstation, SendPro C, and SendPro+. (Should you wish to opt-out, you will be provided with an alternive service contract)-Not included with: SendPro C Auto, SendPro C Auto+, and SendPro P franking machines.

Yes, besides the franking machine’s purchase or rental cost, you’ll need to account for supplies like franking ink, labels, and envelopes, as well as maintenance if not covered by a service contract. But no worries - Pitney Bowes includes ink (AutoInk) and maintenance within all their contracts as standard to save you time and money.

We offer training tailored to your organisation's needs, available both remotely and in-person. This training ensures that your team is confident in using the solutions effectively, with full support from our specialists.

Our franking machines feature intuitive touchscreens with step-by-step guides and workflows to assist you in printing postage using the Royal Mail service. Additionally, you can access helpful web articles on our support site. If needed, we offer in-person training sessions (available for a fee), to ensure you and your team can operate the machine efficiently and adhere to postal regulations.

Yes, a valid franking licence is required. Our solution is designed to integrate with your existing systems and processes, including HR, security, and communication platforms. We’ll work with your IT team to ensure smooth integration.

No, postage itself is VAT-exempt. However, VAT is applicable on the lease or purchase of the franking machine and any associated supplies.

Royal Mail regulates the UK postal service, and most franking machines have their postage rates pre-programmed, such as 1st and 2nd class. When Royal Mail updates its postal tariffs, Pitney Bowes (a franking machine supplier) creates a software update to adjust the franking machines with the new Royal Mail postage rates. Depending on your existing contract, there may be a fee associated with this software download. We will notify all clients in advance regarding their specific circumstances and any potential charges before any changes are implemented.

You’ll receive an email from Pitney Bowes about upcoming postage rate changes. An automatic notification will also appear on your franking machine screen. Simply accept it, and the rates will update over your network connection, keeping everything current without manual intervention.

You will require an internet connection for downloading postage funds and automatic rate change updates.