What is a franking machine and what does it do?

Pitney Bowes has been supplying franking machines for over 100 years and is constantly innovating bring some of the most modern technology to the market. However, many businesses in Ireland are still unaware of the benefit of a franking machine.

What is a franking machine?

A franking machine (also known as a postage meter) is used instead of a stamp. It prints an An Post compliant postal/indicia mark onto a letter or parcel allowing your business post to run efficiently and help you manage postage costs, paying as and when you need to. Using a franking machine can help you save on postage costs versus An Post standard postage rates as you can automatically save up to 10c* on every letter, large envelope and packet you send. 

What is a franking machine used for?

Franking Machines allow businesses to print postage within their office while taking advantage of savings of up to 10c* on every letter, large envelope and packet. It removes the need to make trips to the post office to buy stamps. Franking machines print an An Post compliant postal/indicia mark, directly onto envelopes, postcards or adhesive labels. It can also be used to print a company logo onto an envelope or label often making business’ communications look more professional.

How does a franking machine work?

Franking machines select the correct postage price, by weighing the item you are sending before printing the postage on the mail item. This prevents you from overpay for your postage. The funds to pay for your postage are stored securely on the franking machine and in most cases can be topped on via online portals.

What is franked mail or post?

Franked mail are items posted using a franking machine. Franked mail will have an indicia that includes postage amount, date of posting and may also include a slogan die impression. 

What is an indicia and what does it look like?

An indicia is a marking on a mail item, which is used instead of a stamp, to indicate the payment of postage. It is usually printed directly onto an envelope or label. You can see an example of what the An Post indicia looks like below.

What are the advantages of a franking machine?

There are many benefits to having a franking machine. Here are just a few:

• Save money as you will be able to take advantage of up to 10c* savings on every letter, large envelope and packet you send versus An Post standard postage rates.
• Franking is quicker and more accurate than applying stamps.
• Print your logo, return address or promotional message on your envelopes, presenting a professional image to your customers.
• Franking is more secure as there are no stamp books lying around the office.

Still have more questions?

If you’d like to ask our specialists a question or want to find out more information find out how below.