A franking machine, also referred to as a postage meter or postage machine, will produce a franking impression onto your outgoing mail pieces whilst accurately weighing and applying postage to your mail. Some models even come with the ability to seal your envelopes if required.

To prove postage has been paid for, the franking machine will print a barcode onto your letter, large letter, small parcel or large parcel. You can print postage onto various materials including envelopes and postcards. The latest franking rates and your postage will be downloaded onto your franking machine via a computer or telephone line and this will be used to pay for your postage. No more trips to the Post Office will be needed and keeping piles of stamps will be no more.

Franking machines come in all shapes and sizes – ranging from a small entry level machine to a larger and more advanced high volume machine. The franking process applies to all machines. You will be able to frank hundreds of letters and parcels throughout the life of any franking machine, saving countless pennies! If you would like to find out more about the franking process, view our infographic to find out how a franking machine works.