Is a Franking Machine the Right Choice?
With similar attributes to its predecessor, Hybrid Mail can make all the normal headaches disappear. No need to queue at the post office. Postage costs are clear and transparent and you will never run out of stamps. What’s the extra benefit? You won’t need your own mailroom taking up valuable space. You won’t ever have to worry about your consumables! Franking Machines are good. Hybrid Mail is just better.
Time Efficient?
Franking machines can be swift when operated by a trained user, having all required materials ready. But with Hybrid Mail, efficiency reaches new heights, cutting down preparation time and streamlining the mailing process.
Manage spend?
When assessing costs, it’s crucial to delve deeper than just obvious postage savings. Often overlooked are the hidden expenses: staff time, paper, envelopes, delivery charges, machine rental, and the entire gamut of postage costs. Hybrid Mail offers clarity on expenses, making budgeting more straightforward.
Limitless?
The potential with a franking machine is vast. However, pitfalls like purchasing an unsuitable machine might escalate costs or lead to shortages of essential items like paper. In contrast, Hybrid Mail ensures flexibility and adaptability to varying business needs.
Professional?
There’s no denying that well-franked mail looks professional. But why not elevate that professionalism? Enhance your brand’s image and the efficiency of your mail process by embracing Hybrid Mail, a solution that promises precision and sophistication.
Franking Machine vs Hybrid Mail
What‘s required to start Franking?
What’s required to start sending Hybrid Mail?
Hybrid Mail
No min or max volumes
Send one letter, 1000 or more. No matter what your quantity is, our systems allow you to send mail at your own pace. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, our service caters to your specific needs, adapting as you grow.
One single rate for postage
We don’t complicate your account. Your price for the volume of print is agreed upon, and we stick to this price. This transparent approach ensures budget predictability, allowing businesses to manage their finances without any hidden or unexpected costs.
24/7 Submissions
Missed the last post? You can submit mail anytime. Using a digital submission, you can upload anytime. This round-the-clock service ensures that you’re never bound by traditional postal timings, granting you the freedom to operate on your schedule, be it day or night.
Online 24/7 with 99.9% uptime
Our uptime is second to none, and our delivery SLA is even better. Your mail is almost guaranteed to be sent out when you need it. With such high reliability, you can trust that our system will always be available, ensuring that your communications remain consistent and punctual.
Always stocked for any quantity
We don’t run out; therefore, you don’t run out. We continually stock our vast warehouse with all the essential supplies. With this commitment to inventory management, delays due to stock shortages are virtually eliminated, ensuring your mailing process remains uninterrupted and efficient.
Franking Machine
Use stamps for low-volume
If your volume is low, it may be cheaper to utilise stamps. While franking machines offer cost benefits for larger volumes, occasional senders might find traditional stamps more financially feasible without the need for equipment or maintenance.
Applying too much postage
If you’re not familiar with the costs of postage or recent Royal Mail price increases, you may find yourself underpaying or overpaying. Regularly updating oneself with current postal rates and ensuring the franking machine is calibrated correctly can help avoid such discrepancies.
Missed the last post
You need to allow time to get your mail communications into the hands of Royal Mail. Unlike digital solutions, where submissions can be made anytime, franking requires adherence to Royal Mail’s collection and drop-off schedules.
The Franking Machine has broken down
Franking machines can break. If they do, your mail can’t be sent until an engineer arrives or a replacement part is delivered. It’s essential to ensure regular maintenance and a contingency plan to avoid disruptions in your mailing process.
Ran out of supplies
Managing your own stock is a very time-consuming, thankless job. You always need to ensure you have paper, ink, envelopes, adhesive labels etc at your disposal. Without one of these elements, a mailer might not be able to be sent out.
Franked Mail VS Stamped Mail
When it comes to choosing a mailing method, businesses also often find themselves deciding between franked mail and traditional stamped mail. Both methods have advantages, but understanding their distinctions can aid in making the right choice for your specific needs.
Franked Mail:
- Cost-Efficiency with a Franking Machine: Over the long run, a franking machine offers more cost-effective solutions for businesses, especially if sending out large volumes of business mail.
- Professional Appearance: Modern franking machines allow businesses to add their company logo, giving mail a professional edge. The clear print and exactitude in applying the correct postage present a polished image to recipients.
- Time-Efficient Franking Process: Avoid the queues at the post office. With a standard franking machine, you can process and send mail from the comfort of your office.
- Precise Postage: Modern franking machines easily adjust postage based on the mail’s weight and type, ensuring that the correct postage is always applied, eliminating overpay or underpay scenarios.
posting many letters to red british postbox on street
Stamped Mail:
- Simplicity: This method is suitable for those dispatching mail in smaller quantities. Attach the stamp, and your mail is set to go.
- No Upfront Costs: Unlike a franking machine’s initial investment or lease requirements, stamped mail has no such prerequisites.
- Universal Recognition: Stamps are universally understood, and for personal touchpoints or smaller businesses, they may provide a more intimate feel.
- Zero Maintenance: While franking machines, even the most advanced ones, might need occasional servicing, stamps have no such demands.
Conclusions
The evolution of mail processing, from traditional methods to the innovative techniques of today, offers businesses a plethora of options. Imail stands at the forefront of this transformation, championing the fusion of technology and tradition with our Hybrid Mail services.
While franking machines have undeniably revolutionised the mailing process, Imail’s Hybrid Mail presents an attractive alternative, marrying the best of both worlds. As business communication continues to evolve, Imail remains committed to providing optimal solutions that align with modern needs.
Whether you’re considering the long-standing reliability of franking machines or are drawn to the seamless efficiency of Hybrid Mail, Imail ensures a service that not only meets but exceeds your mailing expectations.
FAQ’s
Let’s take a look at some of your frequently asked questions about franking machines.
What Does A Franking Machine Do?
A franking machine is a specialised device that prints a franking mark on letters and parcels as a replacement for traditional stamps. This mark represents the postage paid and is an approved method for mail processing by postal authorities. The advanced Mailmark franking machine, a newer version, offers enhanced features, including barcode technology, which provides users with additional benefits, and automatic functions such as tracking and reporting capabilities.
Do People Still Use Franking Machines?
Absolutely. Despite the rise of digital communication, many businesses and organisations continue to see the value in using franked mail. Using a franking machine offers convenience, professionalism, and cost-saving benefits, especially for those sending out larger volumes of post.
Is Postage Cheaper With a Franking Machine?
Yes, for many businesses, postage costs can be significantly reduced by using a franking machine. Postal services often provide discounted rates for franking machine customers, acknowledging the efficiency and accuracy that these franking machines work to bring to the mail processing system.
Can You Drop Franked Mail In Any Postbox?
Generally, mail that has been processed using franking machines can be dropped into most Royal Mail postboxes. However, it’s important to ensure that the franking machine work is correctly done, displaying the right postage for the mail’s weight and class.
While standard franking machines allow businesses to manage their domestic mail effectively, certain models also support the Business Mail Advanced service, catering to bulk mailing needs. For international mail, it’s always wise to check specific requirements with the Royal Mail service or use designated postboxes or drop-off points to ensure mail items get proper handling and delivery.
Related article: Exploring Alternatives to Royal Mail: Diversifying Your Postal Options