Are you tired of wasting your time standing in lengthy post office queues? If so, a franking machine may be the answer, saving you and your business valuable time and money. I have been the person standing in the queue, waiting and waiting as frustrations rise and time continues to tick by, hoping a member of staff will be able to assist and speed the process up so you can get back to work.
Franking machines help businesses by effectively cutting out the middleman, allowing you to ‘stamp’ your outgoing mail and pay the correct postage on every piece of mail you send. The franking machine takes the information you provide including postage class and type, weighs the item and calculates the postage cost, it then stamps the envelope or label with the franking mark and the item is ready to be sent. It streamlines the process and gives users the benefit of discounted postal rates.
Below we are have listed some of the key benefits you can expect when using a franking machine:
Time-saving: Time, as we know, when lost cannot be regained. In the business world, time is money. Wasting it standing in a queue in this day and age simply makes no sense, especially when alternative solutions are so readily available. Having a franking machine helps you save time as you no longer have to stand in long queues at the post office to buy stamps or process mail. You can simply frank your mail from the comfort of your office and utilize the most convenient drop-off or pick up method that works for you.
Security: With a franking machine, you can track your company’s mailing history and expenditure. You can also restrict the usage of the machine by setting a pin code meaning only authorized staff members can make use of the franking machine. This helps to monitor the mail and ensure it is sent by only authorized departments or persons within your company. This prevents and restricts unauthorized usage meaning the machine won’t be abused or misused for personal or private errands, something that is impossible to monitor when you are using traditional stamps.
Added Business Value: A franking machine helps to promote your company’s brand or product by allowing a promotional message and logo to be printed alongside the franking mark. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a new product available, are offering a new service or would like to simply encourage the recipient to open and prioritize the mail you send. This promotional aspect can be enough of a reason for a business to get a franking machine as it encourages customer relations, improves brand recognition and makes your mail stand out from competitors.
Cost Effective: Businesses who use a franking machine will save money as the postal rates are discounted for franked mail.
Checks and Balances: With the franking machine, you are able to track deliveries and check whether your mail has been sent, allowing for easy monitoring and improved communication.
Franking machines come with specific features which promote ease of use and accuracy:
Scale: Most franking machines have an integrated weighing scale; the size of the scale can often be upgraded if necessary.
Analog and LAN Connectivity: A franking machine can connect through a LAN connection or analog line to update software and top up postal credit.
Feedback: This is the area where a letter is placed, to be franked. It’s either done manually or automatically. There is an adjuster here that allows the width to be altered to accommodate wider letters.
Feeder: This is the part of the machine that processes mail. Feeders can be manual or automatic depending on the model. The automatic feeder requires you to stack your envelopes and the franking machine will process each letter at the touch of a button.
Stacker: This is the output where your mail moves to after it’s been franked.
Franking Technologies: These are the most modern, up to date franking machines have smart meter technology and Mailmark technology. Smart meter allows users to access all VAT applicable services and to easily record any VAT applied. Mailmark allows users to frank a new 2D barcode impression and offers even lower franking prices.
Display Interface: The display interface allows the user to easily navigate through the menu and options, making operating the franking machine quick and simple.
Adopting the use of a franking machine will help your business save up to 30% on outgoing mail expenditure. The beauty of a franking machine is that it’s economical to both big companies and small companies. They are ideal for companies who want to develop good relationships with their clients, track mail and save money.
