Franking Mail for your Business
Franked mail is a great alternative to buying individual postage stamps if you are running a busy office. It's a great way to portray your business professionally, with consistent mailing, and with your logo advertising your company all to boot. There is no minimum or maximum volume required but getting the right rates for you will be important. Your franking machine enables you to use all the methods of post as you would expect to use at a Post Office. Buy or hire your franking machine from a Royal Mail approved supplier. The Royal Mail provides a list of such suppliers as well as a guide to the 2012 postal rate changes on their website.
Current Costs
Posting Versus Franking in Costs
You will have expenses associated with your franking machine. There will be the rental cost of the machine itself, if you choose to lease, or the outlay of buying a franking machine. Inspection and ongoing maintenance fees are also a factor plus the added expense of ink and labels. However, the actual postage you will pay for each item is far lower than what you would pay using the same service at your Post Office. For 2011, the prices are approximately 5p per item lower for ordinary first class post and 7p lower for second class service. Greater savings can be achieved when using Special Delivery and other specialised services.
The Future of Royal Mail
Ofcom, the regulatory body of the Royal Mail, is due to issue its findings on the running of the Royal Mail in a report in January 2012. Should the Royal Mail be privatised it has been suggested that the cost of a first class stamp could end up being a whopping £1. It is highly likely the cost of bulk mail and/or business mail will have no cap, which could mean huge implications to businesses already using this service. Keep your eyes open for the January 2012 report.
