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Understanding the Purpose of a Franking Machine
If your business is in the habit of sending a ton of mail, whether in the form of letters or packages, then it may be time to consider getting a franking machine.
People outside of business are generally not aware of what this device consists of or what it even does. Luckily, the following information will help you find out all you need to know about franking machines, and why you need to invest in one as soon as possible for your business.
1- The Origin
Even if this is the first time you hear this device, it has been around for more than a century. Of course, older versions of this type of machine are simpler, but over the years it has become quite an advanced piece of machinery that makes mailing much easier for everyone involved. This device was originally called the Postage Stamp Affixing Machine, which is quite a long name but very indicative of what the machine does.
It was created by a Norwegian inventor named Engle Frankmussler in 1884. As its original name suggests, it adds postage stamps to any package or letters you want to send through the mail. The latest franking machines offer even more services than older versions as they automatically weigh your package and add the necessary number of stamps within a matter of seconds.
2- Mechanism
As mentioned above, a franking machine’s main purpose is placing the correct postage on any mail which needs to be sent out. It has software that is calibrated to use the latest rates from Royal Mail. What happens is: you place the package or letter on the machine, and it measures the weight of the package/letter.
The most advanced franking machines, according to the leading franking machine suppliers FP Postalia, have MailMark technology which places an indication on your chosen mail instead of stamps. After the machine calculates how many stamps are needed, the necessary postage is then placed on the envelope, postcard, or adhesive label to be added to your package. The device has credit that is used depending on the postage. You can purchase credit through your fax line or network.
3- Saving Money
One of the main reasons why franking machines are used by businesses is that it saves them money, especially if they send a lot of mail. Using them instantly gives you a discount on postage which you don’t get if you purchase stamps from the post office to attach to your packages.
Furthermore, as any business owner knows, time is money, which means that the trip to the post office is a waste of your resources that can be used elsewhere. If you do not have such a device on hand, you may not be able to determine how many stamps are required for your mail. Meaning that you may buy an excess that you will have to store in your office or less than needed which means you will have to go through the entire process of buying stamps again.
4- Increasing Productivity
Believe it or not, buying this device increases productivity, at least in the mailroom, if not throughout the rest of your office. Since you will be the owner of the device, and it is accessible 24/7, you do not have to wait for the post office to open or wait until an official holiday to end to get the postage required for your mail. The machine also eliminates the need for an employee to waste time gluing stamps to mail, which allows him or her to be more productive and focus on other tasks, therefore, increasing productivity in the workplace.
As mentioned above, the latest versions of this device provide more services than the ones from long ago. One of these services is actually sealing letters being sent. This eliminates the need to use a letter sealing machine. So instead of having to get two separate machines for the mailroom, you will be able to save on workspace and employees’ working time.
5- Promoting Brand
If you are looking for ways to further promote your brand, then this machine can be helpful. You can adjust the software to include your brand name or logo on the postage on each package you send. This adds an air of professionalism that anyone receiving the mail you send is going to see.
It also works as a marketing technique that is subtle but effective. You can also include different details in your mail which will help further promote your business.
6- Keeping Track of Mail Analytics
Instead of having to rely on your mail workers to keep track of the accounting costs of postage, you can get a digital report on all the analytics the machine collects, including details about each package it printed postage for, as well as which employee used the device.
This can be very useful if you want to bill separate departments for the postage costs they incur. It is also crucial if you want to keep track of the frequency of packages being sent and when you will need to top up your franking credit.
7- Increasing Customer Satisfaction
Overall, if you think about it, buying a franking machine increases customer satisfaction. This is especially true if you own a business that mails customers products or packages. Franking allows your packages to go through the mail at a faster rate since a lot of steps are already covered by the machine.
This in turn ensures that the mail you send arrives at the customer in time. If you have an expanding online business that sells products, then investing in such a device is going to make a big difference in your customers’ experience.
Now that you are aware of the different reasons and purposes that a business will be using a franking machine for, it is time for you to start looking for the right one for you. There are different options out there depending on your budget and what kind of specs you are looking for. In practically no time, your investment in this device is going to pay off exponentially.
