Franking advice, machine guides and postage news
Practical guides for franking machine users - how to pick the right ink and labels, cut your postage with Mailmark, and keep your machine printing cleanly. Updated regularly by a Royal Mail Approved supplier.
Franking Machine Maintenance: Weekly, Monthly and Yearly Checklist
Franking machine maintenance comes down to a handful of small habits on a schedule: check the print impression and ink level every week, clean...
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What Envelopes Can You Use With a Franking Machine?
Almost any flat, white, flexible paper envelope will run through a franking machine, but gummed or self seal envelopes in standard DL, C5 or...
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How to Change Franking Machine Ink Without the Mess
Changing franking machine ink takes about two minutes and follows the same basic sequence on almost every model: let the machine finish its run,...
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What Is Mailmark? A Guide for Franking Machine Users
Mailmark is Royal Mail's smart franking format, a machine-readable 2D barcode that replaces the old town-and-crown die and unlocks the lowest available postage prices...
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How to Find the Right Franking Ink Cartridge for Your Machine
To find the right franking ink cartridge, match it to your exact franking machine make and model, then check whether your machine franks in...
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How Long Does Franking Ink Last? Shelf Life, Storage and Cartridge Care
Sealed franking ink cartridges typically last two to three years when stored correctly, and once fitted you should aim to use a cartridge within...
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Original vs Compatible Franking Ink: Which Should You Buy?
Compatible franking ink cartridges are a legitimate, lower-cost alternative to original manufacturer cartridges, and using them will not invalidate your franking machine warranty or...
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Franking Machine Labels: When to Use Them and How to Avoid Rejected Mail
Franking machine labels are self-adhesive strips you frank instead of printing directly onto an item, and Royal Mail treats a franked label exactly the...
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Franking vs Stamps 2026: Which Is Cheaper for Post?
In 2026, franking is cheaper than buying stamps for almost every letter and large letter you send. A Royal Mail First Class letter costs...
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Why Is My Franking Machine Printing Faded? Causes and Fixes
If your franking machine is printing faded, faint or patchy marks, the usual causes are a low or dried-out ink cartridge, a dirty print...
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Royal Mail Postage Rates 2026 Effective From Today - April Update!
The Royal Mail 2026 postage rates are effective from today, 7 April 2026. All UK franking machines must now use the new prices, and...
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Royal Mail Postage Rates 2026 Announced - April Update!
Royal Mail's 2026 postage rates take effect from 7 April 2026. From that date all UK franking machines must use the new prices, and...
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