What to consider when buying your firstfranking machine

Stamp prices rise every now and then. In fact, they last rose in April2012 so that a second class stamp now costs 50p or a 39% rise and afirst class stamp is dearer by 2p at 62p. This is sure to make yourexpenses seem mountain-high, but there is one way of containingthem--by investing in a franking machine.

Royal Mail's approved suppliers provide all Franking Machines UK .They also add a frank or mark to your bulk mail to show that youhave paid the postage on it. These machines have different types ofmail services including special delivery, recorded delivery and airmail.

Once you buy a franking machine, your account is connected to theRoyal Mail Company by a telephone line. Through the year, thiscompany ensures that your account is not tampered with.

Benefits you reap with a postal franking machine: You can reapa big bouquet of benefits by investing in a franking machine, such as:

·In most cases, franking is far more economical than buying traditional stamps--by about 38%.·Postal franking machines are designed to mail out large numbers of mail automatically. So, no manual help is required.·If you buy a large franking machine, you can also get more conveniences like insertions, letter folders and sealers. ·You needn't take trips down to the post office to send mail out because it can be collected from your office.

·You can measure, control and track your expenditure on postage.

How much you can save: ·On a first class letter, save 12p or 19%. · On a second class letter, save 16p or 30%. ·On a first class large letter, save 17p or 18%. · On a first class packet weighing one kilo, save £1.01 or 23%. ·On a special delivery 9 am one kilo package, save £1.85 or 9%.

How to choose a franking machine: There are various models ofpostal franking machines available in a variety of sizes and shapes allover the UK. So, go in for a good one, rather than a Cheap FrankingMachine. The one you go in for will depend on these factors:

Your choice of machine and supplier will depend on several factors:

Volume: Your volume of mail to be sent out will decide the kind ofmachine to buy and the savings you're likely to make.

Bulk mailing: To post mail shots, you will need to invest in featuressuch as folders, insertions and feeders.

Buying or renting? You can choose to rent a franking machine orbuy one outright. To do the latter, you will have to put up a prettypacket of working capital, something in the region of £22,000. It alsomeans putting away a chunk of capital that you could have usedelsewhere. However, if you choose to rent one, you can get thebenefit of upgrading to newer models free of cost and make taxdeductible repayments.

Track your expenses: If you need to send out bulk parcel mail, youwill benefit vastly from investing in label printing, scales and recordeddelivery options. By getting yourself a digital franking machine, youcan enjoy these benefits.