I have a question about franking - a client of mine has handed over his entire admin function to me which includes a ton of posting every month. I've received some quotes to lease a franking machine which seems the most obvious choice, what I am cautious about are hidden costs. I am aware that the cost per stamp is less but then there are added costs of ink & monthly rental. Do any of you use a franking machine and if so have you found it to really be a cost effective alternative to just sticking a stamp on an envelope? And lastly any recommendations? Thanks.
I have never understood franking. I have an account with the Royal Mail and print PPI labels which cost the same as franking EXCEPT the Royal Mail supply the label rolls free, the payment is on account so it is up to 30 days latter, and if I post enough in one day I get volume discounts. The ONLY cost is the price of the printer, a Zebra which is under £200.
Every company is different. I suggest you quantify the cost over a month or two and work out the costs based on your actual usage.
Don't forget other costs depending who you go with. There can be costs each time you download funds onto your franking machine and also costs for downloading any updates, such as the annual price increases.
Thanks for the input guys. I have decided to go with one of the more well known suppliers, on the surface they are marginally more expensive than the other quotes I received however their clear and transparent terms were the deciding factor for me.
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