With a legacy that spans over 100 years, Pitney Bowes stands as a pillar of reliability and innovation in the franking machines and shipping industry. Their commitment to customer service, cutting-edge technology, and corporate responsibility makes them a go-to choice for businesses looking for robust mailing solutions, including franking machines.
Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, the company’s broad range of products is designed to cater to your specific needs, thus solidifying Pitney Bowes’ reputation as a leader in the field.
Pitney Bowes franking machines compared
| Feature/Model | DM60 Series (Small Businesses) | SendPro C Series (Medium-sized Businesses) | Connect+ Series (High-volume Businesses) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weighing Capacity | Up to 2.5 kg | Up to 35 kg | Up to 70 kg |
| Printing Speed | 18 letters/min | 50 letters/min | 180+ letters/min |
| Integrated Scale | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Label Printer | Built-in | Integrated | Integrated |
| Multi-carrier Options | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost Centres | Up to 20 | Up to 100 | Customisable |
| Touch-screen Interface | No | No | Yes (Colour) |
| Analytics and Reporting | No | No | Yes |
| Upfront Cost | £1,000 – £1,200 | £4,000 – £6,000 | £10,000 – £16,000 |
| Monthly Leasing | £20 – £30 | £80 – £150 | £200 – £350 |
| Ink Cartridge Price | £79.99 per unit | £119.99 per unit | £159.99 per unit |
Do note that these are approximate figures based on information available as of January 2024, and it’s crucial to consult Pitney Bowes directly for the most current and specific pricing and feature details tailored to your needs.
Small businesses – DM60 Series
Features
- Weighing capacity of up to 2.5 kg
- Prints up to 18 letters per minute
- Built-in label dispenser
- Up to 20 cost centres for expense management
Review
The DM60 is an excellent entry point for small businesses that require light-to-moderate mailing needs. With its user-friendly interface, the machine allows for quick and straightforward franking.
- Takes 2 minutes
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- Easy and no commitment
One of its standout features is the weighing capacity, which, although limited, is more than sufficient for small enterprises. Its compact design also ensures that it doesn’t occupy much space, making it ideal for small office settings.
Pricing
The pricing is generally competitive, with low upfront costs and various leasing options available. For small businesses, this machine offers excellent value for money.
- Upfront Cost: £1,000 – £1,200
- Monthly Leasing: £20 – £30
- Ink cartridge: £79.99 per unit
Medium-sized businesses – SendPro C Series
Features
- Weighing capacity of up to 35 kg
- Prints up to 50 letters per minute
- Integrated scale and label printer
- Multi-carrier options
- Up to 100 cost centres
Review
The SendPro C Series is designed for medium-sized businesses that have a more substantial mailing requirement. With multi-carrier options, it offers a significant advantage by allowing you to choose the most cost-effective shipping rates.
The machine’s ability to handle heavier parcels and higher volumes of mail makes it a suitable choice for businesses looking to scale their operations.
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Pricing
While the upfront cost is higher compared to the DM60, the features and capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for medium-sized businesses.
- Upfront Cost: £4,000 – £6,000
- Monthly Leasing: £80 – £150
- Ink cartridge: £119.99 per unit
High-volume businesses – Connect+ Series
Features
- Weighing capacity of up to 70 kg
- Prints over 180 letters per minute
- Colour touch-screen interface
- Integrated reporting and analytics
- Customisable apps and software
Review
The Connect+ Series is a powerhouse designed for high-volume mailing needs. The machine comes with robust features like integrated analytics and reporting that can help large enterprises manage their mailing expenses effectively.
The speed of this machine is unmatched, making it ideal for businesses with heavy mailing requirements.
Pricing
The Connect+ Series comes with a high upfront cost, but for high-volume businesses, the investment can be quickly offset by the efficiency and capabilities it offers.
- Upfront Cost: £10,000 – £16,000
- Monthly Leasing: £200 – £350
- Ink cartridge: £159.99 per unit
Pitney Bowes franking machines – Company review
History
Founded in 1920 by Arthur Pitney and Walter Bowes, Pitney Bowes has a long-standing history of innovation and customer-focused solutions. Originating in Stamford, Connecticut, the company started with the invention of the first commercially available postage meter.
Over the years, Pitney Bowes has diversified into various sectors like e-commerce, software solutions, and data management, but its core expertise remains focused on mailing and shipping solutions.
Evolution
In its more than a century-long journey, Pitney Bowes has evolved from being a postage meter company to offering comprehensive solutions for businesses of all sizes.
They have adapted well to the digital era, incorporating cloud-based solutions and analytics into their range of products and services. The company now operates globally, offering its services in more than 100 countries.
Reputation
Pitney Bowes enjoys a solid reputation for quality and reliability. Known for its robust customer service and high-quality products, the company has carved a niche for itself as a trusted provider of mailing solutions. In various customer reviews and industry analyses, Pitney Bowes often ranks highly for its user-friendly interface, efficient machinery, and cost-saving capabilities.
Awards and Recognition
The company has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years, such as the “Global Technology Innovation Award” and has been featured in the Forbes list of “America’s Best Employers” multiple times. These accolades underline the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
Pitney Bowes also has a strong commitment to corporate responsibility. They have several initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental impact and actively engage in community service, which further enhances their reputation as not just a business-focused entity but also a socially responsible organisation.
Verdict – Pitney Bowes franking machines review
Choosing the right franking machine can make a significant impact on your business operations. Pitney Bowes offers a variety of models that cater to different business sizes and needs.
While the DM60 Series is perfect for small businesses, the SendPro C and Connect+ models are more suited for medium and high-volume enterprises, respectively. With Pitney Bowes, you can find a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective mailing solution tailored to your business needs.
FAQ for Pitney Bowes franking machines
A franking machine is a device that prints postage directly onto envelopes or labels, replacing traditional stamps. Using a franking machine can save time, reduce postage costs, and offer a more professional appearance for your outgoing mail.
Yes, Pitney Bowes franking machines are approved by the Royal Mail and fully compliant with UK postal regulations.
You can reload funds through Pitney Bowes’ online portal, usually via direct debit or credit card. The process is often straightforward and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Pitney Bowes generally offers warranties and service plans for their franking machines. These can range from standard one-year warranties to more comprehensive multi-year service agreements. Always check the specific details for the model you’re interested in.
While basic models like the DM60 Series don’t have this feature, higher-end models like the Connect+ Series come with integrated analytics and reporting capabilities. This helps you to track postage expenditure by department, project, or client.
The installation process varies based on the model but is generally straightforward. Pitney Bowes usually offers a professional installation service, particularly for the more complex, high-volume models.
The Connect+ Series allows for colour printing, including the option to print marketing messages or logos alongside postage, adding a professional touch to your mail.
Some of the newer models, such as those in the SendPro C and Connect+ Series, offer Wi-Fi connectivity options for easier integration into your existing network.
Cost centres are essentially categories or codes that you can assign to outgoing mail to track expenditure. They are particularly useful for larger businesses that need to allocate postage costs to specific departments or projects.
Pitney Bowes franking machines typically include options to update postage rates automatically, ensuring you’re always in compliance with the latest Royal Mail pricing.