UK franking machine prices and costs for 2024 – Finding the best deal for your business

The landscape of UK postal services is ever-evolving, and franking machines remain at the forefront as an indispensable tool for businesses. Franking machines offer a convenient, cost-effective way to manage your mail, particularly in a business setting. However, one pressing concern for businesses is the franking machine costs.

In 2024, prices for these machines are as competitive as ever. This article aims to guide small, medium, and large enterprises in the UK through the maze of franking machine prices to help you find the best deals.

Cost breakdown for running a franking machine

Here’s a table detailing the potential costs associated with operating a franking machine. Please note that these are estimates and actual costs may vary depending on the supplier, usage, and other factors.

Cost Category	Small Businesses	Medium Businesses	Large Businesses	Frequency	Notes
Initial Purchase Price	£1,000 – £1,500	£2,500 – £5,000	£10,000+	One-time
Rental Price	£20 – £30/month	£50 – £100/month	£200+/month	Monthly	Often includes maintenance
Ink and Labels	£50 – £100/year	£100 – £200/year	£200 – £500/year	Annually	Based on usage
Maintenance	£100/year	£200/year	£300/year	Annually	Can be included in rental
Royal Mail Rate Updates	£0 – £50	£0 – £50	£0 – £50	Per update	Some suppliers offer this for free
Installation Fees	£0 – £150	£0 – £250	£0 – £400	One-time	Some suppliers include this in the price
Training	£0 – £100	£0 – £200	£0 – £300	One-time	Often included in purchase or rental fee
Optional Software Integration	£0 – £300	£200 – £500	£500 – £1,000	One-time/Annually	Depending on the software
Extended Warranty	£50 – £100/year	£100 – £200/year	£200 – £400/year	Annually	Optional but recommended

This table should offer a fairly comprehensive view of what you might expect to spend on a franking machine, from the initial purchase or rental cost to the ongoing expenses for maintenance and consumables. Always consult with multiple suppliers to get the most accurate and tailored pricing information for your business needs.

The benefits of franking machines

Before diving into the prices, it’s essential to understand why a franking machine could be a prudent investment for your business. Franking machines:

1. Save time: Automated mail processing is faster than manual stamping.
2. Offer discounts: Franked mail often comes at a reduced rate compared to traditional postage.
3. Improve professionalism: A franked package gives a professional appearance, reinforcing brand image.

Small businesses – Starting out with basic models

Small businesses usually require a basic franking machine that performs the essential functions efficiently. The prices for entry-level models can start from as low as £1,000 to £1,500 for a purchase. Rental options are also available and are often around £20 to £30 per month.

Models suitable for small businesses:

1. Pitney Bowes DM60: Starting around £1,000, this is a reliable and simple to use model.
2. Quadient IS-280c: At a similar price range, it offers essential functions with good reliability.
3. FP Mailing PostBase Mini: With prices from £1,200, it’s designed specifically for low-volume needs.
4. Mailcoms Mailstart Plus: A budget-friendly option starting at £1,000.

Medium businesses – Scaling up with enhanced features

Medium-sized enterprises often require more advanced features, such as higher processing speed and integration with mailing software. Machines suited to these needs typically range from £2,500 to £5,000. Monthly rentals can be anywhere between £50 and £100.

Models suitable for medium businesses:

1. Pitney Bowes DM220i: This model starts at around £3,000 and offers a variety of features.
2. Quadient IS-480: At approximately £4,000, it provides high-speed processing.
3. FP Mailing PostBase Qi4: Starts at £2,800 and offers good software integration.
4. Quadient iX-3: Priced around £6,000 and known for its user-friendly interface.

Large businesses – High-volume, automated solutions

For large businesses with substantial mailing needs, high-end franking machines are essential. These can cost anywhere from £10,000 upwards, with rentals exceeding £200 per month.

Models suitable for large businesses:

1. Pitney Bowes SendPro P3000: Starting around £12,000, it’s built for high-volume mailing.
2. Quadient IS-6000: With prices from £11,000, this machine offers high speed and multiple features.
3. FP Mailing CentorMail Max: At around £13,000, it’s known for its high-capacity and automation.
4. Frama Matrix F82: Priced around £10,500, this model offers a variety of high-end features.

Additional franking machine costs to consider

Regardless of the size of your business, there are other costs involved, such as:

• Ink and labels: approximately £50 – £500 per year, depending on usage.
• Maintenance: around £100 – £300 per year.
• Royal Mail rate updates: free to £50 per update.

Rental vs purchase vs pre-owned franking machines – how do the costs compare?

When it comes to acquiring a franking machine for your business, you’re generally faced with three main options: rental, purchase, or opting for a pre-owned model. Each of these options has its merits and drawbacks, and the best choice will depend on various factors including your budget, your mailing volume, and your long-term business strategy.

Franking machine rental

Advantages:

• Low initial costs make it easier for small businesses to start using a franking machine.
• Maintenance and servicing are usually included in the rental fee.
• Easier to upgrade as your business needs change.

Drawbacks:

• Over time, the total cost of rental could exceed that of purchasing a machine outright.
• You never own the machine, meaning you’ll always have an ongoing expense.

Best for: Businesses that have fluctuating mailing requirements or those who want to test the benefits of a franking machine without committing to a purchase.

Purchasing a new franking machine

Advantages:

• The machine becomes an asset for your company.
• No ongoing rental fees, reducing long-term costs.
• Potential to resell the machine later, recouping some of the initial outlay.

Drawbacks:

• High initial cost can be a barrier for small businesses.
• Maintenance and servicing will be an additional cost unless covered by a warranty.

Best for: Businesses with consistent, high-volume mailing requirements, and those that prefer to have complete control over their equipment.

Pre-owned franking machines

Advantages:

• Significantly lower initial costs compared to a new machine.
• Can be a cost-effective way to acquire a higher-end model with more features.

Drawbacks:

• Limited warranty or no warranty at all, depending on the seller.
• Potential for higher maintenance costs if the machine is not in optimal condition.

Best for: Budget-conscious businesses that still require advanced features, and those willing to do due diligence on the condition and reliability of the pre-owned machine.

FAQ for franking machine costs and prices