Selecting a franking machine for your small business is a decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including features, volume capabilities, and of course, cost.
Here, we take an in-depth look at four leading models of franking machines suitable for small businesses in the UK, complete with a detailed feature set, pros and cons, and pricing information for each.
Best small business franking machines
| Criteria | Pitney Bowes DM100 | Quadient IS-280c | Frama Matrix F22 | Quadient IN-600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Entry-level machine ideal for low to moderate mail volume | Designed for efficiency and customisation | Offers Mailmark technology for additional postage discounts | Advanced features and scalability for growing businesses |
| Features | Compact design, 30 letters/min, 2.5kg weighing platform | Colour touchscreen, 20 custom slogans, Internet connectivity | Mailmark compatible, One-touch controls, Secure passcode protection | Advanced touchscreen, 110 letters/min, Modular design |
| Pros | Budget-friendly, Easy operation, Reliable brand | User-friendly interface, Customisable branding, Wi-Fi | High security, Quick processing, Mailmark discounts | High throughput, Future upgrades, Detailed analytics |
| Cons | Limited features, No colour touchscreen | Higher cost, Slower throughput for bulk mailing | Limited scalability, No custom slogans | Expensive, Requires ample space |
| Ideal For | Low to moderate mail volume, basic needs | Customised postage labels, intuitive UI | Secure and efficient mailing, Mailmark benefits | High-volume mailing, scalability |
| Pricing (Outright Purchase) | £1,000 | £1,500 | £1,800 | £4,000 |
| Rental Options (Per Month) | £20 | £35 | £40 | £80 |
Pitney Bowes DM100
Description
The Pitney Bowes DM100 is designed as an entry-level franking machine. Its compact design makes it ideal for businesses with limited space. It offers a processing speed of up to 30 letters per minute, making it suitable for low to moderate mail volumes. With its integrated 2.5kg weighing platform, you can easily weigh your mail for accurate postage costs.
Features
- Compact design
- Up to 30 letters per minute
- Integrated 2.5kg weighing platform
Pros and cons
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to operate with a simple interface
- Reliable brand
Cons
- Limited features compared to higher-end models
- No colour touchscreen display
Ideal for
Businesses with low to moderate mail volume that require basic franking capabilities without breaking the bank.
- Takes 2 minutes
- Receive quotes to compare
- Easy and no commitment
Pricing
Starting at £1,000 for outright purchase. Rental options start at £20 per month.
Quadient IS-280c
Description
The Quadient IS-280c is perfect for businesses that wish to blend efficiency with customisation. Its colour touchscreen provides ease of use, while options for up to 20 customisable slogans allow for branded mailings. Internet connectivity ensures that you always have the latest postage rates.
Features
- Colour touchscreen
- Up to 20 customisable slogans
- Internet connectivity for postage rate updates
Pros and cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Customisable features for branding
- Integrated Wi-Fi for seamless updates
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than budget models
- Slower throughput rate for bulk mailing
Ideal for
Small businesses that need customised postage labels and a more intuitive user interface.
Pricing
Starting at £1,500 for outright purchase. Rental options start at £35 per month.
- Give your requirements
- Receive quotes to compare
- Choose a provider or walk away - your choice!
Frama Matrix F22
Description
The Frama Matrix F22 brings the benefits of Mailmark technology to small businesses, offering additional postage discounts. It features a one-touch control system and secure passcode protection, ensuring that your franking process is both fast and secure.
Features
- Mailmark compatible
- One-touch controls
- Secure passcode protection
Pros and cons
Pros
- High level of security
- Quick processing speed
- Mailmark technology offers additional postage discounts
Cons
- Limited scalability
- No customisable slogan feature
Ideal for
Businesses that require secure and efficient mailing and want to take advantage of Mailmark discounts.
Pricing
Starting at £1,800 for outright purchase. Rental options start at £40 per month.
Quadient IN-600
Description
For growing businesses with higher mailing needs, the Quadient IN-600 offers advanced features and scalability. Its modular design allows you to add features as your needs grow. With a processing speed of up to 110 letters per minute and an advanced touchscreen interface, it’s designed for high-efficiency mailing operations.
Features
- Advanced touchscreen interface
- Up to 110 letters per minute
- Modular design for scalability
Pros and cons
Pros
- High throughput rate for bulk mailing
- Modular components allow for future upgrades
- Detailed analytics and reporting features
Cons
- Expensive upfront cost
- Requires ample space
Ideal for
Growing businesses that require a scalable, feature-rich franking machine capable of handling high volumes of mail.
Pricing
Starting at £4,000 for outright purchase. Rental options start at £80 per month.
Choosing the best small business franking machine – The verdict
In conclusion, the right franking machine for your small business depends on several factors, including volume needs, feature requirements, and budget constraints.
With prices ranging from £1,000 to £4,000 for outright purchase and rental options also available, you can select a machine that fits your specific requirements.
The Pitney Bowes DM100 serves as a cost-effective option for beginners, while the Quadient IS-280c and Frama Matrix F22 offer more features at slightly higher prices.
For businesses with a focus on scalability and high-volume mailing, the Quadient IN-600 serves as a worthwhile investment.
FAQ for small business franking machine
Selecting a franking machine is a significant decision that comes with various considerations. To make this process easier, here’s an FAQ section addressing some of the common questions you might have.
A franking machine is a device used to stamp a barcode in place of a traditional postage stamp on outgoing mail. This makes the mailing process quicker, more efficient, and often cheaper due to postal discounts.
Franking machines are generally cost-effective for businesses that have a consistent volume of outgoing mail. The postal discounts offered can significantly offset the cost of the machine over time.
The decision to rent or buy depends on your specific needs. Renting may be more suitable for businesses that have variable mailing volumes or wish to avoid the upfront cost. Buying may be more economical in the long term for businesses with consistent, high-volume mailing needs.
Mailmark is a technology used in modern franking machines that uses a 2D barcode instead of a traditional franking mark. This technology provides additional postage discounts and more detailed tracking of mail items.
Most modern franking machines come with an integrated weighing scale. This helps to accurately calculate the postage required for different mail items, avoiding overpayment.
Some franking machines allow you to customise the franking mark with your business’s logo or a promotional slogan. This can serve as a form of branding or marketing.
Most modern machines are internet-enabled and can update postage rates automatically. Older models might require manual updates.
Yes, many franking machines have the capability to frank both letters and parcels. However, you’ll need to ensure the machine you choose has the necessary features for your specific parcel-franking needs.
The size of the machine depends on its features and capabilities. Entry-level models like the Pitney Bowes DM100 are relatively compact, whereas advanced models like the Quadient IN-600 may require more space.
Franking machines are generally low-maintenance but do require some regular upkeep, such as replacing ink cartridges and ensuring the machine is clean for accurate franking. More advanced models may also offer software updates to improve functionality.