Best franking machines for small business in 2024 – 4 leading models compared

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.

Video: Common questions about buying or renting a franking machine

Best small business franking machines

CriteriaPitney Bowes DM100Quadient IS-280cFrama Matrix F22Quadient IN-600
DescriptionEntry-level machine ideal for low to moderate mail volumeDesigned for efficiency and customisationOffers Mailmark technology for additional postage discountsAdvanced features and scalability for growing businesses
FeaturesCompact design, 30 letters/min, 2.5kg weighing platformColour touchscreen, 20 custom slogans, Internet connectivityMailmark compatible, One-touch controls, Secure passcode protectionAdvanced touchscreen, 110 letters/min, Modular design
ProsBudget-friendly, Easy operation, Reliable brandUser-friendly interface, Customisable branding, Wi-FiHigh security, Quick processing, Mailmark discountsHigh throughput, Future upgrades, Detailed analytics
ConsLimited features, No colour touchscreenHigher cost, Slower throughput for bulk mailingLimited scalability, No custom slogansExpensive, Requires ample space
Ideal ForLow to moderate mail volume, basic needsCustomised postage labels, intuitive UISecure and efficient mailing, Mailmark benefitsHigh-volume mailing, scalability
Pricing (Outright Purchase)£1,000£1,500£1,800£4,000
Rental Options (Per Month)£20£35£40£80
Best franking machines for small business compared

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.

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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.

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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.

What is a franking machine?

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.

Are franking machines cost-effective for small businesses?

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.

Is it better to rent or buy a franking machine?

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.

What is Mailmark technology?

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.

Do I need a weighing scale with the franking machine?

Most modern franking machines come with an integrated weighing scale. This helps to accurately calculate the postage required for different mail items, avoiding overpayment.

What are customisable slogans and why might they be useful?

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.

How do I update the postage rates on the machine?

Most modern machines are internet-enabled and can update postage rates automatically. Older models might require manual updates.

Can I frank parcels as well as letters?

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.

How much space do these machines usually require?

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.

What maintenance is typically required?

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.

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