Royal Mail wants to make it as easy as possible for you and your business to prepare and send franked mail. To help they’ve created the following handy guides for how to prepare franked mail for posting, dropping off and collection.
How To Prepare Franked Mail
Summary:
- Franking marks must be printed in blue ink.
- Include a return address in case mail is undeliverable.
- Return address can be part of your Franked mark or on the back of your mail.
- Franking marks must be clear, complete and printed in the top right-hand corner of your mail.
- Labels can be used for envelopes and packets of different sizes, shapes and colours to ensure a clear and legible mark.
- Mail must be postmarked with the date it is posted or collected.
- You cannot use a Franking mark to prepay return mail to your company.
- Always do a test print before you begin by setting your machine to £0.00.
- Set the correct price and check time and date before you start printing.
- Refer to the Royal Mail United Kingdom Franking Scheme comprising of the Franking Operational Requirements document and the Legal Scheme for Franking Letters and Parcels 2014.
- For any other queries visit Royal Mail online at royalmail.com/franking
How to prepare franked mail for posting or dropping off
Summary
- Make sure you sort into class, size and destination: Red pouches for 1st class, Green pouches for 2nd Class, and White pouches for International mail.
- Present parcels in mail bags and separate by correct class (up to 11kg max).
- Keep franked Special Delivery Guaranteed and International tracking and signature services separate from other mail.
- Post your franked mail in Post Office® branches, Royal Mail Delivery offices & Mail Centres, and Business Post Boxes.
- For less than 30 items you can post your franked mail in normal postboxes provided you use an outer (max one per day) supplied by your Franking manufacturer or independent provider.
- You can order trays and bags, free of charge, at www.royalmail.com/mailsupplies
How To Prepare Franked Mail For Collection
Summary
- Sort into class and size and ensure addresses face upwards and Franking marks are in the top right corner.
- You can secure up to 200 letters or 45 large letters with an elastic band.
- Present more than 200 letters in trays. (max 10kg)
- Present parcels in mail bags with the right 1st or 2nd Class ties. (max 11kg)
- Keep your franked Special Delivery Guaranteed and International tracking and signature services mail separate and hand them to your Collections Driver with all your paperwork.
- Royal mail can collect your mail at a prearranged time every day for an annual fee. If your company spends over £15,000 a year this service is free.
- You can still pay for a one-off collection on your Franking machine and call 08457 950950 to arrange collection of it.
For more on preparing and sending franked mail have a look at the following video made by Royal Mail:
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