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The most common franking mistakes and how to avoid them

Tips • 26th Sep, 17 • 0 Comments

We know it’s easy to make the odd mistake now and then, but when those mistakes start to cost your business money or time it can become a real pain. Many of our clients come to us with similar mistakes they have made while franking, so we have put together the most common ones and given some top tips on how you can avoid them – happy franking!

Franking your mail with the wrong date

Luckily, there is an easy fix for franking your mail with the wrong date, simply follow these steps if you’re using a Mailmark machine:

1. Using black ink, draw a line through the incorrect date.
2. Choose ‘Zero test print’ and check that the date is correct.
3. Re-frank the envelope with the correct date either on the bottom left hand corner, or if you are using a label, place on the envelope to the left of the original mark.

Don’t forget, if you have used Zero test print to re-select the correct product on your franking machine user interface to avoid underpayment and unnecessary surcharges.

Your mail is already franked but you have missed the last post

If you’re mail is franked and ready to go, but unfortunately you have missed the last post or collection time, simply re-frank your post with the following day’s date and post your mail the next day.

However, if your mail needs to be sent with a matter of urgency, follow these steps:

1. Place your franked mail inside a late posting envelope (which you can get from your supplier) however, please note that you are limited to using one “late posting envelope” each day with a limit of 30 letters, so use it wisely!
2. Post it in any Royal Mail post-box in time for a later collection on that same day.
3. Remember to check the collection times of that Royal Mail post-box before posting, and don’t post after the last collection.

You didn’t pay enough postage

If you didn’t pay enough postage when using a Mailmark franking machine, follow these steps:

1. Boldly cross through the 2D barcode so that it is unreadable – be careful not to cross through the price you paid.
2. Write your initials.
3. Frank the envelope again to the bottom left hand corner of the envelope or on a label with the extra amount, placing it on the envelope to the left of the original Mailmark franking mark.

You paid too much postage

If you have done the opposite to the above and overpaid your postage, you will need to do the following:

1. Don't post the items.
2. Remove the contents of your mail and begin again with a new envelope.
3. Send any unused franked envelope to this address:

Royal Mail Franking

Stone Hill Road

Farnworth

BOLTON

BL4 9XX

Remember that the total claim must be for at least £10.00, and all impressions must be distinct, readable and made within six months of the date. You will then receive a refund in the form of a cheque for the value of the unused impressions, minus a 15% administration fee.

If you’ve made a mistake with your franked mail and aren’t sure how to rectify, not to worry, our team is always on hand to offer support and advice, and ultimately ensure your mail goes off without a hitch. If you have any questions or would like some friendly franking advice, give us a call on 01925 820 638. 

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