Now that winter is approaching expect the petty arguments in the office begin. Although everyone will clamour to volunteer at the height of summer, no one wants to go to the post office to buy stamps when it’s raining or freezing cold!

It’s a common problem for businesses that rely on employees manually applying stamps to all their outgoing mail rather than using a franking machine. Not only is it inconvenient but it could be the most expensive way to send your mail. It’s not just the cost of sending the mail to consider but also the time involved in weighing and stamping each piece of outgoing mail. There is a definite opportunity cost attached to sending mail, even if it is the most junior worker in the office. They could be far more gainfully employed adding value to the business rather than being engaged in unnecessary administration.

A far simpler and much more convenient solution would be to prepare the post in-house using a franking machine. Not only could it prove cheaper to send the company mail but it would take less time allowing the employee responsible to use their time more productively and for the betterment of the business.

In addition, there are benefits to the enterprise in terms of image when it comes to franked mail. Modern digital franking machines make it easy to personalise outgoing mail, giving it a professional look on par with UK’s big business. Envelopes and labels can be personalised with your company logo, a relevant marketing campaign or message, or a combination of both.

Certain models of franking machine also incorporate digital scales allowing the accurate and automatic calculation of the correct postage for the letter or packet’s weight. In addition, the franking machine can be connected via computer to an online system that allows postal rate downloads automatically to the machine. Even using a franking machine saves money because the postage is discounted; at least 3p per item for first class mail and 5p for second class.

Businesses using personalised mail not only present a far more professional image to their customers they also don’t have to worry about overpaying postage or needing a supply of stamps bought up front. Credit for franking machines can be bought when required and normally through a convenient and quick online facility.

All in all, the company benefits from having a more convenient mailing system and makes visits to the Post Office a thing of the past for employees, who will no longer need to draw straws to see who has to brave the winter elements!

Jonathan Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.