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Home > Paying Frank Funds FAQ

Making sure you're in control

Franking helps you keep on top of your postage costs and save money every day.

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Postage Funds

Having postage funds on your franking machine is vital if you actually want to send your mail (which is sort of the point…), however making sure you have credit on the machine can raise a number of questions, especially if you’re a new user.

To help, we’ve tried to answer the most common questions below, though our customer support team are always on hand if you need a chat or have a specific query that we haven’t covered. Contact details are below the FAQs, so if you still need help, please get in touch.

Franking Funds FAQ

First things first… what is franking?

Franking is a pre-paid postage option where a franking mark is printed directly onto the envelope or a label (for parcels). It’s a cheaper more flexible way to pay for postage as you can manage your spend and give your mail a professional appearance.

Why do I have to keep my franking machine in credit?

So you’re ready to frank whenever you need. It’s a bit like having the stamps ready in your drawer, rather than at the post office, but simpler, quicker and cheaper (19p compared to a 2nd Class stamp).

What is the ADB?

Agreed Deposit Balance, the amount you’ve predicted you’ll spend per month on franking… aka the Agreed Prepay Deposit, Minimum Credit Balance, Target Level etc. Basically the monetary value your franking machine account wants to be in credit.

Can I just add funds to my franking machine when I need them?

You can, providing your postage account is in credit to allow you to upload funds to the machine. Simply follow the on-screen instructions for your chosen machine.

What happens if I don’t have funds in my postage account?

Direct Debit (DD) payment will ensure your account is always topped up to your ADB, so providing you don’t use more than the predicted monthly spend you will always have funds ready. With BACs payers, you just need to make sure the monthly bills are paid and you don’t go over the ADB, as without credit you won’t be able to upload postage to your franking machine. Late payments can also incur fees and interest charges, plus adding funds could delay your mailing by up to 5 working days.

If I want to send more post than usual, what should I do?

Get in touch to increase the ADB on your account, so you’re ready for that one-off company mailer, or simply want to revise the level of funds available every month.

Why have I paid for a balance in my account, when I have funds on my machine?

To make sure your account is ready with your agreed ADB when you want to increase the funds on your franking machine. Once your account is at your ADB it won’t require another balance credit until you download fund.

Why didn’t I get an invoice when my ADB was paid?

You will, at the end of the month…, though your DD payments will be taken as you move funds to your franking machine and your ADB is topped up. With a standard prepay account you will receive an easy-to-understand itemised monthly invoice along with email notifications of your DD payments.

Why have I paid twice the ADB when I set up the machine?

This is simply the initial pre-payment to make sure your account is in credit, as per the ADB, and that your franking machine has the same agreed funds for immediate use. As the funds are all yours, should you end your franking licence agreement, any existing credit in the account, or on the machine, will be refunded when delicenced. Understandably without credit, your account can’t add funds to the machine, so you wouldn’t be able to frank mail.

Who do I pay for the postage?

Whichever manufacturer powers your equipment as they’re the legally credited Royal Mail postage account holder. As the largest authorised Independent Franking service provider, TMR is your central point for everything franking related, though postage will be billed directly by the machine builder, either Pitney Bowes, Quadient, FP or Frama.

Can I have credit on my payments if I don’t want to prepay?

You can, though as usual fees may apply from your postage account holder. The credit facility will work just like a traditional credit card, with one monthly bill and 25 days to pay your invoice by DD or BACS. Providing flexibility as you no longer need to pre-plan your postage spend, though you still need to stay within your credit limit and avoid any late payment charges. Please let us know if you would be interested in changing your account from standard pre-pay.

Southerly 7, 
Waterfold Park, 
Bury, 
BL9 7BR

0800 019 2033 or 0161 797 7778

help@themailingroom.com

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