Once you have your franking machine and have had your training, you’ll see exactly how easy they are to use, and the cost savings can be in the thousands of pounds depending upon volume. But we can all make the odd mistake when under pressure, or distracted, so what do you do when you’ve made a mistake with your franked post?

Firstly, don’t panic, secondly, fix the problem …

Q: What can I do if I’ve franked my mail with the wrong date?

A: You’ve just franked your post with the right amount and… oh no! the wrong date was on it!! This is an easy fix and can be corrected even if you have an older non MailMark franking machine.

1. For MailMark machines - Put a line through the incorrect date in black ink. Choose Zero test print and check the date is correct. Re-frank the envelope with the correct date either on the bottom left-hand corner or shorter edge of the envelope. If using a label, place on the envelope to the left of the original mark.
2. If you have a Standard franking machine - Put a line through the incorrect date in black ink. Change the date on your franking machine and set the postage to £0.00. Re-frank the envelope with the correct date either on the bottom left- hand corner or shorter edge of the envelope. If using a label, place on the envelope to the left of the original mark covering the incorrect date but not the postage paid.

Make sure your franking machine is set up afterwards for the correct date and product to prevent further mistakes.

Q: What can I do if I’ve underpaid?

A: If you underpay you’ll be charged for your error, but the fix is simple to prevent this …

1. MailMark franking machine - Simply boldly cross through the 2D barcode in the Royal Mail Mailmark® franking mark (careful not to cross through the price you paid) and write your initials (the first letter of your first and last names).
   Then frank the envelope again to the bottom left-hand corner, on the shorter edge 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.
2. Standard franking machine - Frank the envelope again with the necessary amount, to the bottom left-hand corner on the shorter edge of the envelope – or - Frank a label with the extra amount and place it on the envelope to the left of the original franking mark.

Q: What about times when I’ve overpaid?
A: If you’ve overpaid on your postage, don’t post it. Instead, remove the contents of the envelope carefully so that the franked impression isn’t damaged. Re-insert the post to a new envelope and frank with the right postage, then send it. Save these incorrectly franked envelopes, and when the amount reaches £10.00 you can send them to Royal Mail for a refund. Just keep in mind that all refunded post on these must be clearly legible, and not over six months old.

Send your franked envelopes to:

Royal Mail Franking
Stone Hill Road
Farnworth
BOLTON
BL4 9XX

Royal Mail will issue a refund by cheque with a 15% administration fee charge deducted.

Q: What can I do if I miss the last post?

A: If you’re too late for the final postal collection and have already franked your mail, simply re-frank your envelope with the next day’s date and post it then.

If it’s urgent and needs to go out that day you might be able to use a ‘late posting envelope’ which you can get from your franking machine supplier or maintainer. You can post these in any Royal Mail post box – making sure there is a collection from that box later on that day.

You are limited to one late posting envelope per day with a maximum of 30 letters, and remember that if you post after the final collection time, your mail won’t be processed until the following day, meaning you should just send it as normal the next day with the next day’s date.

Most minor franking mistakes can be easily remedied so you can get your business post out without delay or inconvenience. If your franking machine is broken, or showing errors, then contact your supplier to arrange either a telephone diagnoses or a site visit if necessary.