Mailing and franking machine reseller

Offices, solicitors, accountants, schools, charities, councils and small firms with a regular post room.

Commission or margin on machine sales and leases, plus repeat income from ink, labels and service contracts as customers renew.

• Confident at business-to-business selling
• Able to explain postage costs and savings simply
• Organised follow-up on renewals and contracts

• Check Royal Mail's current rules on who can supply and license franking machines, and whether you need to be an approved supplier
• Public liability insurance, and professional indemnity if you give advice on costs
• Lease and finance agreements: check who is responsible for the contract and what happens if a customer closes
• Customers are often tied into existing contracts, so sales cycles can take months

Startup costs are typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on the supplier you work with and your travel and marketing needs. These are estimates. Many resellers start as an agent for an existing supplier who provides the machines and backup.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many machines and contracts you place and how long sales take. This is an estimate. Customers are often tied into existing contracts, so sales cycles can take months.

Check Royal Mail's current rules on who can supply and license franking machines, and whether you need to be an approved supplier. Also check insurance, and who is responsible for lease and finance agreements if a customer closes.