Frama Franking Machines 2026: What Owners Need to Know
If you have a Frama franking machine in the office, you may have noticed the name turning up less and less. That is because Frama is now part of Quadient. This guide explains what changed, what it means for your machine, and what your options are when your lease ends. Facts checked October 2026.
Who is Frama?
Frama is a mailing and document management company based in Lauperswil, Switzerland. Before the takeover it had offices in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and the UK, and sold through partners and distributors across Europe, Asia and Africa.
In the UK, Frama was best known for compact franking machines aimed at small and medium sized businesses. Plenty of offices still run one.
The Quadient takeover
Quadient announced that it had acquired Frama, with the deal closing on 1 February 2024. Quadient said Frama served more than 30,000 customers, mostly in Europe.
The two firms already knew each other well. According to Quadient, Frama had been a partner for more than ten years, selling Quadient folder inserters and, more recently, Quadient mailing machines under the Frama brand.
Quadient itself is the French group that traded as Neopost until September 2019. It is one of the three manufacturers you will meet in the UK franking market, alongside Pitney Bowes and FP.
What changed for UK Frama customers
Ink and supplies
This is the change most owners noticed. Quadient opened a dedicated eShop page for Frama franking machine users from 1 July 2024. Quadient's own notice says log in details could not be carried over from the old Frama shop, so customers needed to create a new account.
Independent ink supplier Ecofranking told customers that from 15 August 2024 consumables could no longer be bought through the original Frama shop. Compatible inks from independent suppliers are also on the market. If you go that route, check what your lease and warranty say first, as some contracts require genuine supplies.
Support
Quadient now provides support for Frama machines. Its UK franking support page lists the number 0845 880 0000. If you lease through an independent dealer, your first call should usually be to that dealer, as they hold your service contract.
Your existing contract
A takeover does not normally cancel existing contracts. Your lease, service agreement and postage account carry on under their original terms unless you are told otherwise in writing. If you are unsure who now holds your contract, check your most recent invoice or direct debit reference.
Is my Frama machine still legal to use?
If it prints Mailmark impressions, yes. Since 1 January 2023, Royal Mail only accepts franked mail from Mailmark machines. Any Frama machine still in daily use for UK post should already be Mailmark enabled, because older machines were decertified at that point.
If you have an old Frama machine in a cupboard that has not been used since before 2023, it is very unlikely to be usable now.
Your options when the lease ends
When your Frama lease comes up for renewal, you have three broad choices.
1. Renew with Quadient
Quadient may offer to move you onto one of its own machines, such as the iX series. This is often the simplest route because your postage account and support stay in one place. Ask for a written quote and compare it with others before signing.
2. Switch to another manufacturer
You are free to move to Pitney Bowes or FP. Many dealers offer to handle the switch, including closing down your old postage account. Make sure you know the exact end date of your current lease so you do not pay for two machines at once.
3. Stop franking
If your post volume has dropped, you may not need a machine at all. On 2026 prices, a standard 2nd Class letter costs 88p franked and 91p with a stamp, so the saving on letters alone is small. Large letters and parcels are where franking pays. Our franked mail vs stamps guide runs the numbers.
What to check before renewing
- End date and notice period. Leases often renew automatically if you miss the notice window.
- Remaining postage credit. Ask how unused credit will be refunded or transferred.
- Ink stock. Use up spare cartridges before the machine goes, as they will not fit a different brand.
- Total cost over the term. Add lease, ink and service together, not just the monthly fee.
- Volume. Count your actual post for two weeks before deciding which size of machine you need.
Comparing replacements
Here is how the three manufacturers' entry level ranges line up for a typical former Frama user:
| Manufacturer | Entry level range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quadient | iX-1 and up | Now looks after Frama customers |
| Pitney Bowes | SendPro C and SendPro Mailstation | Broad range from desk top upwards |
| FP | PostBase Mini and PostBase One | Popular with small offices |
This is not a ranking. The best machine for you is the one that suits your volume, at a contract price you are happy with. Our compare franking machines page has more detail on each model, and our pages on Quadient, Pitney Bowes and FP cover each brand.
Common questions
Will Quadient force me onto a new machine?
Not mid contract. Your current agreement runs to its end date. You only need to decide at renewal.
Can I still buy a Frama machine?
Check with Quadient or a dealer whether new Frama branded models are still offered in the UK. Second hand Frama machines do appear, but check Mailmark status and support before buying.
Getting quotes
When your Frama lease is within six months of ending, it is a good time to get quotes. Ask at least three suppliers for a price on the same spec, and tell them you are currently on Frama. Dealers know that former Frama customers are shopping around, which can help you negotiate.
You can use the quote form on this page to hear from several suppliers at once.
Final thoughts
Frama owners do not need to panic. Machines keep working, contracts carry on, and supplies are available through Quadient and independent sellers. The real decision comes at renewal, when you have a genuine chance to compare the whole market.
Facts checked October 2026, from Quadient's acquisition announcement and UK eShop notice, Ecofranking's customer notice and Royal Mail's franking pages.