Quadient vs FP Franking Machines 2026: Compared
Quadient and FP both make Mailmark franking machines for UK businesses of every size. Both are European, both sell direct and through dealers, and both have loyal customers. If you have narrowed your choice to these two, this guide sets out how they compare. Facts checked October 2026, and as always we have no favourite.
The companies at a glance
| Quadient | FP | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Quadient (formerly Neopost) | Francotyp Postalia |
| Home country | France | Germany |
| UK range name | iX series | PostBase |
| Other UK brands | Looks after former Frama customers | None |
| UK sales | Direct and through dealers | Direct and through dealers |
Quadient traded as Neopost until September 2019, when it changed its name. In February 2024 it completed its takeover of Frama, adding more than 30,000 mostly European customers by its own count.
FP is headquartered in Berlin, with origins going back to 1923. Its UK business is based in Dartford, Kent.
Both companies are authorised by Royal Mail. Royal Mail says it does not recommend one manufacturer over another.
Model ranges
Entry level
Quadient starts with the iX-1, a compact desk top machine for low volume offices.
FP starts with the PostBase Mini and also offers the PostBase One and the PostBase Vision range for small offices.
For a business posting up to around 50 items a day, both have suitable machines. Expect the choice to come down to the contract and how the machine feels to use.
Mid range
Quadient offers the iX-3 and iX-5, which add faster feeding and more features.
FP offers the PostBase Fusion family, from semi automatic up to fully automatic models.
At this level, both brands offer automatic feeding, sealing and department accounts. Test them with your own envelopes.
High volume
Quadient has the iX-7 and iX-9 for busy mailrooms.
FP has its higher Fusion models, including the Advanced and A120.
For high volumes, service levels and reliability matter more than features. Look closely at what the contract promises.
Key differences
Dealer network
Quadient has a large network of dealers and partners across the UK, and taking over Frama has made its customer base bigger still. That can mean more choice of local service providers in some areas.
FP also sells through dealers alongside its direct sales team. In either case, check who would actually service your machine and where they are based.
Former Frama customers
If you currently run a Frama machine, Quadient now looks after you. It opened a Frama supplies page on its UK eShop from 1 July 2024. Renewing with Quadient may be the simplest path, but you are free to switch to FP or anyone else when your lease ends. Our Frama guide explains your options.
Design and use
Both brands have their fans. FP's PostBase machines are known for a compact footprint. Quadient's iX range runs from small desk machines to mailroom systems under one family name, which keeps things familiar if you move up a model later. This is personal, so try both.
What is the same
- Mailmark. All machines sold for UK use print Mailmark impressions, required since 1 January 2023.
- Postage. Royal Mail franked prices are the same whichever brand you use. On 2026 prices a 1st Class large letter up to 100g is £2.86 franked.
- Rate updates. Both update machines when Royal Mail prices change.
- Licence. Your licence is provided through your supplier.
- Ink. Each uses its own cartridges, so supplies do not swap.
Running costs
Postage costs are identical, so the comparison comes down to:
- Monthly lease or purchase price
- Ink cost and how long a cartridge lasts
- Service and support fees
- Any one off installation or removal fees
Work out the total for each quote:
Total cost = (monthly lease + monthly ink) × months in term + one off fees
Our franking machine prices guide gives typical lease levels by machine size, and our franking machine lease guide explains the clauses that can add cost later.
Support questions to ask
Whichever brand you choose, ask the supplier:
- What is the engineer response time?
- Will you provide a loan machine during repairs?
- Are rate and software updates included?
- Is phone support free?
- Who do I call: you or the manufacturer?
The answers matter more than the brand name. A great machine with slow support can be more frustrating than an average machine with a supplier who answers the phone and sends an engineer the next day. If you can, ask the supplier for a reference from a local customer of a similar size.
Switching from one to the other
Moving between Quadient and FP is common at lease end. A smooth switch looks like this:
- Six months before the end date, find your contract and note the notice period.
- Get quotes from both brands, and ideally from Pitney Bowes too.
- Give written notice to your current supplier inside the window, even if you have not decided yet. You can usually withdraw notice; you cannot get back a missed deadline.
- Run down your ink so you are not left with cartridges that fit nothing.
- Ask for a refund of any unused postage credit when the old machine is removed.
- Book the new installation for the day after the old lease ends, so you are not paying twice.
Most suppliers will help with these steps, since they want your business.
How to judge a demonstration
A demo is the best way to compare the two brands fairly. Ask both suppliers to demonstrate the same tasks:
- Franking a batch of your normal envelopes
- Franking a thick large letter
- Printing a parcel label
- Changing department accounts
- Topping up postage
Time each task roughly and note anything that felt awkward. Also ask the demonstrator how a cartridge is changed and how often it would need changing at your volumes. That simple question often reveals a big difference in running costs.
A quick decision guide
| If you... | Consider |
|---|---|
| Already run a Frama or Quadient machine | Quadient, but compare quotes |
| Want a compact machine for a small desk | FP, but compare quotes |
| Want lots of local dealer choice | Check which brand is better covered near you |
| Mostly care about price | Get quotes from both on the same spec |
Notice the pattern: compare quotes either way. The hardware is close; the contracts are where the real differences lie.
Don't forget Pitney Bowes
Pitney Bowes is the third manufacturer in the UK market. Adding a Pitney Bowes quote gives you a full picture. Our Pitney Bowes vs FP guide compares those two.
Before you sign
- Count your post for two weeks, split by format.
- Get at least three quotes on the same spec.
- Compare the total cost over the full term.
- Check the automatic renewal clause and notice period.
- Ask what happens to unused postage credit at the end.
You can use the quote form on this page to hear from several suppliers at once. Read more about each brand in our guides to Quadient and FP, or see every model side by side on our compare franking machines page.
Facts checked October 2026, from Quadient's and FP's own websites and announcements, Royal Mail's franking pages and its Mailmark franking tariff of 7 April 2026.