Why Does My Franking Machine Change the Date at 5pm? Dating Franked Mail Correctly
If your franking machine suddenly shows tomorrow's date in the late afternoon, it is not broken. It is doing exactly what Mailmark machines are designed to do. This guide explains why the date changes, how to make sure every item carries the right date, and what to do if a wrong date slips through.
The short answer: why the date jumps at 5pm
Many Mailmark franking machines automatically move the date on the impression to the next day at 5pm. Pitney Bowes, for example, lists this behaviour as a Royal Mail requirement and confirms mail can still be posted as normal. The exact date and time are also held in the 2D barcode printed on each impression, which is how the date is read when the item enters the postal network.
In practice, anything you frank after 5pm is treated as the following working day's mail. If you want a refresher on what that barcode does, our guide to what Mailmark is covers it in plain English.
Why the date on the frank matters
The date printed on a franked item should match the day it is handed to Royal Mail. A frank that carries an old date can cause mail to be questioned or returned, and a date that is too far ahead can cause confusion in the same way. Getting this right is part of keeping your mailroom clear of problems, alongside choosing the correct mail format and price and keeping your impressions clean and readable.
Royal Mail publishes its own franking troubleshooting guidance for business customers, and it is worth bookmarking alongside your machine's user guide.
How to date your mail correctly
Franking before the end of the working day
If you frank and hand over your mail on the same day, the machine's normal date is the right one. Keep the batch together and get it to your collection or drop-off point without leaving it sitting in trays for days.
Franking in the evening for the next day
If your team franks late in the day for collection tomorrow, the automatic change to the next day's date is helpful. Just check the date shown on the display before you start, so you know which day the batch will carry.
Franking further ahead
If you are franking in advance for a day beyond the next working day, many machines will not do this for you. As one UK supplier notes, franking in advance for a different day needs to be set yourself. Check your machine's menu for a date advance or pre-date option and confirm the date before printing.
A quick pre-franking checklist
- Check the date on the machine display before you start each batch.
- Confirm the day your mail will actually be collected or handed over.
- Use the date advance option if you are franking for a later day.
- Run a test impression on scrap paper if you have changed the date or the ink.
- Do not leave franked mail in trays for several days before posting.
What if the wrong date has been printed?
If you notice a wrong date before the mail is handed over, set the machine to the correct date and re-frank the item, or use a franking label if the envelope no longer has a clear space. Do not try to alter a printed impression by hand. If you are unsure whether a particular item is acceptable, check Royal Mail's guidance or ask your franking machine supplier.
Faint or smudged dates are a separate problem and usually point to the cartridge. Our guide to fixing faint or streaky printing walks through the checks, and franking labels are a tidy fix for items you need to re-frank.
Keep your impressions clear with the right ink
A correct date is only useful if it can be read. Always use the right cartridge for your model, and if you are not sure which one that is, our guide on choosing the right franking ink cartridge will help. You can then browse the full range of franking machine inks and labels, or go straight to supplies for Pitney Bowes machines.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my franking machine change to tomorrow's date at 5pm?
Many Mailmark machines move the date on automatically at 5pm, which Pitney Bowes describes as a Royal Mail requirement. It is normal behaviour, not a fault, and the mail can still be posted as usual.
Can I still post mail franked with tomorrow's date?
Yes, if you are posting it for collection on that next working day. Make sure the date on the frank matches the day the mail actually goes to Royal Mail.
How do I frank mail for a date further in the future?
Use your machine's date advance or pre-date option and confirm the new date on the display before printing. Automatic changes usually only cover the next day, so later dates normally need to be set manually.
What should I do if I printed the wrong date?
Correct the date on the machine and re-frank the item, using a franking label if needed. If you are unsure, check Royal Mail's franking guidance or ask your supplier.
Does the date affect the cost of the postage?
The date itself does not change the price, which depends on the format, weight and service. It does matter that the date is right, so the item is accepted without problems.
Need the right cartridge for your machine? Browse our best selling franking ink cartridges and keep every date crisp and readable.