Consumer information

Common issues

Top 10 postal tips

1. Write the address clearly in ink. Remember to include the street name and house number. Write the postcode on a separate line. If you don’t know the postcode you can use Royal Mail’s postcode finder service, or contact Royal Mail on 0906 302 1222 (premium rate) Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm or 08457 111 222 at all other times
2. Make sure there is a return address written on the back of the parcel or envelope
3. Mail is now priced according to weight and size. To keep costs to a minimum wherever possible use an envelope no bigger than A5 size envelope (240 x 165mm) while ensuring this is no thicker than 5mm. For packages or if in any doubt contact Royal Mail Customer Services on 08457 740 740. Alternatively refer to either the Pricing made easy leaflet available at your local Post Office or visit Royal Mail’s website
4. Ensure all items are properly wrapped, especially if they’re breakable. Clearly mark fragile packages and point them out to the post office staff
5. Ask if the postal service you are being offered covers your item for compensation in the event of loss or damage, and if so for how much. You can purchase additional insurance with various Royal Mail and Parcelforce services
6. When buying goods on the internet, make sure the sender uses the most appropriate postal service. When ordering, consider whether the item is valuable, urgent or needs a signature
7. Ask for a Certificate of Posting – a receipt that provides proof of posting that is available free of charge from a post office. Without this, Royal Mail may not pay compensation if your item is lost
8. Always use Special Delivery when posting time sensitive items such as concert tickets. Post office counter staff will be able to advise you of the correct level of consequential loss cover to purchase
9. If you want to have your posted item signed by the recipient, make sure you ask which ‘signed for’ service is most appropriate. Some are specifically for valuable items
10. If the service you use provides a postal docket or reference number, keep it until you’re sure the item has been delivered

See the Consumer Focus blog for our top 12 Christmas post tips. We’ll be adding a new tip each day.