Consumer Focus Post is calling for people to think about posting cards and presents and ordering online Christmas shopping earlier this year.
Many people may be risking Christmas disappointment by posting their Christmas mail and doing their online Christmas shopping at the last minute.
Kellin McCloskey, Head of Postal Policy at Consumer Focus Post said:
‘We’d urge people to start thinking about Christmas post and stocking up on second class stamps now. With first class stamps costing 46p and second class 36p, savings can be made by posting early and opting for the slower service.
‘Posting and ordering gifts early will save money and ensure items arrive in plenty of time. Mailing early also gives your postie a fighting chance to deliver the huge surge in Christmas post on time.
‘A lot of people may leave things to the last minute and could be in for a shock if we experience poor weather conditions similar to last December. Christmas can be stressful enough without worrying about getting a frosty reception from family and friends if your gifts or cards aren’t delivered in time.’
Consumer Focus Post is urging people to plan ahead and beat the festive post rush. To help consumers avoid any Christmas catastrophes with their post this year, the watchdog is publishing its top tips for a happy and ‘elfy’ festive period:
1. Post as early as possible using second class. This will save money and cut stress by ensuring items are delivered well in time for the big day. The last recommended postal dates for the UK include: Standard Parcels – Wednesday 14 December; 2nd Class – Saturday 17 December and 1st Class – Tuesday 20 December 20111
2. If you are sending presents, ask for a free postage certificate (available from Post Offices), it will be required for compensation for loss, damage or delay to your gift2
3. Queues at the Post Office are one Christmas tradition we could all live without – Where possible, avoid them by buying and printing off postage online3. But remember if the item is valuable and you need a certificate of posting, you will still need to go to the Post Office counter
4. Avoid simple common errors:
• Pay the right postage.4 If in doubt check the card – most will be marked if you need a Large Letter stamp. Cards longer than 25cm, wider than 16.5cm, thicker than 5mm or heavier than 100g will need a Large Letter stamp.
• Ensure presents are carefully packaged and fragile items are labelled.5 If it is valuable, send it Special Delivery – with the correct level of compensation cover.
• Make sure the address is correct and easy to read including a post code and return address on the back.6
• If you are sending cash or vouchers mail them using Special Delivery, if you use any other service you can’t claim compensation if they go missing.
For more useful Christmas posting tips, go to Consumer Focus’s Twitter feed and Yule Blog:
http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/blog
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Consumer Focus Post is the watchdog for postal consumers in Northern Ireland.
1. Check the last recommended post dates at http://www2.royalmail.com/greetings
| Last Recommended posting services | Service |
| UK | |
| Wed 14 Dec 2011 | Standard Parcels |
| Sat 17 Dec 2011 | Second Class |
| Tue 20 Dec 2011 | First Class. Recorded Signed ForTM has the same last posting dates as the 1st and 2nd Class service that the customer has chosen to apply it to |
| International Airmail | |
| Mon 5 Dec 2011 | South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Australia and New Zealand |
| Fri 9 Dec 2011 | Eastern Europe, USA and Canada |
| Monday 12 Dec 2011 | Western Europe |
2. Post Offices do not automatically issue Certificates of Posting for First Class, Second Class or standard parcels, so people need to remember to ask for one at the Post Office counter. Without a Certificate Royal Mail will only pay a minimum of 6 first class stamps in the event of loss or damage, but with proof of postage and evidence of value customers are entitled to a postage refund plus compensation for actual loss up to the value of the item, or 100 first class stamps, whichever is the lowest.
3. Royal Mail operates an online postage service.
4. Since 2006 Royal Mail has charged for stamps by both weight and volume, and if customers don’t pay enough postage Royal Mail will charge the remaining postage and impose a £1 surcharge on the recipient. The posting size of a greeting card is sometimes printed on the back, and if you are sending a large document and can fold it this might take you down to a lower price step.
5. Royal Mail’s website lists its recommended packaging for a wide variety of products. Remember that Royal Mail does not accept liability for items that have not been secured or packaged in such a way as to prevent damage during normal transit through the post.
6. Customers can check up to 15 postcodes free every day on Royal Mail’s website or by calling 0906 302 1222 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm; calls charged at 50p/minute). Alternatively call Royal Mail on 08457 111 222 (Monday to Friday 5pm to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm; calls charged at local rate).
