IT IS heading toward that time of frantic wrapping of Christmas presents and rushing to the Post Office in time for the last post.Santa Claus cannot deliver all the presents and around two billion parcels are sent through the post every Christmas.
IT IS heading toward that time of frantic wrapping of Christmas presents and rushing to the Post Office in time for the last post.
Santa Claus cannot deliver all the presents and around two billion parcels are sent through the post every Christmas.
But research by the watchdog Postwatch has shown that many people do not get the right posting service – meaning they are out of the running when it comes to being compensated for it being lost or broken.
According to a MORI survey, more than two thirds of parcels were sent by the wrong service as counter staff failed to ask the right questions to give the most suitable service for the package.
Even when mystery shoppers said they were sending a fragile china plate more than half of the counter clerks failed to recommend special delivery, which according to Postwatch is the only service that provides compensation if the item is broken.
Poorly wrapped items were also accepted with no questions asked and out of 49 parcels wrapped in nothing more than thin Christmas paper, 90 per cent were taken over the counter with no advice for more robust wrapping, such as brown paper.
In light of the findings, Postwatch are encouraging customers to ask what services are available and about any options on insurance.
To help your Christmas parcels get to their destination without any problems here are some top tips:
1. Make sure the address is clearly written and include the postcode – if you don't know it call Royal Mail on 08457 111 222.
2. Write clearly in ink – capital letters are a good idea.
3. Put the postcode on a separate line
4. Include a 'return to..' on the back of the item.
5. Wrap all items properly, especially if they are breakable
6. Clearly mark fragile packages and point it out to the staff at the Post Office.
7. Ask if the postal service you are being offered covers your item for compensation in the event of loss damage or breakage and how much for.
8. Post in plenty of time. Make sure your cards and presents are posted before Royal Mail's last posting dates
9. If the service you use provides a postal docket or reference number keep it until the item has been delivered.
10. Don't forget the stamps!
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