Christmas Postage: Six tips to ensure your gifts arrive safely under the tree

Kellin McCloskey, Head of Postal Services at The Consumer Council, said: “Due to the pandemic, more people will be sending their festive gifts through the post this Christmas. To help consumers, we have put together a list of top tips that will help to ensure items arrive safely and on time, for the best price.”

• Order online and post early – This year the postal network will be busier than ever, so we would recommend that you order online and post earlier than usual to avoid disappointment.
• Ensure valuable items are properly insured – If sending valuable or time-sensitive items, make sure to choose the right postal product and level of insurance cover to meet your needs.
• Protect your fragile items – Ensure parcels are suitably packaged and fragile items are clearly marked.
• Shop around for the best deal before purchasing your postage – To get the best value, post your letters as early as possible so you can avail of economy postal services, such as second class mail. For parcels, be sure to use our free Parcelpal NI tool to shop around for the best deal.
• Always check the recipient’s details are correct – Before you post your item, check the address listed is correct and up to date, and make sure to put a return address on the back.
• Make sure to check that the contents of your mail are allowed to be sent in the post – Always check your postal operator’s website for their guide on prohibited and restricted items.

Kellin added: “Anyone who wants to know more about getting the most from their post can download a free copy of The Consumer Council’s ‘Sending Letters and Parcels’ guide from our website or request a copy by contacting 0800 121 6022.”

Notes:

1. Data source: Present posting is set to boom this Christmas with 50% of the UK set to buy more online gifts this year. Post Office, November 2020.