TapThe big “small packet” scam

Victim: You
Perpetrator: Royal Mail

I went into the Post Office near the factory this lunchtime to post a delayed Christmas present to friends in the Netherlands. I didn’t realise until later that I had paid over £1 more than the same parcel last time (the exact same parcel, that is another story but not Royal Mail’s fault.) This is why.

When you present your parcel they put it on the scales and read the address and punch it all into a machine which prints a label (no stamps these days unless you make a point of asking for them.) What (most) counter clerks will not mention is that if you write the words “SMALL PACKET” in the top left near the Airmail sticker then the cost is around 40% less. The only restriction is a 2Kg weight limit and you can’t enclose a personal letter—put it in with the card and send it separately.

This only applies to packets going overseas, but you do need to think about it in advance. There is probably something about it on the Royal Mail website but they don’t make it obvious and it is easy to forget, as I did.

I wonder how much they make out of us each year that way?

For that matter, why the different prices, it must cost them the same amount to deliver it!

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