Best/cheapest courier co. to use?

MimiJane

Hi all,

Some advice please ....

I am at the moment "watching" an electric fire on ebay, which the seller has asked the winning bidder to collect. I'm thinking of putting a bid in but, as it's 200 miles away from where I live, collection is out of the question. I've asked the seller if they'd be willing to post and they've said no, but I can arrange collection if I win the fire.

My question is ... which is the best/cheapest courier company to use for a bulky item? Obviously I don't want to pay an horrendous amount, and I'll be relying on it being packaged well and someone being there when it's collected, so wondering if it's just too much hassle. Just trying to gain some background knowledge at the moment in case I'm lucky ... maybe someone's been in a similar situation?

I'd appreciate any useful advice from your knowledgeable folk!

Cheers,
Mimi

Phonix

https://www.pharos-international.co.uk

Which is just a go between for UPS.

Remember to follow the "waybill instructions" to the letter.

MimiJane

This looks good. Only possible problem I can see is that there are weight restrictions and obviously not sure how heavy the fire is. Many thanks for your help ... I'll look into this.

Phonix

to give you an idea

A 17"CRT monitor weighs in at 15kg. The maximum you can send on pharos is 30kg but contact them.

Pharos-international is about the cheapest out there but it coulid be cheaper imo.

candys_kisses

https://www.parcelsend.co.uk

https://www.parcel2go.co.uk

I normally use parcelsend as their website is easy to use and it only cost £9.75 for up to 30kg on a 48 hour delivery - and whats more they use Parcel Force to deliver their packages which is amazing when you look at how much Parcel Force would actually charge you.

Parcel2go have a 10% scheme for eBay members.

Phonix

I've heard some bad things about parcel2go. Never heard of parcel2send though. Seems pretty cheap.

walsgravematt

Just to let you know, I booked a parcel online for collection on 48 hour delivery (£9.75 for up to 30kg including £150 insurance) at 10.15am - parcelforce (the carriers) collected at 11.30am

seems fantasic - am impressed thus far - have online tracking too

will let you know how it ends up

thanks

Walsgravematt

cougar_3

I've used parcel2go, I got 15% off with a greasy palm code and 10-20% cashback with quidco (not sureon the percentages!).

They are not the best by any means, but probably the cheapest.

They managed to not turn up when they said they would and then they collected it on a random day without telling me - good job someone was in!

candys_kisses

Just wanted to add that the 6 times I have used Parcelsend they have collected within the time frame on the day specified and delivered next day on 4 items and within 48 hours on the other two.

Every time they have used Parcel Force and the item has arrived intact with the signature viewable online.

Very impressed with their service - looks like they are just an online middle man for Parcel Force but what the heck - they are much cheaper than what Parcel Force quote online so I do recommend them!

isayoldchap

https://www.parcels4delivery.com
£7.95 for 48hr service up to 15kg.£8.95 for up to 30kg
They use Parcelforce.Track your parcel and insurance up to £150.
Charge your ebay customers the real Parcelforce rates which are alot higher.

blue_monkey_2

Don't bother with Parcel2Go. I used to always use and recomennd them but they have screwed up 4 times this week. I won't bother again. I don't like Parcelforce and will not use them for anything that could get damaged because they throw your packages around the warehouse with little respect for them (husband used to do contract work on thier trucks and has seen this). And my baby crib arrived broken for the same reason! Initial Citylink are by far the best but not sure if you can book online. Just know this from experience with them in a previous employment.