Who to use to send packages

taketheplunge

Hi All
Just in the process of setting up online shop, I will be selling fashion accessories, does anyone have any advice on the best way to send out packages. I was thinking royal mail but how safe is it or does anyone know of any cheap but reliable couriers.

Ta

Forris

Thousands of companies use RM without any problems, but even the best courier company only has a first-time success rate of around 97%.

If you are looking for a good price and a significant number of your customers are likely to be local, then Fastway Couriers are good value.

Once you get going, you will get better shipping discounts by using one of the major couriers.

greyteam1959

Couriers charge VAT Royal Mail does not.........if it matters !!

moneypooh

If you are selling to the public and address are residential, RM does have the convenience of a local pick up depot if the delivery fails. Some couriers have a very reliable attempted delivery service, while others can be more difficult. I have sent 1000s through RM to residential addresses without too many problems, and used carriers for larger items. The carriers have always been a bit more tricky to sort if people work and not home during the day.

ukbill69

mervyn11 wrote: »

Couriers charge VAT Royal Mail does not.........if it matters !!

As they are a private company e.g. Post Office Ltd, then they do charge vat. I get VAT receipts all the time for my stamps.

ukbill69

I use tnt, they are not the cheapest, but they dont damage, well that my track record over past 5 years. I sometimes use http://www.interparcel.com/

Forris

moneypooh wrote: »

If you are selling to the public and address are residential, RM does have the convenience of a local pick up depot if the delivery fails. Some couriers have a very reliable attempted delivery service, while others can be more difficult. I have sent 1000s through RM to residential addresses without too many problems, and used carriers for larger items. The carriers have always been a bit more tricky to sort if people work and not home during the day.

RM also have the facility to take parcels to a local (to the recipient) Post Office for convenient pick-up. Parcelforce also have this facility. If you items are likely to be small and to residential addresses then this could be a factor.

I would suggest that you avoid using any of the 3rd party providers. They may look good on price, but if a problem occurs, it just adds another layer of complication.

martindow

ukbill69 wrote: »

As they are a private company e.g. Post Office Ltd, then they do charge vat. I get VAT receipts all the time for my stamps.

Is this right? I thought there was no VAT on stamps.

Regarding the OP's question it depends what you are sending out. If they are light (under 2kg) and not too valuable Royal Mail is going to be best. For heavy parcels carriers are likely to be better and will offer cheaper rates if you send out lots of parcels.

taketheplunge

Hi

Thanks guys for this, the products will be under £50 and light. I think i may just go with royal mail. VAT wont be problem as i am not registering. will all the info be on their website regarding pick up drop off etc.

Do you think recorded would be best?

Thanks

Forris

taketheplunge wrote: »

Hi

Thanks guys for this, the products will be under £50 and light. I think i may just go with royal mail. VAT wont be problem as i am not registering. will all the info be on their website regarding pick up drop off etc.

Do you think recorded would be best?

Thanks

Speak to your postie, if he is any good. He can put a 'sales lead' in for you. He will get vouchers from RM for a succesful lead and more as you spend more with them. This gives posties an incentive to ensure you get good service.

moneypooh

IMHO recorded or signed for is a must for a small business. Proof of posting doesn't cover valuable losses and the customer can't claimed they haven't received them.