is it ok to use several 1st class postage stamps on a parcel?

veggieblob

I have a lot of loose stamps. I use them to get just below the required amount and then take to the PO where they print out one of their labels for the balance. This then shows the first or second class and they do me the proof of purchase at the same time! I've never had any problems with this.

flipper_2010

veggieblob wrote: »

I have a lot of loose stamps. I use them to get just below the required amount and then take to the PO where they print out one of their labels for the balance. This then shows the first or second class and they do me the proof of purchase at the same time! I've never had any problems with this.

My post office don't like it when we do this, depends how well the people can add up I guess

martindow

flipper_2010 wrote: »

I only put on enough first class stamps to add up to 2nd class postage and just write 2nd underneath if I want it to go 2nd

I really meant the opposite. If you put on a selection of stamps sufficient for first class I suspect it is likely to be treated as 2nd.

DrScotsman

Oh good, I've been wanting to mention this but didn't think it was worth a whole thread.

Royal Mail have sent me quite a few 6x1st class stamp books for losing items or not getting signature (a hidden clause in the recorded delivery FAQ, go look). I've been allowed to do this at my post offices a few times, and against my suspicions they didn't seem to get annoyed by it (although one time they did not have any 8p stamps and she made me pay for a 9p stamp for the remainder...too lazy to use smaller ones?)

My question is, what's to stop people running to Superdrug and making use of the 5% off stamps offer? The Post Offices would dry up due to lack of commission!

flipper_2010

martindow wrote: »

I really meant the opposite. If you put on a selection of stamps sufficient for first class I suspect it is likely to be treated as 2nd.

I know I was just saying what I do. But the posties say it all goes together unless there is a backlog so I don't really see the point in sending 1st class and most of my stuff does seem to get there the next day

martindow

flipper_2010 wrote: »

I know I was just saying what I do. But the posties say it all goes together unless there is a backlog so I don't really see the point in sending 1st class and most of my stuff does seem to get there the next day

I believe that's right, but I think Custardy explained in a post recently that 1st and 2nd can be dealt with differently at the delivery sorting office. Had a search but can't find his post. I find the search is not very good on this forum!

custardy

can be ,but its the exception rather than the norm

df03

amy_love wrote: »

If you want to be really moneysaving, say it's £1.40 put 3 x 1st class stamps and make up the last bit with odd amount stamps from the post office. Might be worth getting a few in amounts you usually use.

And I would certainly write 1st class in large letters (and possibly the amount you worked out you needed to pay) so that they can just check it and they know you know what you are doing, if that makes sense.

hadnt thought about that, :eek:
thanks

ghanagirl

No problem using stamps with 1st or 2nd on but, they can be refused if you take your item to the post office to get a receipt if you are sending items abroad esp to U.S.A, Australia and New Zealand.
Random checks are carried out by all coutries when receiving foreign Mail to check that correct postage is being paid so they only like the stamps with £'s and pence on.
Its takes too Long to explain a system that charges by weight, amount, country of origin , receiving country and the free allowance ratio's etc.

Its true that 1st and 2nd class LETTERS (would not risk it on on packets and flats (A4) ) are treated all together but thats only when its quiet and the machines and system are running normally, so they may mix in Foreign mail THEN 2nd class to keep the machines running.
I would return a manager back to a OPG if my 1st class failed because they run 2nd class.
But if there is a BACK LOG of Mail because a machine Breaks Down or other problems then it could sit there for days
.
This will stop due to the new pay deal just struck with a reduced working week, less staff and Mail Centres will only be open to accept mail and will not sort or dispatch mail between FRI 00.00 to SUN 00:00, they can do this because SAT & SUN are not classed as working days.

As in the last strike or other delays the Back Log is Left to Last so to cut down on compo claims if mail is late, why delay new mail when you can leave the back log and not incur more compo claims.

As for the new machines and the new tech that Royal Mail and Mandelson keeps going on about.
Its about time someone asked them why they ordered the machines from a FRENCH company and forgot to ask for the Manual and Operating Instructions and On Screen Prompts to be in English and not French ?.
So when it breaks down my staff just stand around until the engineers have pushed and pulled switches until it starts up, Royal Mails answer ? Engineer's have to learn french but in their own time and at their own expense ! wonder why nobody has taken them up on their good offer.

Posties know the stamps so you spot underpaid without trying.
Good thing about stamps with 1st and 2nd on is you don't have to top them up when the price goes up unlike stamps with £'s and Pence on and they don't expire so if your an Ebay seller and have a few hundred pound spare get some before the price goes up, i have freebies from years ago that i still use.

ghanagirl

Few links to help you (Prices rise on April 6th)
http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content2?catId=47500706&mediaId=29100662
http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/jump2?catId=400105&mediaId=47500706

pdfs to print
price guide
ftp://ftp.royalmail.com/Downloads/public/ctf/rm/2009-2010-Pricesdocumentforpublication.pdf
Wall chart if you have a office
ftp://ftp.royalmail.com/Downloads/public/ctf/rm/50200_RM_Tariff_2009_Poster_A3_ENG.pdf

You can get your children to make an "A LA Blue Peter" template with a piece of cardboard and the measurements in the guides above.