post office small packet question?

steveo3002

havent really posted much for a long time

this week ive been in with a couple of a4 jiffy bags with books inside, say 1" thick if it matters

the postal worker offers 1st class and 2nd class ...should i also be offered small packet ?

what are the rules /differance between a letter and small packet ? i belive it should be a cheaper option

soolin

steveo3002 wrote: »

havent really posted much for a long time

this week ive been in with a couple of a4 jiffy bags with books inside, say 1" thick if it matters

the postal worker offers 1st class and 2nd class ...should i also be offered small packet ?

what are the rules /differance between a letter and small packet ? i belive it should be a cheaper option

The categories for price show here if you enter the weight.

http://sg.royalmail.com/portal/rm/PriceFinder;jsessionid=RTQOHQJCGXXHAFB2IGLENZQ;jsessionid=RTQOHQJCGXXHAFB2IGLENZQ?catId=23500532&gear=pricingcalc

However there are three categories, letter, large letter and packet. Large letter is cheaper than packet but it does need to fit through the size gauge on the PO counter. The maximum thickness for a large letter is 25mm (just a fraction under an inch)

steveo3002

thanks

is packet just one price , no choice of 1st or 2nd class ?

soolin

steveo3002 wrote: »

thanks

is packet just one price , no choice of 1st or 2nd class ?

If you follow th elink I gave you it shows the various prices. A packet can be 1st or 2nd up to 1kg, after which it can only go 1st. Large letters can only go second class up to 750g then only 1st.

So when listing on ebay you need both the weigh and the wrapped dimensions to get an accurate postal price.

Horseunderwater

Hi
I am an old hand at posting books out in packets.
A parcel that is less than 25mm thick can normally go 2nd class Large letter (UK). Any thicker and it is packet rate. The weight limit for 2nd class is 1kg 2.2lb wrapped.
If Airmail, Printed papers can be upto 5kg except for Canada Channel isles and Cambodia. Also there are 2 zones for air, Europe and rest of world, so check which country before you go to PO. If you are new at it, many clerks will overcharge newbies.

1st link = Airmail http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content1?catId=400036&mediaId=53800712
2nd link = 2nd class http://www2.royalmail.com/delivery/business-delivery-options-uk/second-class-mail/prices
3rd link = 1st class http://www2.royalmail.com/delivery/business-delivery-options-uk/first-class-mail/prices
There are many stories of this on the book boards at amazon.
Please also note the dimmensions of the Large letter packages.
I am jolly lucky as my PO knows me well and has never knowingly overcharged. For armed with info before you go and you should be fine.

steveo3002

didnt weigh it , was over an inch thick and cost £3.71 first class or £3.15 (ish) 2nd

just seemed a bit dear , id looked what others were charging for the same book and it was less

might as well stick to slightly larger items that a courrier will collect for £7-10

soolin

steveo3002 wrote: »

didnt weigh it , was over an inch thick and cost £3.71 first class or £3.15 (ish) 2nd

just seemed a bit dear , id looked what others were charging for the same book and it was less

might as well stick to slightly larger items that a courrier will collect for £7-10

You were charged as a packet which means the item was too thick to go as a large letter.

It is always worth experimenting with different packaging if a book is borderline- although never underwrap just to get it through as a cheaper large letter

Don't worry what other people charge, I had a book delivered today, seller charged me £1.50 1st class postage but it actually came with a 2nd class packet stamp with £3.15 on it.