Royal Mail Surveys rewarded with Stamps.

Clairabella78

P2TKL wrote: »

Thank you I did search the FAQ's but couldn't find any reference. I didn't get a prompt when I registered the post office I was going to use either ! I will re read the guidelines I guess !

To be honest, I think the training guidelines aren't all that helpful and the FAQ's are confusing and don't always fully answer the questions. Look under "Last Collection Time" in the online FAQ's (I've pasted it below). And it mentions it in the training guidelines, albeit very very briefly, at the bottom of page 9.

"Last Collection Time

What does Last Collection Time stand for?

The Last Collection time is the last time at which the Post Office will accept an item to be despatched on a given day. Typically there is one time for Monday to Friday, and another for Saturday. We use the Last Collection Time to accurately measure the length of time it takes Royal Mail to deliver survey items.

Where can I find the Last Collection Time?

The Last Collection Time will be displayed in the Post Office. Alternatively the Post Office staff will be able to tell you.

When do I need to enter my Last Collection Time of my post office online?

We will ask you to re-enter the Last Collection Time of the Post Office you have used to post survey items every two months. You will need to enter the Last Collection Time for items posted Monday to Friday, and again if you post an item on a Saturday."

It prompted me for the last collection time when I registered my post office (and lists it in the "manage my posting methods" part), although that was a few months ago, it might have changed.

I hope that helps.
Happy posting!
C x

8pumpkinpie8

tomvox wrote: »

I'm on my third week back and going through the retraining stage. I'm not sure when they will send out the Christmas stamps but even if you are training you'll get them.

I already had my December incentive last week - a bit ahead of the game there - but hopefully we'll still get a 'Christmas bonus' soon.

I've got like 10 books of each, just sitting here. Really must get on to eBay!

NBLondon

tomvox wrote: »

I'm on my third week back and going through the retraining stage. I'm not sure when they will send out the Christmas stamps but even if you are training you'll get them.

I didn't last year... I was in training in December but didn't get my first live pack until January and I had neither Christmas stamps nor diary so I assumed only live panellists got them.

lesliejack

I wonder if we will be getting a diary this year?

SpreadPyar

For all those still in the dark or want an official response to my Query about the Cube here is TNS's response

Thank you for your email.

If you haven’t got the allocated SMART for an item you will need to choose an alternative SMART from your online stock list when you prepare the item for posting. Please follow these steps:

Check your online stock list to see if any of the SMARTs in your possession are shown there as “Ready for Use” or “Awaiting Stock Check.” If you don’t have such a SMART in stock, do not prepare the item for posting until you receive one; if necessary, post the item the same day the following week.

If you do have a “Ready for Use” or “Awaiting Stock Check” SMART, return to your online schedule screen and click on the item to prepare it for posting.

Click “No” when asked if you have put the allocated SMART with the item, and on the following screen select a reason why you couldn’t do so.

You will then be invited to select an alternative SMART from a drop-down list of those available on your stock list. Clicking “Next” will return you to your online schedule screen.

The item will now be marked “Ready for Posting”. The SMART which you have allocated will show as “Associated” to the item.

Please note that once an item is marked “Ready for Posting,” you cannot change its SMART allocation; in which case, if you don’t have the allocated SMART it’s best to post the item without a SMART rather than adding one which you will not be able to confirm on your account.

Post Office counter staff are authorised to confirm with customers that parcels do not contain any restricted or prohibited goods. If you are asked about the contents of your test parcel, without giving away your identity as a panellist, you can respond that you have checked the list of restricted and prohibited goods and the parcel does not contain any of the items listed. If you are questioned further regarding the contents, please advise the Post Office staff that the item contains a sample or samples of foam.

If you are asked to add a return address on the item, you can do so; this will not endanger your confidentiality as a panellist.

If you encounter any problems in posting a test cube or medium parcel please let us know, confirming the address of the post office.

Just hand the cube over the counter and tell them you would like to send it 1st class, if they put postage stamps on it, do not say anything but let us know which post office you sued.

Regards

John
Postal Survey Team

PS it is used not sued, I am sure you worked it out already when you read it.

stephenliverpool1

tomvox wrote: »

I'm on my third week back and going through the retraining stage. I'm not sure when they will send out the Christmas stamps but even if you are training you'll get them.

Irrespective if you are in training (or not), rested for 6 months or actually doing the survey, you will get a set of the Xmas stamps given to you by TNS.

I complained last year that they had not sent me any Xmas stamps for last year and the previous 2 years. For info, I was being rested during Xmas for the previous 3 years. As they had no Xmas stamps left, they compromised by sending me free 1st class stamps and free large letter stamps.

With regards the diary, you will receive one irrespective of whether you are doing the survey or you are being rested.

Just complain if you don't get the diary or Xmas stamps.

lavendergirl

I was resting last Christmas and got neither. I did contact them and they informed me that if you are resting you do not receive a diary. BTW I am still resting after 18 months. Not sure if I will be asked back to active panel.

stephenliverpool1

lavendergirl wrote: »

I was resting last Christmas and got neither. I did contact them and they informed me that if you are resting you do not receive a diary. BTW I am still resting after 18 months. Not sure if I will be asked back to active panel.

That is total tosh. I have been resting for the last 3 Xmas's. Every time I have had a free diary and free Xmas stamps. For the diary, I have had to give TNS a gentle complaint and reminder that I had not received a diary. They have always sent me one.

With regards the Xmas stamps, I had to advise TNS last year that I had not received any Xmas stamps for the previous 3 years and hey presto, they sent me a load of free 1st class stamps.

Complain to TNS.....they are very dis-organised and don't take no for an answer. Just refer them to this thread when you complain.

johnmoney05

lavendergirl wrote: »

I was resting last Christmas and got neither. I did contact them and they informed me that if you are resting you do not receive a diary. BTW I am still resting after 18 months. Not sure if I will be asked back to active panel.

Guess you might want to complain TNS like Stephen did! Go complain! :eek:

bdark2755

I was training last Christmas and got neither diary or special stamps, I went live in January (got Starwars stamps), they rested me in July (got Shakepeare stamps).

I am now doing the new 'GPS Mobile Trial' which started this week. I got the usual 2 books of stamps in my first sending pack, but no special stamps, which I thought you got each end of the 'live' stint, so I am assuming I'm not classed as being on the live panel at the moment. Even though I am posting 5 days a week, but I'm not sure how long the trail lasts so that may be why I didn't get the full incentives.

It'll be interesting to see if I qualify for the stamps/diary this Christmas.