Forwarding Mail (re-addressing)

Relievo

Sorry I didn't know where else to post this.

A long time ago, I hear it was perfectly fine to forward delivered mail by writing the new address of the recipient, covering over the old address and re-posting it.

My folks have been doing this, while I get settled in a new town. (Bless 'em!)
I recently received a postcard in the mail, asking me to collect an envelope from the post office, with a fee of £2 attached.

Does anyone know much about this sort of thing? Is it 'legal' to re-direct post like this? I was once told it was okay, maybe even by Mr Lewis himself on the TV :money:, but I can't remember, it was so long ago...

Thanks in advice!

Fosterdog

The Royal Mail have a chargeable redirection service for you to get your mail redirected.

What your parents are doing is not illegal but RM don't have to do it free of charge. The original postage was paid for them to get the item to a specific address, they have done that so the service is complete. For your parents to repost it they would have to pay a second postage charge.

LABMAN

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1151401

mije1983

I imagine they will do it free for the odd bit of mail, but from your post it does sound like it is a regular thing so that's probably why they have started charging you, and rightly so really. They think you are abusing the system instead of paying for the mentioned redirection service.

bazzyb

Fosterdog wrote: »

What your parents are doing is not illegal but RM don't have to do it free of charge. The original postage was paid for them to get the item to a specific address, they have done that so the service is complete. For your parents to repost it they would have to pay a second postage charge.

Not quite correct. Mail can be forwarded to another address in this way, and there will be no extra charges for doing so. However, the following needs to be complied with:
- the original name & address should remain visible (so cross out the address rather than completely cover it up)
- the mail must not have been opened and revealed
- the mail must be addressed to an individual, not a business

Relievo

bazzyb wrote: »

Not quite correct. Mail can be forwarded to another address in this way, and there will be no extra charges for doing so. However, the following needs to be complied with:
- the original name & address should remain visible (so cross out the address rather than completely cover it up)
- the mail must not have been opened and revealed
- the mail must be addressed to an individual, not a business

Where can I find this information officially, so I am informed and prepared for the next time! :beer:

custardy

Relievo wrote: »

Where can I find this information officially, so I am informed and prepared for the next time! :beer:

You could be prepared by actually paying for the service you want to use?
I'm astounded RM still allow this.
Charge or destroy should be the process.

bazzyb

Relievo wrote: »

Where can I find this information officially, so I am informed and prepared for the next time! :beer:

Ask Royal Mail for details if it's not already on their website.

bazzyb

custardy wrote: »

You could be prepared by actually paying for the service you want to use?
I'm astounded RM still allow this.
Charge or destroy should be the process.

The sender pays for postage, not the recipient. 'Unofficial redirection' (not sure if that is the correct name) is something that has to be provided as part of the USO - and so thus the cost is factored in when pricing is set for ordinary first and second class postage. Therefore the service has been paid for regardless of how astounded you are.

custardy

bazzyb wrote: »

The sender pays for postage, not the recipient. 'Unofficial redirection' (not sure if that is the correct name) is something that has to be provided as part of the USO - and so thus the cost is factored in when pricing is set for ordinary first and second class postage. Therefore the service has been paid for regardless of how astounded you are.

and that makes it valid?
Its a nonsense.

neilmcl

We don't actually know if this charge relates to a "standard" piece of forwarded mail or could it in fact be for underpaid postage. My brother used to do this to me all the time and send Xmas cards that require large letter postage or more with only a standard 1st class stamp. I got pretty fed up in the end having to pay all the extra postage.