Royal Mail barcoding stamps - existing stamps valid only until 31 Jan 2023

HonestJohn

If in doubt send them in.

br1anst0rm

Can't understand why Royal Mail is not enabling a simple over-the-counter exchange of "old" non-bar-coded stamps for replacement new ones at local Post Offices.  Quicker and more secure than sending them off with the Swap-out Form to a Freepost address.  Not only can you not get proof-of-postage or confirmation-of-delivery when sending the form and stamps.  An envelope with the  Freepost Swap Out address is so obviously identifiable as containing stamps for exchange that it is very tempting to sticky-fingered thieves in sorting offices.

MSE_James

Because the Royal Mail is a different entity to the Post Office, and no doubt RM would rather not pay commission to the PO for handling exchange of stamps.

Codger1947

The two organisations are separate, yet the Post Office is the main way that the public access Royal Mail services, e.g. to buy postage stamps and to post parcels.  I've only ever once visited a Royal Mail office (to pick up a parcel I think), very inconveniently located.  Without the Post Office network, the Royal Mail would decline even faster than it is doing now.

Money_Grabber13579

Codger1947 said:

The two organisations are separate, yet the Post Office is the main way that the public access Royal Mail services, e.g. to buy postage stamps and to post parcels.  I've only ever once visited a Royal Mail office (to pick up a parcel I think), very inconveniently located.  Without the Post Office network, the Royal Mail would decline even faster than it is doing now.

But it seems that Royal Mail is doing it’s best to wean itself off it’s reliance on Post Offices, otherwise we would not be seeing Royal Mail introducing many new services independently e.g. parcel post boxes, online postage which is cheaper than Post Office postage, collecting parcels from your own home etc

KxMx

They are also pushing Tracked24/48 with lower prices for several months, Tracked bypasses Post Office completely. 

gt94sss2

Codger1947 said:

The two organisations are separate, yet the Post Office is the main way that the public access Royal Mail services, e.g. to buy postage stamps and to post parcels.  I've only ever once visited a Royal Mail office (to pick up a parcel I think), very inconveniently located.  Without the Post Office network, the Royal Mail would decline even faster than it is doing now.

The Post Office ended its exclusive contract with the Royal Mail - hence you see more Post Offices also offering parcel services for other firms.

Codger1947

gt94sss2 said:

The Post Office ended its exclusive contract with the Royal Mail - hence you see more Post Offices also offering parcel services for other firms.

Perhaps the Post Office should be renamed e.g. Not the Post Office.

custardy

Codger1947 said:

gt94sss2 said:

The Post Office ended its exclusive contract with the Royal Mail - hence you see more Post Offices also offering parcel services for other firms.

Perhaps the Post Office should be renamed e.g. Not the Post Office.

Probably easier calling it 'not Royal Mail', since staff have to explain that fact multiple times a day...........

"Codger1947 said:

The two organisations are separate, yet the Post Office is the main way that the public access Royal Mail services, e.g. to buy postage stamps and to post parcels.  I've only ever once visited a Royal Mail office (to pick up a parcel I think), very inconveniently located.  Without the Post Office network, the Royal Mail would decline even faster than it is doing now."

Some of the public. RMs entire push is bang for the buck from their staff at the doorstep. Hence the reduction in RM callers office hours and push for parcel collection at the door.

soolin

Codger1947 said:

gt94sss2 said:

The Post Office ended its exclusive contract with the Royal Mail - hence you see more Post Offices also offering parcel services for other firms.

Perhaps the Post Office should be renamed e.g. Not the Post Office.

I’m not sure I understand. They are post offices, ie they take post for other companies including Riyal Mail and some couriers.