Spectos/Royal Mail Monitoring and Posting Panel

HonestJohn

Saetana said:

Money_Grabber13579 said:

NBLondon said:

Gail333 said:

Unlike the letter bundles though, there are no codes on either of the parcels to report so I don't understand how I am supposed to report that I've posted them. On the letter that came with one of them it said to "remove the band" before posting but there is no band, it's just a box that contains a dvd (says this on the letter that came with it) with five first class stamps on it.

Turn the Posting Plan over Gail.    The barcode to scan at time of posting is on the back (same is it would be on the band round a bundle of letters).  This is the case whether you have a DVD box (cardboard mailer) or a Jiffy Bag or a mailbag.

Gail333 said:

The second one is in a drawstring bag and I have no idea if I'm supposed to open this bag or just give the whole thing to the post office. This one also comes with  documentation that I think I'm supposed to give to the post office staff.

Read Saetana's response above.   The Manifest is the one with RM logo at top left and long barcode at top right.  Look at the red or green tag which is zip tied round the neck of the bag.  If this is blank copy the details from the manifest as Saetana said, if it is already completed or stamped - just take the manifest with you to the PO.   The PO clerk should scan the long barcode from the manifest and then tell you what to do next.   1) They might keep the manifest and tell you where to leave the bag  2) They might ask you to attach the manifest to the bag by tucking under the zip tie (I have a big elastic band ready for this) or do it themselves.

If you have taken the Posting Plan with you, then you can report it like any other bundle.  

OR - if you have a parcel postbox convenient  to you (this is a handy website https://postboxes.dracos.co.uk/parcels/ )   then you can open the mailbag, post the parcels in that postbox, scan the barcode on the back of the Posting Plan to report.   In that case, you discard the manifest and don't need to queue up.   

I never had any intention of taking the sack to the post office as I prefer to post parcels in a post box so no one asks any questions. I therefore opened the sack and it contains 2 books which are small enough to fit into a regular post box. I wonder could I just drop them in my local post box which is about a 10 minute walk from my house rather than driving 5 miles to the nearest parcel box?

No you cannot - parcels have to be posted either at the post office or in a dedicated parcel posting box, they have to track what happens to actual parcels, not just items posted in a regular postbox.

Anybody know if an item posted in a regular postbox is treated differently to an item posted in a parcel box? The only difference will be the way they are paid for. What is the label on these items?

cazzzie987

Tried to sign up, i guess they don't want anyone else then?!

bdark2755

HonestJohn said:

Saetana said:

Money_Grabber13579 said:

NBLondon said:

Gail333 said:

Unlike the letter bundles though, there are no codes on either of the parcels to report so I don't understand how I am supposed to report that I've posted them. On the letter that came with one of them it said to "remove the band" before posting but there is no band, it's just a box that contains a dvd (says this on the letter that came with it) with five first class stamps on it.

Turn the Posting Plan over Gail.    The barcode to scan at time of posting is on the back (same is it would be on the band round a bundle of letters).  This is the case whether you have a DVD box (cardboard mailer) or a Jiffy Bag or a mailbag.

Gail333 said:

The second one is in a drawstring bag and I have no idea if I'm supposed to open this bag or just give the whole thing to the post office. This one also comes with  documentation that I think I'm supposed to give to the post office staff.

Read Saetana's response above.   The Manifest is the one with RM logo at top left and long barcode at top right.  Look at the red or green tag which is zip tied round the neck of the bag.  If this is blank copy the details from the manifest as Saetana said, if it is already completed or stamped - just take the manifest with you to the PO.   The PO clerk should scan the long barcode from the manifest and then tell you what to do next.   1) They might keep the manifest and tell you where to leave the bag  2) They might ask you to attach the manifest to the bag by tucking under the zip tie (I have a big elastic band ready for this) or do it themselves.

If you have taken the Posting Plan with you, then you can report it like any other bundle.  

OR - if you have a parcel postbox convenient  to you (this is a handy website https://postboxes.dracos.co.uk/parcels/ )   then you can open the mailbag, post the parcels in that postbox, scan the barcode on the back of the Posting Plan to report.   In that case, you discard the manifest and don't need to queue up.   

I never had any intention of taking the sack to the post office as I prefer to post parcels in a post box so no one asks any questions. I therefore opened the sack and it contains 2 books which are small enough to fit into a regular post box. I wonder could I just drop them in my local post box which is about a 10 minute walk from my house rather than driving 5 miles to the nearest parcel box?

No you cannot - parcels have to be posted either at the post office or in a dedicated parcel posting box, they have to track what happens to actual parcels, not just items posted in a regular postbox.

Anybody know if an item posted in a regular postbox is treated differently to an item posted in a parcel box? The only difference will be the way they are paid for. What is the label on these items?

I’ve posted 3 lots in a parcel box instead of post office in the 4 weeks I’ve been with Spectos  and nothing has been said yet. I had checked this out with Kantar previously and they said it was fine, when I asked what I should do with the mail bags they said throw them away! Which I don’t as it’s such a waste, so I give them back to the postie who visits my workplace every day. I’m assuming if Spectos do things differently they would have told me I’m doing it wrong. I mark the app as putting them in a parcel box so they know I’m doing it.

HonestJohn

bdark2755 said:

HonestJohn said:

Saetana said:

Money_Grabber13579 said:

NBLondon said:

Gail333 said:

Unlike the letter bundles though, there are no codes on either of the parcels to report so I don't understand how I am supposed to report that I've posted them. On the letter that came with one of them it said to "remove the band" before posting but there is no band, it's just a box that contains a dvd (says this on the letter that came with it) with five first class stamps on it.

Turn the Posting Plan over Gail.    The barcode to scan at time of posting is on the back (same is it would be on the band round a bundle of letters).  This is the case whether you have a DVD box (cardboard mailer) or a Jiffy Bag or a mailbag.

Gail333 said:

The second one is in a drawstring bag and I have no idea if I'm supposed to open this bag or just give the whole thing to the post office. This one also comes with  documentation that I think I'm supposed to give to the post office staff.

Read Saetana's response above.   The Manifest is the one with RM logo at top left and long barcode at top right.  Look at the red or green tag which is zip tied round the neck of the bag.  If this is blank copy the details from the manifest as Saetana said, if it is already completed or stamped - just take the manifest with you to the PO.   The PO clerk should scan the long barcode from the manifest and then tell you what to do next.   1) They might keep the manifest and tell you where to leave the bag  2) They might ask you to attach the manifest to the bag by tucking under the zip tie (I have a big elastic band ready for this) or do it themselves.

If you have taken the Posting Plan with you, then you can report it like any other bundle.  

OR - if you have a parcel postbox convenient  to you (this is a handy website https://postboxes.dracos.co.uk/parcels/ )   then you can open the mailbag, post the parcels in that postbox, scan the barcode on the back of the Posting Plan to report.   In that case, you discard the manifest and don't need to queue up.   

I never had any intention of taking the sack to the post office as I prefer to post parcels in a post box so no one asks any questions. I therefore opened the sack and it contains 2 books which are small enough to fit into a regular post box. I wonder could I just drop them in my local post box which is about a 10 minute walk from my house rather than driving 5 miles to the nearest parcel box?

No you cannot - parcels have to be posted either at the post office or in a dedicated parcel posting box, they have to track what happens to actual parcels, not just items posted in a regular postbox.

Anybody know if an item posted in a regular postbox is treated differently to an item posted in a parcel box? The only difference will be the way they are paid for. What is the label on these items?

I’ve posted 3 lots in a parcel box instead of post office in the 4 weeks I’ve been with Spectos  and nothing has been said yet. I had checked this out with Kantar previously and they said it was fine, when I asked what I should do with the mail bags they said throw them away! Which I don’t as it’s such a waste, so I give them back to the postie who visits my workplace every day. I’m assuming if Spectos do things differently they would have told me I’m doing it wrong. I mark the app as putting them in a parcel box so they know I’m doing it.

We were discussing using a normal postbox instead of a parcel box but you have answered the question. The app would know which one you have used by the gps location.

MDMD

bdark2755 said:

HonestJohn said:

Saetana said:

Money_Grabber13579 said:

NBLondon said:

Gail333 said:

Unlike the letter bundles though, there are no codes on either of the parcels to report so I don't understand how I am supposed to report that I've posted them. On the letter that came with one of them it said to "remove the band" before posting but there is no band, it's just a box that contains a dvd (says this on the letter that came with it) with five first class stamps on it.

Turn the Posting Plan over Gail.    The barcode to scan at time of posting is on the back (same is it would be on the band round a bundle of letters).  This is the case whether you have a DVD box (cardboard mailer) or a Jiffy Bag or a mailbag.

Gail333 said:

The second one is in a drawstring bag and I have no idea if I'm supposed to open this bag or just give the whole thing to the post office. This one also comes with  documentation that I think I'm supposed to give to the post office staff.

Read Saetana's response above.   The Manifest is the one with RM logo at top left and long barcode at top right.  Look at the red or green tag which is zip tied round the neck of the bag.  If this is blank copy the details from the manifest as Saetana said, if it is already completed or stamped - just take the manifest with you to the PO.   The PO clerk should scan the long barcode from the manifest and then tell you what to do next.   1) They might keep the manifest and tell you where to leave the bag  2) They might ask you to attach the manifest to the bag by tucking under the zip tie (I have a big elastic band ready for this) or do it themselves.

If you have taken the Posting Plan with you, then you can report it like any other bundle.  

OR - if you have a parcel postbox convenient  to you (this is a handy website https://postboxes.dracos.co.uk/parcels/ )   then you can open the mailbag, post the parcels in that postbox, scan the barcode on the back of the Posting Plan to report.   In that case, you discard the manifest and don't need to queue up.   

I never had any intention of taking the sack to the post office as I prefer to post parcels in a post box so no one asks any questions. I therefore opened the sack and it contains 2 books which are small enough to fit into a regular post box. I wonder could I just drop them in my local post box which is about a 10 minute walk from my house rather than driving 5 miles to the nearest parcel box?

No you cannot - parcels have to be posted either at the post office or in a dedicated parcel posting box, they have to track what happens to actual parcels, not just items posted in a regular postbox.

Anybody know if an item posted in a regular postbox is treated differently to an item posted in a parcel box? The only difference will be the way they are paid for. What is the label on these items?

I’ve posted 3 lots in a parcel box instead of post office in the 4 weeks I’ve been with Spectos  and nothing has been said yet. I had checked this out with Kantar previously and they said it was fine, when I asked what I should do with the mail bags they said throw them away! Which I don’t as it’s such a waste, so I give them back to the postie who visits my workplace every day. I’m assuming if Spectos do things differently they would have told me I’m doing it wrong. I mark the app as putting them in a parcel box so they know I’m doing it.

I’m sure someone on the old thread said they got a spare one once so they posted in in a postbox. You could just put that loose in the parcel postbox too.

beanielou

These sacks are a pain.
There are no parcel postboxes anywhere near me
The local post office is dire & not always open & you now have to pay for parking.
Scunnered.

adamp87

LADY_A said:

How long is it after registering and completing the quizzes I can expect to hear anything else , such as posting schedule etc

Just wondering if I need to do anything else other than completing the quizzes .
If not how long is it usually before you get allocated  

I had just finished Kantar, did the quizzes after the invite and got a letter 3 days later saying I’m in a rest period and they’ll be in touch or I can email to start now.

emailed to start then got an email back saying they have tons of emails or something so might not reply for a while 

XDA

HomingPigeon said:

Please can someone post a link to the tutorial about posting mail in a mailbag? Many thanks. x

I don’t think there is one?

Sunbird1952

Under Section 2 of Tutorials - Posting Test Items. Look for FAQ on first page then Tutorials - Manuals. I cannot download them on my phone so screenshot them all!! 

Saetana

HonestJohn said:

Saetana said:

Money_Grabber13579 said:

NBLondon said:

Gail333 said:

Unlike the letter bundles though, there are no codes on either of the parcels to report so I don't understand how I am supposed to report that I've posted them. On the letter that came with one of them it said to "remove the band" before posting but there is no band, it's just a box that contains a dvd (says this on the letter that came with it) with five first class stamps on it.

Turn the Posting Plan over Gail.    The barcode to scan at time of posting is on the back (same is it would be on the band round a bundle of letters).  This is the case whether you have a DVD box (cardboard mailer) or a Jiffy Bag or a mailbag.

Gail333 said:

The second one is in a drawstring bag and I have no idea if I'm supposed to open this bag or just give the whole thing to the post office. This one also comes with  documentation that I think I'm supposed to give to the post office staff.

Read Saetana's response above.   The Manifest is the one with RM logo at top left and long barcode at top right.  Look at the red or green tag which is zip tied round the neck of the bag.  If this is blank copy the details from the manifest as Saetana said, if it is already completed or stamped - just take the manifest with you to the PO.   The PO clerk should scan the long barcode from the manifest and then tell you what to do next.   1) They might keep the manifest and tell you where to leave the bag  2) They might ask you to attach the manifest to the bag by tucking under the zip tie (I have a big elastic band ready for this) or do it themselves.

If you have taken the Posting Plan with you, then you can report it like any other bundle.  

OR - if you have a parcel postbox convenient  to you (this is a handy website https://postboxes.dracos.co.uk/parcels/ )   then you can open the mailbag, post the parcels in that postbox, scan the barcode on the back of the Posting Plan to report.   In that case, you discard the manifest and don't need to queue up.   

I never had any intention of taking the sack to the post office as I prefer to post parcels in a post box so no one asks any questions. I therefore opened the sack and it contains 2 books which are small enough to fit into a regular post box. I wonder could I just drop them in my local post box which is about a 10 minute walk from my house rather than driving 5 miles to the nearest parcel box?

No you cannot - parcels have to be posted either at the post office or in a dedicated parcel posting box, they have to track what happens to actual parcels, not just items posted in a regular postbox.

Anybody know if an item posted in a regular postbox is treated differently to an item posted in a parcel box? The only difference will be the way they are paid for. What is the label on these items?

Doesn't matter whether they are handled separately or not, the point is Spectos will be able to tell where the items were posted because the postman/woman scans the box when they empty it, in addition to the panellist presumably correctly reporting exactly where they posted it.  All I know is that anything other than a very small light parcel is delivered separately in a a van rather than by the postman who delivers my letters and packets so I would imagine there is some degree of separate handling.  If we were allowed to post these items in normal postboxes then Spectos would say so but they specify post office or dedicated parcel box so those are the options.