End of self-service in Post Offices, longer queues

GadgetGuru

My PO never had these, but we've just had a new post box installed outside for pre-labelled packages.

You press a button to activate the scanner - scan your barcode - and once it's verified the package it opens a tray for you to place the package into, and then close the tray for it to fall into the post box. There's a small camera also capturing everything, and you get the tracking update online to say its been dropped off.

Never used it yet TBH, but interesting concept……

Crumbum

I hope it works. It could really improve the service. But it sounds a bit vulnerable to misuse.

jon81uk

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81987722#Comment_81987722

The new smart postboxes need the barcode to be scanned to prevent misuse, without scanning the barcode the slot is the same as the old postbox so only letters will fit. Scanning allows small parcels to fit.

But in general as Soolin says, just buy postage directly from Royal Mail now. I've stopped using Post Office, just buy on the Royal Mail website and print my own label, or scan the QR code at the sorting office for them to print it.

Pollycat

I take my Royal Mail parcels to my local post office which is also a Morrisons.

I enjoy the chat with the staff and whenever I have a parcel to pick up (RM, EVRI, DPD) they know what I've come for and get it ready for me.