Royal Mail customers have been issued advice ahead of the busy Christmas period – so here's everything you need to know about sending letters and parcels in the coming days
A Royal Mail employee has shared when you should consider using its special delivery service. It costs more than your regular postal fees because prices start from £4.85, but there are some perks that come with it.
Not only are you guaranteed on-time delivery or your money back, you can also pay a little extra to get letters and parcels dropped off on a Saturday. Another bonus is that you don't need to send Christmas gifts too far in advance of the big day.
So when should you consider stumping up this extra cash? A postie took to TikTok to share everything you need to know.
The Royal Mail worker said: "If you're sending jewellery, money or anything of value, or you just want to get your parcel there the next day guaranteed, then special delivery is perfect for you.
"You can send up to 20kg with prices starting from £4.85 and insurance up to £2,500. It's great for peace of mind and perfect for those last minute gifts with December 23rd being the last date of posting to get it there in time for Christmas."
If you don't want to pay for the special delivery service, you can consider Royal Mail Tracked 24 or 48 instead. The former has a Christmas cut-off date of December 22, while the latter has a last recommended posting date of December 19.
So with that being said, you should consider Royal Mail special delivery in three circumstances. These are:
When sending jewellery or money
When you would like valuable items or gifts insured
When you need guaranteed delivery
The Post Office provides delivery choices from carriers beyond Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide, with services from Evri and DPD available in selected branches.
The final posting dates are:
Last Royal Mail 2nd Class: Wednesday December 17
Last Parcelforce express48 date: Friday December 19
Last Royal Mail Tracked 48 date: Friday December 19
Last Evri Standard date: Friday December 19
Last Royal Mail 1st Class date: Saturday December 20
Last DPD 2Day date: Saturday December 20
Last Parcelforce express24 date: Monday December 22
Last Royal Mail Tracked 24 date: Monday December 22
Last Evri Next Day date: Monday December 22
Last DPD Next Day date: Monday December 22 (some postcode exceptions)
Royal Mail's Special Delivery Guaranteed: Tuesday December 23
DPD Gold: Tuesday December 23