Completely Wrong Address

dancop25 · Post by **dancop25** » 21 May 2017, 09:01

Hi there, first time posting!

I recently sent a letter but realised I got the address completely wrong. Not even mixed up with another address, just completely wrong. I wrote a return address (which was correct I believe!) so I expect it to come back but was wondering how long would it take? This is an ordinary letter with nothing inside other than a written note.
As a bonus question, just because I'm now curious, in general how far can a letter get until it's picked up on that its address doesn't exist?

Post by **Snaggletooth** » 21 May 2017, 09:53

It will probably depend on just how wrong it is. Did you put a real, existing postcode on it? You can check on RM's website if unsure.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 21 May 2017, 16:42

dancop25 wrote:Hi there, first time posting!

I recently sent a letter but realised I got the address completely wrong. Not even mixed up with another address, just completely wrong. I wrote a return address (which was correct I believe!) so I expect it to come back but was wondering how long would it take? This is an ordinary letter with nothing inside other than a written note.
As a bonus question, just because I'm now curious, in general how far can a letter get until it's picked up on that its address doesn't exist?

How long will it take to get back - depends on so many factors its difficult to say. The probable/possible scenarios are.

1. The Mail centres machines can't sort the letter - it will be a quick turnaround.

2. The postcode (or part of it exists) - then it will be sorted to the local office -
a. Posties realise address is completely false and RTS it - an average of a week or so depending on how quick they clear dead mail.
b. Post Code Exists so postie tries at the closest matching address - this one depends if they speak to the resident or post it on the off chance. The first could mean a longer turnaround of a few weeks to a month, the latter depends on the resident, they may just bin it.

Chances are good that it will be returned to you in around 7 - 14 days, but its by no means certain.

The bonus question - all the way to the Delivery Address with the closest matching postcode, town or district. Once the machines can't sort it the process is entirely manual and inevitably means what happens to it lies in the hands of fate.

dancop25 · Post by **dancop25** » 21 May 2017, 22:04

I see. Thanks! I find it really interesting to know more how snail mail works.

I have another bonus question if you're willing to answer: If the letter was addressed overseas to the US for example, how would the return process and time differ?

Post by **Snaggletooth** » 22 May 2017, 08:26

If it is addressed to the US, has a UK rate stamp on it (i.e. not enough to pay for surface mail to the US) and carries a return address in the UK then it will be returned to sender quite quickly. Obviously there are a lot of variations on this scenario, some with different outcomes.

bmccoll · Post by **bmccoll** » 24 Jun 2017, 22:56

I've always found that we Brit posties endeavour to deliver incorrectly adressed mail whereas our American cousins appear to indiscrimitally return mail if it was one number out! I've delivered mail that was addressed to the wrong street as well as the wrong number to the intended addressee!