Alternative to Post Office

Viable alternative to using UK Postal Service

[John]

After quite a long trouble free spell I am now experiencing 10% lost packages using the UK Post Office to send small packages to UK and US customers.

Typical package is between 150 grams ( 6 ounces) and 600 grams ( 24 ounces) values between $20 and $100.

Anyone got experience of alternative to the Post Office?

Hope you are all having a bumper time!

[piskie]

I use the Post Office, Royal Mail or whatever they are calling themselves now. The service that I use is "International Signed For" which (touch wood) has been 100% so far.

This cost £3.30 on top of normal rates and includes compensation insurance up to £30. Additional compensation insurance is available and I think an additional £1.50 provides £500 cover.

I bet you are already aware of the above and probably using it.

If you are into a reasonable quantity, the other option is to enquire about a contract rate with the major couriers.

[PCInk]

The Post Office also give you insurance on anything sent (up to £30) but you must have a proof of postage stamped when you send the item or a recorded delivery slip, again stamped when sent.

I am sticking with the Royal Mail at the moment and am waiting till they lose their monopoly to see how many competitors appear and how much the Mail improves or declines when this happens. We have a long wait till Jan 1st!
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[Essex_boy]

Upto 3kg I have a friend who use a firm called RDM for UK delivery they may be able to help you with overseas delivery.

[RailMan]

personally i think opening up the postal service to competition is going to cause more problems than it solves
lots of companies needing to make profits = lots of companies cutting costs with cheap labour and poor service
royal mail has it's problems, but breaking the monopoly won't cure them ............