We know how important it is to keep your postage costs down
Whether you’re using Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide, here are some tips to get the most out of your postage.
1. Pack smart
The price of postage, whether 1st Class, 2nd Class or Royal Mail Signed For®, depends on size as well as weight. That means picking the right packaging can save you a fair bit of money.
If your item is classed as a Small Parcel, it’ll be a lot cheaper to send than a Medium Parcel – even if it’s the same weight.
For a guide to postage sizes and costs in the UK, have a look at our prices.
2. Send a few things to one address together
If you have quite a few things to post, and you’re using a Parcelforce Worldwide service excluding globalvalue and globaleconomy, you can send up to 15 items as a consignment and receive a discount.
For example
Two parcels weighing 2kg and 4kg with a total weight of 6kg being sent by express24 to the same UK address would cost £34.38. If they were sent together it would cost £21.12, saving you £13.26!
3. eBay seller? Pick the right service to help you meet marketplace seller standards.
In an ‘item not received’ case eBay requires proof of delivery for sales up to £750 and a signature confirming delivery on for sales over £750. All Royal Mail UK parcel services & Parcelforce Worldwide services meet eBay’s seller protection guidelines for sales up to £750.
Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm, Royal Mail Special Delivery by 9am, Royal Mail Signed For services and all Parcelforce Worldwide services meet eBay’s seller protection guidelines for sales over £750.
Remember to always check the compensation cover available when you choose your service, so if there is any loss or damage you’ll be covered.
4. If you’re a business customer, claim back your VAT
If your business is registered for VAT, and sells taxable goods or services, then it’s likely that you’ll be able recover the VAT spent on postage as part of your VAT return.
Standard postal services are exempt from VAT. However, if any delivery charge you make to your own customers includes the cost of stamps you buy from the Post Office you may have to charge VAT on the whole amount including the cost of postage.
Royal Mail has more information on the VAT it charges on specific services.
For professional advice, talk to your company’s finance department, accountant or tax advisor. You can also find more information on VAT at the HMRC website.
If you’re eligible, don’t forget to ask for a VAT receipt when you’re sending your item.
5. Pick the right packaging
Need packaging that’ll last the distance? Choose PostPak.
Because it’s easy to build and very robust, it’s the perfect way to safely send your parcels.
And the PostPak’s FSC accreditation* means all materials are sourced responsibly while still maintaining high quality standards.
*Forest Stewardship Council (PostPak Red only)
