In this article
Popular searches
Log into your account
Travel and Insurance
Posting
Why parcel tracking matters
If you sell items online, whether that’s full time or as a side hustle, your reputation is everything.
Buyers want to know when their order will arrive. If they’re left in the dark, they worry. If something goes wrong, they complain or ask for a refund. And you lose money and time.
Providing tracking details for the items you’re sending helps stop that from happening. It shows customers:
- You care about their order
- You’re a seller they can trust
- You’re professional, even if you’re just starting out
It also helps you:
- Spot delays and fix them quickly
- Prove items were delivered
- Avoid disputes and bad reviews
Think about it: if you were buying something online, would you feel better knowing where it is and when it’s coming? Your customers feel the same.
How parcel tracking works
Every parcel that’s sent with tracking has a unique code, like a barcode or tracking number. Once the parcel’s been handed over to the courier, it’s scanned at different stages as it moves through the delivery system. Depending on the courier and service, this may happen for certain parts of the journey or throughout.
The times a parcel gets scanned may be when it:
- Leaves the Post Office branch you dropped it off at
- Passes through a sorting office or mail centre
- Is loaded into a delivery van
- Arrives at the recipient's door
Your customers can use that tracking number to follow their item’s journey online. Again, depending on the courier and service, they may also get:
- Updates by email and/or text
- A delivery time slot
- Proof of delivery (like a photo or signature)
If a customer says an item didn’t turn up, tracking gives you proof about whether it did or didn’t. If there’s a delay, you’ll know what’s happened and can keep them informed.
How Post Office makes parcel tracking easy
You don’t need to run a big business to use proper courier tracking. At Post Office, we offer postage services with tracking from trusted names you’ll know, available at branches all across the UK.
Send with couriers you and your customers can trust
At any Post Office branch, you’ll find services from:
- Royal Mail: Offers Tracked 24 and 48 services plus Special Delivery Guaranteed with full tracking and delivery updates
- Parcelforce Worldwide: Great for heavier or time-sensitive parcels with full UK and international tracking. Services include UK delivery the next day and within two days plus international delivery options
And in a growing number of branches, you’ll also find:
- DPD: Sends real-time delivery updates and photo proof of delivery as standard. Browse DPD services
- Evri: Offers parcel tracking with photo proof of delivery as standard. Browse Evri services
All these services give you the flexibility to pick the right option for your parcel, your customer and your budget.
Find a branch near you with the service you need
Try Drop & Go to streamline your workflow
One way to make the most of your time is Drop & Go. It’s our fast-drop mails service that lets you send parcels quickly in branch, without the wait at the counter while your parcels are processed.
Here’s how it works:
- Sign up for a free account
- Top up your account or set up auto top-up
- Prepare your parcels before you visit
- Complete a simple postage form to tell us how you want each item sent
- Drop your parcels off at your local branch
The branch team processes the parcels the same day and the cost of postage is taken from your prepaid account. Time saved so you can focus on making more sales.
Use Parcels Online to save time
Prefer to pay for your postage upfront? Visit Parcels Online and you can choose from a range of services with tracking from different couriers.
- Go online, choose a service and buy your postage
- Print the label (or you’ll get a QR code the branch can scan to print it for you)
- Drop your parcel(s) off at your local branch
This is handy if you send lots of items and want to stay on top of orders during busy weeks.
How tracking helps you grow
Tracking isn’t just about avoiding problems. It also helps you build a stronger business.
It leads to:
- Fewer refund requests
- Better customer reviews and ratings
- More repeat buyers
- A better reputation on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay and Vinted
And, of course, that all adds up to more sales.
What’s more, many online selling platforms give sellers higher ratings or protect them in disputes if they can show proof of postage and delivery.
Key takeaways
- Parcel tracking shows customers you’re reliable and helps prevent disputes
- It also leads to happier customers and more repeat sales
- Plus, it saves you time, money and hassle, so you can concentrate on sales
- At Post Office, you can use services with tracking from a range of trusted couriers
- Pay upfront online or choose a service in branch
- Or save time with Drop & Go, ideal for regular senders, marketplace sellers and small businesses
Send parcels the way that suits you and your customers
Common questions about tracking parcels
-
Tracking the parcels you send to customers helps reduce lost items and customer disputes. It builds trust, keeps buyers informed and can improve your ratings and repeat business. And it protects you in case customers say something hasn’t arrived that you have proof was delivered to their address.
-
Evri and DPD are available in more and more branches across the UK. You can check availability online or by asking at your local branch.
-
Yes, you can buy services with tracking from a range of couriers using Parcels Online and then drop your parcel off in branch later.
-
Yes. Just prepare your items and complete a Drop & Go postage form (also called a 'manifest') listing the services you want to use for them. Bring them all into branch and they’ll be processed the same day. You’ll get tracking details for any items sent with tracking. And the cost of postage will be deducted from your account.
-
Yes. You can use international tracking services from Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide in any Post Office branch. International services from DPD and Evri are also available in selected branches. Recipients overseas will get updates and delivery info just like those in the UK.
More services for online sellers
-
Parcels Online
Compare prices and services from our partner carriers and pay for postage online. Then drop your parcels off at a participating Post Office branch
-
Drop & Go
A fast-drop service for regular senders, online sellers and small businesses. No waiting at counters, weighing or printing labels. We do it all for you
-
Everyday banking
Access your bank account at thousands of Post Office branches. Pay in cash and cheques, make withdrawals or check your balance
More about posting
8 ways to declutter your home and make extra cash
Thinking about decluttering your home? As well as helping create a calmer space, clearing out your unwanted things could even put some extra money in your pocket.
A clear returns policy: tips every online seller should know
When you run your own online store, your products could end up in homes all over the UK, even around the world. But there’s one thing all sellers must face eventually: ...
5 tips to grow your online business and be more productive
Work smarter not harder as you grow your online seller business with these tips from confidence coach and Drop & Go user Tiwalola Ogunlesi.
Selling your homemade creations online and locally
Whether you’re into making candles, greetings cards or customised gifts, turning your hobby into a side hustle has never been easier. And we're here to help you get ...
How to sell on eBay
Are you wondering how to make some extra money on the side? Or perhaps you’re thinking of changing your career path? One area to consider is online selling.
How to sell on Amazon UK Marketplace
Have you ever dreamt of quitting the 9 to 5 for a more relaxed way of working? One route to a better work-life balance may be selling online.
How to get started selling online
Learn how to start selling online and make extra money. This guide covers how to set goals, pick the right platform and make sure what you sell reaches customers safely. ...
How to sell your preloved items on Vinted
Want to make a little extra money, clear some space in your wardrobe or a bit of both? Enter Vinted, the online marketplace for buying and selling preloved clothes.
Save time with this easy Vinted drop-off hack
Tired of dropping off parcels in different places? This simple hack lets you send all your Vinted parcels from one Post Office branch, saving you time and hassle.
How to post your items internationally
Sending letters or parcels abroad? Whether it’s a birthday gift, business letter or parcels of different sizes you’re posting to customers, we can help with that.
Getting your business found online: the power of search
Promoting your business or side hustle digitally is a great way to attract new customers. But working out the best way to do it can be confusing. We can help that.
Choosing the right courier for your needs
Whether you’re fulfilling regular orders or only sending items now and then, you’ll want to know you’re getting the right postage service at the right price. We can help ...
Why your packaging matters when you sell online
The right packaging protects your products, builds customer trust and can save your business money. And we can help with that. Read our guide to help get it right for ...
Master the art of seasonal selling
Ever wonder why some online sellers do so well at certain times? They've mastered the art of seasonal selling. For businesses and side hustlers who’ve got the knack, it ...
Drive your success and make the most of the Christmas rush – without the stress
Our partners Evri are sharing tips to save you time, increase your orders and help your business run smoothly into the festive season. Ready to start crossing off your ...
How to start a subscription box business
Whether it’s a side hustle or a full-time job, starting a subscription box business can be a great way to unleash your creativity and help you make money too.