Royal Mail to let customers send more for less until January
From 20th October 2014 until 18th January 2015, Royal Mail is offering promotional prices on parcels.
Reduced 2nd Class postage costs and larger ‘Small Parcel’ dimensions mean that sending loved ones their Christmas gifts via the post should be a little cheaper this year.
New small parcel size
A new ‘Small Parcel’ designation will be introduced, combining the current ‘Wide’ and ‘Deep’ package sizes into one 45cm x 35cm x 16cm size. This will be a permanent change to Royal Mail’s service, replacing the separate options.
Currently, the Wide Parcel option measures 45cm x 35cm x 8cm, while the Deep Parcel dimensions are 35cm x 25cm x 16cm. The new parcel size should therefore help people to cram more into a single package, saving them money – so long as the parcel weighs 2kg at most.
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Bigger parcels, same price
Normally, a small parcel’s cost to post is dependent on its weight; there is one cost for a parcel weighing up to 1kg, and another for a parcel weighing up to 2kg. Current prices are outlined below.
|
|
1kg |
2kg |
|
1st Class Standard |
£3.20 |
£5.45 |
|
2nd Class Standard |
£2.80 |
£3.80 |
|
1st Class Signed For |
£4.30 |
£6.55 |
|
2nd Class Signed For |
£3.90 |
£4.90 |
From 20th October, the price becomes the same whether you’re posting a 1kg or 2kg package via 2nd Class services. Prices for 1st Class services remain the same.
|
|
1kg |
2kg |
|
2nd Class Standard |
£2.80 |
£2.80 |
|
2nd Class Signed For |
£3.90 |
£3.90 |
The price includes compensation of up to £50 for confirmed delivery (either class), or £20 for standard. The 1kg and 2kg pricing categories for 2nd Class parcels will return from 19th January 2015.
Do you currently have any items that you want to send via 2nd Class that fits the new Small Parcel dimensions (but not either of the current offers) and is 2kg or under? If you can wait until the changes come into effect, you’ll save over a fiver per parcel - as currently, they'd be classed as medium packages.
For people who send a lot of gifts via the post during the festive season, this offer could be a massive money saver.
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