subject: Top Parcel Shipping Tips [print this page] For most of us shipping a parcel is the last thing we think about, whether it is shipping a birthday present or more commonly shipping goods we have made, to a customer.
Accordingly we may not process our parcels efficiently or cost effectively. So here are a few guidelines that you might want to think about when shipping your parcels:
1.) How are you going to send your parcel? Are you just going to take it to your local post office to send it? Or are you going to use a parcel courier that comes to you to collect it? Many parcel couriers will now allow you to order and pay for a pickup online, you no longer need to be a business customer or have an account with them to use a parcel courier.
2.) Do you need to ship it on a next day service? If so then for smaller parcels and weights the post office may prove the best shipping option, but you will have to go and take the parcel there yourself. For heavier parcels that need to be sent on a next day courier service then a parcel courier will probably be more cost effective.
3.) If you do not need to ship your goods via a next day service then do not do so, as you can save a massive amount by simply sending an item via first or second class post. If you need the parcel tracking then you can use the post offices Recorded delivery service.
4.) Is the parcel classed as heavy? (Around 32 kgs or more) If so then a normal parcel courier will not take it and you will need a specialist courier, however if the parcel is not time critical, just heavy and/or bulky then consider the use of parcel post, which takes 3 to 5 days to deliver.
5.) Always make sure you have enough of the right packing materials. These days you can order packaging online, and even set up repeat orders online, so you have no excuse to run out. Also using the wrong packing materials for a parcel can result in damage in transit that will not be covered if the item is classed as poorly packaged.
6.) If you are using a parcel courier book a collection in plenty of time, likewise if using the post office do not leave it to the last minute and miss that days post due to being stuck in a large queue.
by: Ash Martins
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