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Postal Strike

Top Tips to Survive the Postal Strike

Consumers and retailers alike are bracing themselves for the impact of a series of Royal Mail nationwide strikes which would cripple deliveries and cause havoc this Christmas. The move is seen as a 'death wish' at a critical time for retailers and the UK economy. The estimated cost of the walkout would be £1.5 billion, with the retail industry bearing the brunt of this at a cost of £270 million, according to new analysis commissioned by shopping comparison site Kelkoo.

 

Bruce Fair, Managing Director of Kelkoo UK, comments: "Consumers should not rest on their laurels and count on prices falling any further but should make the most of discounts while they can. People shouldn't be put off ordering online as there are always savings to be made, especially on items with a higher price tag. Shopping now will help to spread the cost of Christmas and protect shoppers against price rises on the most popular gifts."

 

  1. Look for the IDIS (Internet Delivery is Safe) badge when shopping online as this shows the retailer has met industry standards for delivery services.
  2. Always check with your retailers which delivery service they are using and if it will result in any additional costs.
  3. Find out if you will need to sign for deliveries. Having parcels delivered to your work address can save time and help you avoid missing deliveries.
  4. Use special delivery services which offer guaranteed delivery times but be aware of the potential extra costs and size limits that some providers impose.
  5. Plan and send your Christmas mail as early as possible with the current uncertainty it is recommended to send any gifts or cards 3 weeks in advance. But as it stands, the last First Class postal date for Christmas is Monday 21st December and Friday 18th December for Second class deliveries.
  6. For messages and written mail, seek an alternative means of communication altogether. If you are awaiting important messages in the post try to make direct contact over the phone or email.
  7. Keep tabs on the exact dates of the postal strike and wait until after the strikes to post mail. This means your mail won't become part of the back-log of undelivered post.
  8. Look for click-and-collect services where you can order online and then collect from high street branches cutting out the postal strike altogether.
  9. Research your online Christmas shopping early and check delivery times with your e-tailer as these times will differ. Shopping early may also save money on the cost of your gifts.
  10. Use PayPal as this should mean you can select the delivery address, and can have items sent to friends or family if you cannot take delivery yourself.