Press release -
POST OFFICE PREDICTS PEAK POSTING DAY AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS
New research reveals 15% have missed a present arriving on Christmas Day due to posting late
- Monday 11th December is predicted to be the busiest day in Post Office branches
- Cash still plays an important role in Christmas gift shopping, with 38% still opting to buy Christmas gifts with cash
- Post Office shares top tips to ensure people are well prepared ahead of posting to avoid Christmas disappointment
- New delivery options with DPD and EVRI provide even more choice and convenience in time for Christmas
Consumers across the UK hoping to avoid the seasonal rush are in luck as new Post Office data reveals the peak posting day ahead of Christmas.
Monday 11 December is anticipated to be the busiest day in branches as people hurry to send off cards, gifts, and parcels to arrive in time for Christmas Day as final posting dates approach.
The announcement comes as 30 percent say they’ll leave it until the week before the big day to get all of their Christmas shopping done – even though 29 percent worry a late gift will make it look like they didn’t make the effort if it doesn’t arrive on time.
Beating the peak posting day rush isn’t the only thing front of mind for customers this Christmas. Post Office research also reveals that Christmas budgeting remains a top priority.
The survey found that 38 percent of people plan to pay for Christmas gifts in cash this year, of which 45 percent say this makes it easier to budget. 35 percent agree that items are cheaper when you buy earlier, and 33 percent want to get in early to avoid the impact of inflation.
In anticipation of the peak posting rush, Laura Joseph, Post Office Customer Experience Directorhas shared top tips to customers and communities ahead of posting this Christmas to avoid common mishaps:
- Pack your items before you leave. Branches have limited work surfaces for packing, so think ahead, avoid stress, and save time by getting your parcels post-ready at home. Parcels with strings or bows on the outside don’t travel well so make sure you have sturdy outer packaging on your parcel.
- If posting abroad, get your customs forms ready in advance. New legislation requires all gifts and goods heading overseas to have written customs forms and electronic information captured at the counter. Downloadable custom forms for sending abroad can be found on our Christmas Hub online.
- Keep an eye on Royal Mail international last posting dates, which are from 6 to 13 December, so that you don’t get caught out. Pick up a leaflet in branch or visit our Christmas Hub online.
- Make sure you’re certain your gifts are approved for posting. There are some popular gifts like alcohol, nail polish, and perfume that have restrictions about how much and where they can be posted. In some cases, there are different rules for posting within the UK and abroad. Check our prohibited items pages on our website for more details.
- Get tracking and insurance just in case. Using tracked and signed-for services lets you follow your parcel’s journey and be assured it’s arrived safe and sound. For cash and high-value goods, it’s always worth taking up the insurance which comes with services like Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed.
- Avoid the lunchtime rush. Many of our branches have longer opening hours, so save time by visiting branches early in the day or the evening. We’re open on the weekend too – 4,000 branches are open on Sundays.
- Consider all your branch options. Don’t just look at branches nearest to you; there are likely to be several options within a few miles that could be convenient for you. Use our branch finder tool to see all your options before you pop out to post.
Laura Joseph added: “The lead-up to Christmas is a busy time for us all with lots to juggle and sort before the big day. Monday 11thDecember is when we expect our branches to be busiest as the nation prepares for Christmas. You can be confident that cards and gifts to loved ones will arrive in plenty of time with our advice, and your local postmaster is always eager to help.
“This Christmas we have new in-branch parcel services, using DPD and Evri, which offer greater flexibility and convenience for customers during the busy festive period. And if you don’t fancy braving the cold and the crowds, our Parcels Online service enables you to compare and purchase postage online, and all you need to do is drop it off in-store.”
ENDS
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About the Post Office
- With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
- Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.
- Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.
- Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and; bill payments services.
- Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.
- 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.
