Most efficient postage/dispatch process

[Cousin Larry]

Hi All,

We have just launched a low volume online store to sell specialised fitness equipment. Most of our products are supplements, clothing - small packages basically.

We offer a whole range of dispatch options, they are 1st and 2nd class post, next day before 9, next day before 12, and then the international/EU postage options.

The next day postage is easiest logistically as you let the courier company know online and the courier comes and collects it. The majority of our orders are 1st or 2nd class postage and currently we print the postage "stamp" online using royal mails service (can't post the url here - forum rules), stick it to the package and drop it in a mailbox (if it fits) or head to the post office.

Is there a way to negate the trip to the post office for 1st and 2nd class post? We charge £2.50 for 2nd class (our lowest postage option) so if there is a competing service which collects post would be ideal but needs to come in around the £3 mark. What is the most efficient method used by e-retailers here?

 

[Raw Rob]

You can get Royal Mail to collect from you for £750 +VAT per year.

http://www.royalmail.com/delivery/outbound-mail/customer-collections/prices

 

[IzzoNet]

Hello

only royal mail can do this service?
what about others?

 

[cholland]

If its under 2kg then I doubt you will get cheaper than Royal Mail. If you spend over 15k with Royal Mail then collection is free.

 

[Bearoon]

We used to share the Royal Mail collection cost with a company upstairs i.e. we'd take the mail up to them.

Perhaps you could encourage others to share the cost with you?

 

[DN71]

On ebay, mint gb decimal stamps job lots sell for around 75% of face value, at auction. Type ' gb f/v stamps' in search.

 

[P4D | Parcels4Delivery]

Hi,

Cheaper prices with couriers come from two places: weight and volume. Unfortunately, since your items are light, the RM is still your cheapest option (anything up to a couple of kg as somebody pointed out). Secondly, you're shipping low volumes, so you'd be paying standard courier charges around the £6 mark.

If you start to ship more frequently, give Rob here a shout and he'll see what he can do for you [email protected].

Cheers,

Nat