Proof of postage?

[danny30]

Hi, I have recently had a few issues with packages sent to our customers by normal first class delivery getting lost by the royal mail. I don't get proof of purchase as we sometimes send out multiple items at a time. Is it necessary to get proof of postage for all our items even if they are sent out non recorded?

I also have another issue today with one of our customers who bought an item from us. The package was apparently too big to fit through their letterbox so the postman left a re-delivery card through the customers letterbox, and the customer then arranged for the item to be re-delivered to her local post office. She then went to her local post office to pick up the item and they have apparently lost the package . How should I tell the customer to proceed with this issue? and is the fact that I don't have a proof of postage receipt going to be a problem? Thanks.

 

[saddlers]

I suppose it depends on the goods and their value, but I always use recorded delivery, because at least then if an issue does occur with postage loss, then I just refund the customer, and then submit a claim through Royal Mail. I have always taken the view that it is not the customers fault it has gone astray, and therefore I refund and then pursue the claim myself. You will need proof of posting before they will usually entertain a claim on normal post.

 

[GarethShaw]

Agree with @saddlers about doing everything to keep their custom. For low value goods I don't bother with proof of postage. Think about the cost of getting a proof of postage vs your time and value goods accordingly.. I.e if you are queuing at a post office for 1 hour a day for 10 items costing x then could your time be spent on doing better things for your business vs the small number of items that go astray..

Obviously my post office is rubbish if it takes me an hour to get just 10 items but you get the idea!

 

[danny30]

Thank you for your reply, will the proof of postage also be necessary in this specific case even though they clearly lost the item whilst taking it back to be redelivered? they left a re-delivery card and then lost the item, is that not enough proof?

 

[noo81]

The re-delivery card should be enough proof in this case. I would think that she needs to take it up with the post office, seeing as it was delivered and she wasn't there to receive it.
If you are experiencing so many problems with the mail delivery then I would suggest getting proof of posting even when not sending recorded delivery. It's normally a simple print out by the post office, a few extra minutes that could give you peace of mind and the ability to make a claim against the mail service.

 

[IanG]

I've never paid for proof - just ask for it when posting. Doesn't even take a minute.

 

[thomascole]

We advise customers to always use proof of postage and depending on the value of item make it tracked/signed for.

 

[roydmoorian]

I have a recorded delivery item sent in February 2012 which still shows up as "Information on your item is not yet available online. Information on your Royal Mail Signed For™ item is not yet available." And has done so on a regular monthly basis since he item was posted.