Recommendation? : Parcel Delivery - Low volumes

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I've trawled through quite a few threads today trying to glean some gems from the varied opinions, rants, etc... about couriers and parcel delivery companies but I'm missing a key bit of info'.

At present I'm starting a couple of new lines in products that are heavier than the usual 250gram shipments that have been handle fine by Royal Mail (yes I actually do rate them)...

Where I've come unstuck in particular is with consignments that weigh over 2kg being sent out to Europe or further afield.

Now I know that parcel delivery networks are the answer but I'm still growing the product line so actual requirements are between 0 and 5 parcels a week and while this will doubtless increase as time progresses it's not exactly a major bargaining chip.


The other requirement I have is clear pricing structure and zoning information so I can create the necessary shipping module for my shopping cart system. I've given up even hoping for an API for anything in the UK so thankfully I've already rewritten the RM one and can bend that to my needs.


So, in a nutshell, are there any recommendations on either:
- parcel delivery services to consider
OR
- tactics to use for negotiating a rate without bending the truth to breaking point

Thanks in advance...

 

[FreelanceSoftwareDeveloper]

I have found with EU parcels I have sometimes been able to get great prices for Parcel Force via Parcel2Go. And I mean over £10 saving including collection compared to walking down to the Post Office with it!

It also depends which country, France, Germany tend to be cheaper than some of the further afield EU countries

 

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I had been pursuing Interlink and DPD because of other off-the-forum recommendations but just discovered that liquids (which means no to inks) are verboten despite the same restriction being somewhat laxer if you're in other sales zones...

Not best pleased but it seems Parcelforce are the next best option...