As the pandemic sees online shopping surge, Royal Mail is rolling out its own parcel pick-up service on Wednesday. Will you be making use of it?
Royal Mail has decided to move to collecting parcels with its new Parcel Collect service. You’ll be able to use it Monday to Saturday at charge of 72p, plus any extra postage costs.
It says it’s one of the biggest changes to its daily delivery service since the postbox launched in 1852 – but will it be successful?
Nick Landon, Royal Mail’s Chief Commercial Officer, said:
“Royal Mail Parcel Collect is a fantastic step forward for all of our customers. It makes it easier to use our services than ever before.
Whether you’re up against time and working from home, making a return, selling online or sending a gift to make someone’s day, Royal Mail Parcel Collect is here to help.
The launch of Parcel Collect is part of our commitment to continuously make our services better and more convenient”
Royal Mail is clearly keen to push the benefits, and the feedback we’ve had so far generally looks positive, but there have been a few concerns raised that could impact on the service running smoothly.
What are your thoughts on the Royal Mail's new parcel pick-up service? Will you be trying it out?
Posted by Which? on Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Royal Mail Parcel Collect: your views
Our own Adam Gillett doesn’t want to see those who don’t own a printer excluded from the service:
A good move, but ideally they would provide a label at collection so that users aren’t excluded for not having a printer – a barrier I hit with a return in April.
— Adam Gillett (@ahgillett) October 22, 2020
While we’ve seen a number of others raising concerns over the impact on the posties themselves, From current workload to physically carrying the parcels away from your door (Royal Mail says it can collect up to five parcels per address), will they be able to cope?
No… Posties can just about manage their normal work levels without the addition of more being heaped on them!!
— Denise Woolley (@denisewoolley74) October 21, 2020
On the other hand, there are plenty of upsides. We’ve been told that the service will eliminate the need to drive to a post office, saving time and money, while others have pointed to benefits for older customers; not having to carry heavy parcels or travel to post offices.
Sounds a great idea, especially in these Covid times & for the elderly who can forgo the struggle of carrying heavy parcels. Just hope the PO has thought about the safety/security aspects for the elderly from fraudsters.
— John Blenkinsop (@JohnBlenkinsop) October 22, 2020
John’s mention of safety and security is a good one. As always, we’ll be keeping an eye out for any reports of criminals impersonating the service or trying to take advantage.
What are your thoughts on the new service? Will you be making use of it? Or do you share some of the concerns that have been raised by others?
Let us know what you think in the comments.
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