Blog Description Copyright @AnthonyDotNet https://www.myparceldelivery.com Fri, 01 May 2020 14:56:13 Fri, 01 May 2020 14:56:13 Jools https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2020/may/01/father-s-day-parcel-sending-tips/ Father’s Day 2017 falls on Sunday 18th June and for anyone who can’t be there to celebrate with Dad in person,  you can always show your love by sending a little something instead.  We’ve put together a few tips to help you pick that perfect gift and find the best way to send it to your dad. Choose your gift wisely Some items are easier to send in the post than others, and then there are items which you can’t send in  the post or by courier at all, so choose your gift wisely. We’ve put together a full list of prohibited and restricted items which you aren’t allowed to send by courier but as a general guide it’s best to avoid the following: Liquids - including alcohol and aftershaves Fragile items or anything made of glass Sharp instruments, such as kitchen knives If you really had your heart set on sending a gift which is on the prohibited list, then we’d advise you order it from an online retailer and have it shipped directly to you dad. Here are some gifts ideas which are easy to send and package: Clothes Books DVDs and CDs Take a look at our posting guides for more inspiration and advice on how to send some unusual items including bikes and guitars. Keep the outside of your parcel plain and go all out with internal packaging When parcels are sent by courier, they get sorted by machine, often travelling across conveyor belts in different directions (take a look at this video of the Hermes sorting centre ). So it’s best to keep your outer packaging plain and simple (we recommend using a new, strong, cardboard box) and to save any decoration, like bows, ribbons and personalised gift tags for the inside of your parcel. Book your delivery in advance to save money Save money and find a cheaper delivery service by booking your courier delivery as early as possible. For those who have left it last minute though, next day delivery services start from £9.99+VAT. You can also save money and time by choosing a drop off service instead of booking the courier to collect the parcel. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2020/may/01/father-s-day-parcel-sending-tips/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2020/may/01/father-s-day-parcel-sending-tips/ Fri, 01 May 2020 14:56:13 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2020/april/01/10-top-tips-for-packing-your-parcel/ We understand how important every parcel you send is to you and as such are committed to ensuring you parcel reaches its destination intact. We have created 10 top tips for packaging your parcel which will help ensure it arrives in the best possible condition. Choose the right tools for the job This may sound obvious but it is remarkable how many items are damaged as they are not packed with the right materials. Jiffy bags, corrugated cardboard boxes, strong parcel tape, parcel straps and triangular tubes for rolled paper are all essential pieced of equipment when you send a variety of parcels. Using the correct size box for the item and ensuring they are not under or over filled should keep your item protected. Don’t leave any empty spaces Once you have chosen the best outer packaging it is vital that you also use inner packaging. Material such as bubble wrap, polystyrene chips, polyethylene foam or even shredded paper will cushion your items. This will prevent them from moving around and protect them from damage. TIP: Put fragile goods in the centre of a package; ensuring they don't touch the sides. Your item should be well cushioned on all sides. Do not package in delicate materials Bags made from fabric and cloth can be easily damaged by sharp corners on other parcels and machinery within the sorting warehouses. Ensure packaging is sturdy to protect your goods. Be careful if reusing old packaging Unfortunately, once a cardboard box is damaged it becomes weaker and so provides less protection for your parcel. You must be confident that the box is strong and your parcel will be protected. In addition to this, many couriers use automatic systems to read address labels so remove or cover all old labels to ensure that your parcel is sent to the right location. You would be surprised how many times this has happened! Label clearly Whether you select a service which requires a printed label, or one that allows a handwritten address to be scribed on the package, ensure that it is positioned centrally, has no tape covering any part of the label, and can be easily understood. We also recommend inserting the delivery details and/or label inside the box just in case the label is damaged and/or falls off. Do not rely on additional labelling This includes labels such as fragile. While people are able to read these labels machines are not making them no substitute for strong and effective packaging. This is the case with a variety of labels such as “This way up” and “Heavy”. Complete all information required It is important to correctly label the contents and estimated value of your item on our website. This information will be used in the event of a lost or damaged parcel claim. You must also ensure that no further information is required, particularly if you are sending your parcel overseas and will pass through customs. Do not use attractive packaging Unfortunately, parcels which have been wrapped as if they are a gift are more at risk for two reasons. Firstly, the paper and ribbon are easy to rip and can get caught by other parcels and machines. Secondly, as parcels can sometimes be left in convenient locations at delivery they are subject to risk from passers-by. Attractive wrapping increases their desirability to people who notice the parcel unattended. Check prohibited and restricted items list Prohibited items cannot be sent via any couriers through My Parcel Delivery. These include aerosol cans/sprays, explosives including fireworks and Christmas crackers, Drugs and medicines (including prescription), perishable goods (including food) and many more. Restricted items can be sent but in the event of loss/damage, no compensation claim can be made. You can find a full list of prohibited and restricted items  here . Consider taking compensation cover To coin an old saying, “prevention is better than cure” and you can prevent possible damage to parcel contents by using the correct type and quality of packaging. In the vast majority of cases, your parcel will arrive at its destination safe and sound. But please don’t be left trusting to hindsight if what’s in the parcel is too valuable to be travelling without compensation cover. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2020/april/01/10-top-tips-for-packing-your-parcel/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2020/april/01/10-top-tips-for-packing-your-parcel/ Wed, 01 April 2020 13:48:08 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2019/january/04/refreshing-returns/ January can be a pretty slow month; Christmas is over, the New Year is yawning and stretching into life and the winter jackets are staying safely zipped up as the weather gets wicked. That said, ecommerce companies aren’t set to take a festive siesta any time soon. With increased peak purchases, comes increased new year returns – and that means a busy time, as reverse logistics and refunds come into play. Returns are forecast to increase to £5.6 billion over the next five years, according to a new report. That means there’s a lot of stock sent out that’s heading right back to you. Being such a key part of the customer buying experience, returns are a crucial opportunity for you to give your customers convenience, confidence and a reason to stay loyal and shop again. Regardless of the reasons for returning your products, your customer can still be left with a positive experience of transacting with you. With that in mind, we’ve put together a few useful points to help you make the returns process as easy as possible for your customers. Share the savvy Customers will look to you for knowledge and expertise. And that includes hints and tips on how to ensure items should be safely and securely packaged for the journey back you. Given that a parcel can end up passing from hand to van to distribution centre and beyond, it needs to be well-protected, clearly marked and compliant with courier standards. Consider sharing handy posting guides like this one (especially if you’re sending fragile or unusual items ). It can be a good idea to send plenty of bubble wrap when you’re posting items to your customer, and make sure there’s an outer box too; being prepared in this way will reduce the need for returns due to damage and will make sure that, if an item does need returning, the customer has all the materials they need to repackage. Communication is key Don’t leave room for ambiguity or confusion. An easy-to-find page on your website with returns policies and FAQs will make customers aware of your processes. This will save on frustrations they may have as they try to figure out what the course of action is (and removes the need for them to get in touch with you – particularly on social media where complaints are public and reputation can be damaged). It’s also worth including returns information at the checkout, in sales emails or marketing communications, just to ensure the links can be found wherever your customers are interacting with you. Guidelines for Amazon Marketplace Amazon Marketplace is a complex world of its own. If you sell through this channel, there’s a few things your customers need to know. Items sold by third-party sellers and fulfilled by Amazon, purchased between 1 November and 31 December 2018, need to be returned by midnight on 31 January 2019. To make sure these are received on time, it’s best that your customers know they need to return these by the 25 of January. Sellers aren’t required to refund the cost of gift-wrapping, so this should be something highlighted in your T&Cs. Finally, it’s important to let your customers know that if they are sending items back to Amazon distribution centres they must send via an approved carrier (UPS, DPD and Parcelforce) otherwise the items won’t reach Amazon as they’ll refuse delivery. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2019/january/04/refreshing-returns/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2019/january/04/refreshing-returns/ Fri, 04 January 2019 15:40:38 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2019/january/04/many-happy-returns/ Shopping, turkey, Buck’s Fizz and chocolate; just a few of the things we overdo in December. As we enter the new year with promises for better health, wealth and motivation, there’s one thing we can’t escape in January:  The dreaded returns. Unwanted gifts, party outfits in the wrong colour, items damaged in delivery and the rest. There’s probably a pile of things in every household, waiting patiently in a bag with the receipt. When there’s so much going on in the post-Christmas comedown, refunding and returning all those lingering online purchases can seem like an inconvenient and unwanted task (who can be bothered getting changed out of pyjamas and making the treacherous trek to stand in a queue at the Post Office?). That means that a simple and straightforward returns experience can really be a weight lifted from your shoulders. Here are a couple of tips to help make sure the January returns don’t give you the blues. Keep an eye on the time Most retailers – online and offline – have a time limit within their returns policy. Timescales differ from brand to brand and can be anywhere from 14 to 30 days, with even more variation depending on the product. Over the Christmas period, returns windows are often extended too. Check each policy carefully, to make sure you avoid any confusion, disappointment or wasted time. The golden ticket Proof of purchase is an essential part of refunds and returns and this may be a confirmation email, delivery note or paper receipt. Many retailers will reject a return if the right documentation or information cannot be provided, so it’s always worth making sure you keep the packaging, hold on to the paperwork and check the retailer’s refund rules. As we all know, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The full package Due to the nature of the items for sale, some ecommerce retailers are very strict with what can be returned and the state in which it arrives back with them. Some of the common pitfalls: DVDs, music and computer software – usually these can only be returned if the seal or packaging is unbroken. Perishable items – unless there is a health risk or fault, you won't usually be able to return an item if it's perishable. Personalised products - if an item has been made to order and unique to you, it’s generally harder to return. If the item lands back with the retailer in a damaged or de-tagged state with packaging missing, this is often seen as unacceptable. Consider reading handy posting guides like this one (especially if you’re sending fragile or unusual items ). Be savvy with the sending You may not know this, but Amazon Marketplace have returns criteria of its own. If you buy through this channel, you need to be aware of the following: Items that are being returned to seller through Amazon distribution centres will need to sent via an approved carrier such as UPS, DPD and Parcelforce otherwise the return won’t actually reach Amazon (they’ll refuse delivery). Ouch. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a chore to send a parcel. If free returns or an elected courier aren’t included with the purchase, don’t worry. My Parcel Delivery lets you easily compare delivery services that fit around you and your busy January schedule. Plus, you can save a packet whilst sending your parcel too. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2019/january/04/many-happy-returns/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2019/january/04/many-happy-returns/ Fri, 04 January 2019 15:24:19 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/may/18/small-business-advice-series/ We’re always looking for ways to support smaller businesses in their early stages. Our day-to-day work involves helping small business owners save time and money with their parcel deliveries. Attending MicroBizMatters Day earlier this year, however, gave us the perfect opportunity to connect with businesses across a number of industries and share advice on all sorts of topics from running and financing a small business successfully to deciding when to hire your first employee. We’re now collaborating with SmallBusiness.co.uk to provide you with even more tips. In fact, in each article of the series, our CEO, David Grimes, draws on his own experience of growing My Parcel Delivery to where it is today. David will cover a variety of topics, from recruitment through to gaining investment. We hope these will prove to be useful and applicable to all businesses. 1. How to hire effectively as a small business Our first article features David’s key advice on mastering the hiring process. How do business owners ensure they are attracting the right type of candidate, who will fit in with existing company culture? How should they be handling the interview stage? And what should be included in a job offer to make it stand out from others? All these questions and more are answered in this article. http://smallbusiness.co.uk/how-to-hire-effectively-as-a-small-business-2543504/  We'll update this post with more articles full of advice for small businesses so stay tuned! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/may/18/small-business-advice-series/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/may/18/small-business-advice-series/ Fri, 18 May 2018 10:23:51 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/february/01/practice-safe-sending-this-valentines-day/ If you’re one of the many businesses expecting a busy period leading up to February 14 th , there’s no need to get yourself all tied up when it comes to parcel delivery. It can be a stressful time if you haven’t prepared well, but don’t panic, we’ve pulled together our guidelines to making Valentine’s Day as straightforward as possible.   Sender discretion advised   Using your own branding on your parcels is great for raising awareness. But, if you’re sending your customer something they may want to keep a secret, it’s best to use unmarked packaging. By being as inconspicuous as possible, you’ll offer a much more discreet service and won’t ruin any surprises. If you’re able to, consider adding a delivery option at checkout so that the customer can select whether the delivery needs to be subtle.   All shapes and sizes   It’s not just packages that come in all shapes and sizes (wink, wink). Once you’ve found a suitable box to put your goods in, your parcels are likely to be a variety of dimensions too. Hey, we all know girth can vary. Just remember, to avoid incurring additional charges from the courier, provide an accurate weight and measurement when sending your parcel. Luckily, we’ve got a guide to weighing and measuring here that can help you get those estimates right.   It’s what’s inside that counts   There’s likely to be all sorts of odd shaped items being shipped around this Valentine’s Day and many businesses will want to use attractive packaging such as material and bows. However, it’s important to send your item in a cardboard box as any fancy packaging of your own may be damaged in transit. To avoid internal damage to your item, make sure you fill the parcel with foam or bubble wrap and follow our packaging guidelines .   The forbidden fruits   Although Valentine’s Day often means you can get away with a bit of mischief, you’ll still get in trouble for sending some items via courier. Goods such as batteries, jewellery and cosmetics have some specific rules around them or may not be eligible for parcel protection. Also, for perishable items such as flowers, think about using a next day service and don’t send on a Friday. Otherwise, they could be stored in a depot over the weekend. Before sending your parcels out this Valentine’s Day, make sure you’ve double checked our list of prohibited and restricted items . As always, it’s best to contact us if you’re unsure.   All a bit of an anti-climax   If you sell gifts such as lingerie, nightwear or jewellery, inevitably, you’re going to have a busy Valentine’s Day. But, you’re not going to be able to satisfy everyone. There’s a good chance clothing will be ordered in the wrong size, gifts won’t go down as planned and – this one’s out of your control – couples may even break up. Either way, the end result is customers wishing to return items. Make sure you have a clear returns policy in place. Even though returns handling may be a thankless task for you, making it a painless experience for the customer should encourage them to purchase again. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/february/01/practice-safe-sending-this-valentines-day/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/february/01/practice-safe-sending-this-valentines-day/ Thu, 01 February 2018 10:40:12 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/january/24/microbizmatters-day-2018-highlights/ With MicroBizMatters Day 2018 all wrapped up, we wanted to share some of the highlights and tips from the day. It wasn’t just those that attended who got involved, viewers and micro businesses nationwide tuned in to the live stream and chipped in with their tips.   Our original Head Roadie @lordlancaster shares what #MicroBizMatters Day is all about in one of the #MicroBizMatters Day 2018 series of videos produced by our PR & Media Partners Famous Publicity, @TinaFotherby & her team https://t.co/InmqWVuI6o pic.twitter.com/TiWsikDfg1 — #MicroBizMatters (@MicroBizMatters) January 21, 2018   #IGave12 tips for #MicroBizMatters day pic.twitter.com/dXAFxSKIe5 — TheWorkBees (@TheWorkBees) January 12, 2018 To mark #MicroBizMatters Day today, this week we've been sharing tips on what micro business owners can do in 12 mins that will improve their working life. Check them out here: https://t.co/UljuuGJRJF #IGave12 @TonyRobinsonOBE pic.twitter.com/mmeqkFuQ0S — My Parcel Delivery (@myparcel) January 12, 2018 #microbizmatters day selfies - think my fez may have gotten a little carried away..? pic.twitter.com/KxdgXbglKy — Adrian Ashton (@AdrianAshton2) January 12, 2018 ICYMI: My post for #MicrobizMatters Day: 12 Tips for Taking on your First Employee https://t.co/ZutFyTEbfH … #IGave12 — Simon Jones (@ariadneassoc) January 12, 2018 Some interesting stuff being discussed on #MicroBizMattersDay 2018... I'm watching via #YouTube and my secretary, Mildred, is taking notes ;) #smallbiz #MicroBizMatters #womeninbiz #tinydogs pic.twitter.com/5uhG9dvZQN — Sam Collett (@poochweasel) January 12, 2018 Some top advice for #microbiz owners to bear in mind from our CEO, @GrimesDavid : always be determined to make things happen, watch your cash flow and invest in top talent when the time is right #MicroBizMatters pic.twitter.com/U0JvPQxeDF — My Parcel Delivery (@myparcel) January 12, 2018 When we started our own business in 1986 the best advice we received, from a biz owner, which is still relevant today is: 'Never do anything in your own business which means you have to cross the street to avoid someone' #Trust #Integrity #microbizmatters pic.twitter.com/Sc6HUwNzQQ — Tony Robinson OBE (@TonyRobinsonOBE) January 18, 2018 Awesome day @XYZworks_social to celebrate @MicroBizMatters with @TonyRobinsonOBE @MicroBizGirl in #Manchester #MicroBizMatters #MicroBizMattersDay pic.twitter.com/UtjY6DmiG3 — Naomi Timperley FRSA (@naomitimperley) January 12, 2018 Make sure you know your market and research your customer base. Think about the way they shop and not just what they buy 💭👊🏻 #KnowledgeIsPower #MicroBizMatters #IGave12 pic.twitter.com/wFYQnYkpqM — Shannon Mullin (@ekmshannon) January 12, 2018 12 Tips to Start Your Own Business - Tip 10: Look after yourself. Working to the point of exhaustion will burn you out and make you less productive. No excuses. #IGave12 #MicroBizMatters #FreelanceHeroes — Ed Goodman (@edagoodman) January 12, 2018 The red guitar 🎸, the symbol @MicroBizGirl & @TonyRobinsonOBE have rocked with since launching Enterprise Rockers CIC in January 2012, has been passed to Hull where #MicroBizMatters Day 2019 will be held thanks to @HullsEnterprise @Hullccnews & @KCOMhome - Friday 11th January pic.twitter.com/LQ1AiPLpLD — #MicroBizMatters (@MicroBizMatters) January 21, 2018 https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/january/24/microbizmatters-day-2018-highlights/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/january/24/microbizmatters-day-2018-highlights/ Wed, 24 January 2018 09:36:22 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/january/09/twelve-tips-for-twelve-minutes-igave12/ It's an occasion all about supporting the smallest of our country's growing businesses; this year #MicroBizMatters Day is bigger and better than ever. A micro business is defined as a company with 0-9 employees, or a turnover of up to £2m. The #MicroBizMatters Day movement, founded by Tony Robinson OBE and Tina Boden, assembles a crack team of micro business experts to create a day dedicated to the celebration of entrepreneurs running their own enterprise. On the 12th of January 2018, there'll be a day packed with special guests, learning hours, entertainment and advice streamed live across the globe via social media. This year, the campaign asks that people give 12 to help another business owner and hashtag #IGave12 - that could be 12 minutes, 12 pounds, 12 tips, 12 tweets, or anything else! In honour of the occasion, we're partnering with the Enterprise Rockers team to get behind the push for micro biz recognition, action and learning. We're asking those passionate about micro biz to help us create the ultimate short guide for entrepreneurs. Basically, if a micro business owner was to set aside 12 minutes this week to do something new - whether it be to improve and learn or save time, money or stress – what should that activity be? Here are just a few of the ideas we've had so far. Do you have a tip to share with micro biz owners? Let us know on Twitter - @MyParcel. Tina Boden, The Tiny Troubleshooter: 'Get out in the fresh air! Whether you walk round the block, pop to the local park, stand outside and people watch or take your cuppa and enjoy it in the outdoors it is great to get some fresh air throughout the day. I find it aids creativity even if only you do it for a short time.' Tony Robinson OBE, Enterprise Rockers: 'Make an #IGave12 pledge to help other micro business owners and tweet about it for 12 minutes. My pledge is to support more charities and Community Interest Companies – I’ll even be giving two free shows of my new business speech every month in 2018, “ Micro Myths and Magic ”.' @Joolzery: Research, see what your competitors are doing and learn from them, both the good, bad & ugly! Phil Sayers, CEO of Clear Books: “I’m a fan of Mindfulness, so I think taking 12 minutes to reboot your brain is important. Close your laptop, put your phone on silent and simply sit and gather your thoughts. Maybe even try some breathing exercises. You’ll be surprised how much more productive you can feel.  @WebLadUK: I think 12 mins studying a successful business and reverse-engineering that success would be time well spent. Thomas Costello, @123Reg: Focus on customer service. It’s true that it’s cheaper to keep a customer than it is to attract a new one. So ask yourself are you really doing enough to keep customers happy? If you aren’t able to answer with a resounding yes, backed up by data that proves it, then it’s an area you need to focus on. David Grimes, CEO and Founder of My Parcel Delivery: Make a to-do list. It sounds so simple. If you take a few moments each week to empty your head onto a piece of paper, you’ll automatically begin to prioritise and figure out how you’ll tackle your tasks. Share your tips with us on Twitter and join the #MicroBizMatters Day revolution! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/january/09/twelve-tips-for-twelve-minutes-igave12/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/january/09/twelve-tips-for-twelve-minutes-igave12/ Tue, 09 January 2018 11:40:35 Vicky https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/january/03/don-t-give-your-customers-the-january-blues/ January can be a miserable month: The decorations have come down, there’s nothing good on television and there’s just grey slabs of turkey in the fridge. As if that wasn’t bad enough, many will be facing the prospect of returning their unwanted or defective Christmas gifts. While dealing with returns may not be your favourite part of running a business, making sure consumers are able to painlessly return their items is an important part of the customer experience. A painless returns service helps to preserve your brand reputation and customers are more likely to be loyal and come back to you if they know you’re reliable even when things don’t go exactly right. With that in mind, here’s a few tips to help you make the returns process as painless as possible for your customers. Communicate with your customers Be very clear with customers about how they can send back their unwanted items. Ideally, you should have an easy-to-find returns page on your website which features answers to common questions. Tell your customers if you’ve got any policies about returning specific items to avoid disappointment. You might also want to consider including some details on how to return items in your January sales emails or through your social media profiles. Packaging Your customers may not have intricate knowledge on the logistics of parcel delivery (although if they do, our recruitment page is here ). It’s crucial you pass on your expertise of how to best package items for delivery. Depending on their choice of carrier, a single delivery can end up in distribution centres across the country, so it’s important that the packaging is going to protect their unwanted item (particularly if it’s something breakable). It’s best to protect a delivery with plenty of bubblewrap and include an outer box to avoid damage to the original packaging. From toys and books, to laptops and guitars, we’ve got some handy posting guides here . The rules of the marketplace If your customers are returning items to you via Amazon Marketplace, there are a few additional things for them to consider. The first is that there’s a deadline on returns for items purchased over Christmas; customers have until midnight on 31 January 2018 for all items sold by third-party sellers and fulfilled by Amazon if purchased between 1 November and 31 December 2017. To make sure these are received on time, it’s best to send any returns by the 25th of January. Secondly, sellers aren’t required to refund the cost of gift-wrapping, so this should be something communicated to your customers too. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/january/03/don-t-give-your-customers-the-january-blues/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2018/january/03/don-t-give-your-customers-the-january-blues/ Wed, 03 January 2018 15:59:32 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/18/the-seven-habits-of-highly-effective-present-wrappers/ Christmas is almost upon us and the pressure is on to get those presents and parcels out of the door. If you’re struggling to summon the motivation to start/finish (delete as appropriate) your gift wrapping, take a look at these habits from the world’s most successful present wrappers. Let these champions of Christmas inspire you to finally sort out the accumulating pile of gifts on the kitchen table. 1. Get up an hour early Successful present wrappers make the most of the day. While you’re happily dozing through the Shipping Forecast, these go-getters are wide awake and ready to face whatever present-wrapping challenges the day might throw at them. Think of how many more presents you could wrap with an extra three hours in the day? Research has also shown that those early risers are not just more productive, but also lose the end of the Sellotape less.   2. Have a good breakfast Successful present wrappers always eat breakfast. It’s important to fuel your body for the graft of present wrapping ahead. Do not clear the presents off the table in order to eat breakfast there though. You’ll forget who gets what.    3. Visualise success Successful wrappers visualise their goal. Picture a beautiful pile of wrapped presents. Think about how people will appreciate the effort that went into wrapping their gift as they wildly tear into the paper on the morning of the 25 December. You’ll be the MVP of Christmas.     4. Exercise It’s important to exercise and successful present wrappers run, swim or hit the gym in order to give themselves a boost before a big day. Just five minutes of activity – like wandering around trying to find out where the scissors went– will give you a great shot of endorphins and leave you buzzing for the wrapping ahead.   5. Get organised Successful present wrappers make it look effortlessly easy. What they don’t want you to know is that their secret weapon is organisation; making sure they’ve got enough paper, tape and bubble wrap (for those presents set for delivery) before they start work. But if they catch you, you didn’t hear this from us.   6. Get the big jobs out of the way first Morning wrappers tackle the biggest projects first. You’ve got more energy at the start of the day, so make sure you wrap your largest presents while the morning is still young. Another top tip: If you’re sending something big through the post, take a look at our  guide to measuring and weighing . You can thank us later.   7. Don’t be afraid of setbacks We all experience setbacks in our life. Successful present wrappers don’t let a parcel fail ruin their day; these go-getters know that they’ll live to wrap another present. After all, it’s not like Christmas only happens once a year. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/18/the-seven-habits-of-highly-effective-present-wrappers/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/18/the-seven-habits-of-highly-effective-present-wrappers/ Mon, 18 December 2017 12:54:26 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/05/create-a-home-assembly-line-to-send-your-parcels-in-time-for-christmas/ The deadline for postal deliveries is fast approaching and esellers across the country are currently working hard to get their orders out of the door in time for the big day. But fulfilment is rarely fulfilling and preparing deliveries for their journey to the bottom of the Christmas tree can be a race against the clock. With that in mind, here are a few tips for those currently putting together parcels for their bulging sack of festive orders.   Get the party started Christmas is a time for goodwill and those esellers with a few favours to call in might consider asking their nearest and dearest for support during this festive season. Having an extra pair of hands to help with the bubble wrap and parcel tape will save you a lot of time in the rush to get orders out of the door. While emotional blackmail may help convince your partner or best friend to lend a hand, why not celebrate the start of the Christmas party season with a wrapping party? Use it as an opportunity to see friends and family and get them to help sort your online deliveries. Black tie and gown is optional.   Be industrious For nearly a century, businesses have followed the manufacturing principals established by Henry Ford (he of Ford car fame). Back in the days of black and white photographs, Henry Ford established the moving assembly line; a way for workers to efficiently put together cars by having employees focus on one particular task. Through this method, Ford increased the daily output of his factory from 100 cars to 1,000. Take a leaf out of Ford’s book and get your volunteers working on one particular part of the delivery process. You’ll speed up the number of parcels and feel like a magnate of the eseller industry.   Enough is enough Make sure you’ve got all the essentials before the packaging parade begins. You don’t want production to grind to a halt at half nine in the evening because of a parcel tape shortage. Check that you’ve got enough of the essentials – bubble wrap, boxes, wine gums – before commencing your packaging bender.   Be the Chief Entertainment Officer Packaging can be laborious work and, if you’ve enlisted help with your fulfilment, you’ll need to keep spirits up when enthusiasm starts to wane. Get plenty of snacks for your team of volunteers, keep the brews flowing and stick a film about triumph in the face of adversity on the telebox . Consider learning a few motivational quotes from history’s greatest leaders to inspire your volunteers:            “ If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot parcel,’ then by all means parcel and that voice will be silenced. ” – Vincent Van Gogh            “ The only way to do great parcels is to love what you parcel .” – Steve Jobs            “This is the true meaning of Christmas.” – You   Get social with your parcels The production line doesn’t necessarily have to stop once the parcel is ready to go. Your customers care about your business (otherwise they wouldn’t have ponied up for your products in the first place). See this last-minute packaging dash as an opportunity to give your fans a behind-the-scenes look at your work. Show your customers how much love and attention goes into their deliveries. While a quick video or photo won’t go viral, it’ll provide your Twitter, Facebook and Instagram fans with an honest and authentic look at the work that goes into satisfying their festive  needs .   Do you have any tips on making Christmas fulfilment fun? Send us your advice on Facebook or Twitter and we’ll share the best tips from our esellers . If you're sending a gift this Christmas then make sure to get a quote today with My Parcel Delivery. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/05/create-a-home-assembly-line-to-send-your-parcels-in-time-for-christmas/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/05/create-a-home-assembly-line-to-send-your-parcels-in-time-for-christmas/ Tue, 05 December 2017 15:14:09 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/04/avoid-parcel-damage-this-christmas-with-these-5-packaging-tips/ When sending gifts this Christmas, there’s more to posting a parcel than simply popping it in a box and sending it on its way. Packaging it correctly is essential. No one wants to open up a present only to find it's been damaged, and although accidents can happen, many of them can usually be avoided. To help you ensure your gifts get there safely this year, we’ve picked out 5  essential packaging tips  for preventing parcel damage. 1. Package your items in a brand-new, double walled box Using a brand-new box is key to ensuring the safety of your items. Opting for previously-used boxes won’t offer as much protection as new packaging, and the more fragile your parcel, the bigger the impact this will have. In fact, new double walled boxes are the preferred packaging option. Double walled cardboard boxes contain two sheets of corrugated cardboard which are firmly glued together, providing extra protection for the items inside. 2. Use plenty of internal packaging No matter what size your parcel is, it’s always a good idea to pad it out with plenty of internal packaging, such as bubble wrap or foam. Since every additional layer of packaging adds an extra layer of protection for your items, we’d recommend a minimum of 5cm, or 10 sheets, of internal packaging for each parcel. Also, if your items are a lot smaller than the box you’re transporting them in, ensure the box is also filled with foam or bubble wrap to avoid internal damage. 3. Check the maximum weight of your box Before you buy a box to transport your delivery items, make sure you double check its maximum weight and weigh your items before you buy. If you opt for packaging that can’t handle your load, it’s likely your items will end up getting damaged during delivery. It’s also a good idea to measure and  weigh your packaged parcel  before delivery. This ensures you don’t face any additional charges if your parcel is bigger or heavier than you first stated. 4. Don’t package your items in fabric or cloth bags Although they may look nicer than your standard box, packing your items in cloth or fabric bags provides minimal protection for your items inside. If you’re receiving a parcel delivery, most of us are far more concerned about items inside the parcel, not how it looks when it arrives. Opt for a strong, sturdy material that will keep your parcels in one piece throughout delivery. 5. Use strong parcel tape to seal your box Using household sticky tape or string to seal your parcel simply isn’t strong enough to withstand transportation. When sealing your parcels, ensure you’re using strong parcel tape to fasten them. Once you’re sure the box is secure, tape around all the edges of your box as well, as this will strengthen the corners and make sure your parcel doesn’t fall open in transit. All of these tips are especially true at Christmas when the volume of parcels being processed is at it's highest. Remember, simply adding a 'fragile' or ‘handle with care’ label isn’t a substitute for careful packaging. Parcels are often handled by machines who can't read the additional labels. Do you have any top packaging tips? Share them with us via  Facebook  or  Twitter ! If you're sending a gift this Christmas then make sure to get a quote today with My Parcel Delivery. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/04/avoid-parcel-damage-this-christmas-with-these-5-packaging-tips/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/04/avoid-parcel-damage-this-christmas-with-these-5-packaging-tips/ Mon, 04 December 2017 14:36:33 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/01/parcel-pitfalls-our-top-5-parcel-sending-fails/ The art of parcel sending this Christmas. You might think you’ve got this down to a tee: you wrap up your gear, slip it into a packet, add gift wrap (optional) and send it on its merry way. But here at My Parcel Delivery we’re always seeing people getting it wrong. Really wrong. Here we look at the five most common mistakes we see people making when sending their parcels, so you can make sure the next time you send something, you won’t be left out-of-pocket and red-faced. 1. Auto fill Auto fail When booking a courier service online, you’ll be asked to provide your address and the delivery address. With most website browsers on desktops and even mobiles, when it comes to filling in this information you may find the “auto-complete” box appear offering a list of addresses. This is supposed to save you time and improve efficiency; seeing your address spring up automatically is great, as you believe that the browser is going to get it right first time for you. Well think again. Sometimes the technology just can’t keep up. Chrome, for example, asks you to fill in a full address all within the “postcode box”, see below. And, if you’ve lived at multiple addresses, certain browsers might confuse parts of the address, attempting to match the first line with the wrong towns and postcodes. Here at My Parcel Delivery we have even seen customers sending parcels to themselves; a nice present for you maybe, but the person you were meant to be sending to probably won’t be best pleased. So be sure to double-check each line of the address you are sending to before clicking the order button. 2. Wrap it good Getting your parcel wrapped up and ready to go shouldn’t be taxing, so long as you use some good, old-fashioned common sense. Be sensible with your packaging; use new, double-walled boxes that aren’t packed so full they’re going to burst open, secured with good quality parcel tape. If you do recycle packing boxes then be sure to remove any old labels or addresses that could confuse the delivery company if they are scanned by mistake. And of course make sure you label correctly; we’ve seen some senders get in quite a pickle over the humble label (see below). For a full list of our packing do’s and don’ts, read our packaging guidelines . 3. DIY labelling Labelling your parcel correctly doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing test. Having said that, we’ve heard lots of horror stories about people printing labels from printers running out of ink, and even one case of someone trying to draw a barcode on a parcel by-hand. Making sure your parcels’ labels are correct and as clear as possible will ensure a smooth delivery and prevent your parcel from getting lost. And if you can’t print a label, then you can choose one of our couriers who can print one for you and bring it with them when they collect your parcel. 4. Pack safely Urban myths of people attempting to post animals (including bees), thousands of pounds in cash and even children continually bounce around the postal industry. And frequently parcels are rejected and even destroyed by a courier if people attempt to send prohibited or illegal items. Again, using your common sense is paramount here, but if you’re unsure about something you want to send, then you can check out our comprehensive list of restricted items to make sure you’re not sending something that could be unsafe. Remember that parcels are x-rayed and meticulously checked, so risking it is never a good plan. 5. Paperwork Getting all of the paperwork right relating to your parcel is vital, particularly when sending parcels overseas. Not filling in a pro-forma invoice for international deliveries (anywhere outside the EU) means your parcel will be stopped at customs, slowing down the whole process. This can also mean that parcels are returned to the sender, which sometimes incurs a fee. You can keep up to speed with all things relating to international delivery here. Ahead of Christmas this year with a little forward planning, and an equal amount of common sense, there’s no reason why your parcels can’t fly through our courier services in no time. Just remember to package securely, to label clearly and to keep it legal. And no bees. Never send bees. If you're sending a gift this Christmas then make sure to get a quote today with My Parcel Delivery. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/01/parcel-pitfalls-our-top-5-parcel-sending-fails/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/december/01/parcel-pitfalls-our-top-5-parcel-sending-fails/ Fri, 01 December 2017 10:34:24 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/22/the-my-parcel-delivery-guide-to-packaging-your-cyber-monday-deliveries/ Cyber Monday is upon us. What was once a dreary, innocuous day in November has been transformed into one of the biggest shopping events of the year. UK consumers shelled out over £2.8 billion in 2016 and all the signs point to another busy year for esellers again. With all those orders flying in, it’s often easy to overlook the basics when prepping your parcels. So, in celebration of all things internet, My Parcel Delivery presents its top tips for packaging your Cyber Monday parcels – through the medium of memes. It’s what Tim Berners-Lee would want from us. Choose the right box for the job. We’d recommend something on the sturdier side; a box made of corrugated cardboard will do nicely. If your items are fragile and prone to break, a heavy-duty, double-walled box will put your mind at ease. Protect your parcel. Keep your items safe and sound with plenty of internal packaging. Bubble wrap or foam will be fine and we’d recommend a minimum of 5cm padding to stop things rattling around. Don’t use garden-variety sellotape or string to seal your parcel. Invest in some strong parcel tape to keep all your bits and pieces where they should be (spoiler: they should be all inside the box). Writing ‘fragile’ or ‘handle with care’ on the parcel isn’t a substitute for proper packaging. Your parcel is going to be moved and sorted by machines. Cold, unsympathetic machines that cannot read. Always make sure your delivery has proper packaging. The robots demand it. Make sure you weigh your packaged parcel before it gets picked up by your courier. You won’t be upsetting anyone if you’ve overestimated the size or weight, but you’ll probably be faced with additional charges if your delivery is heavier or larger than originally agreed. Good luck to all of our esellers this Cyber Monday! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/22/the-my-parcel-delivery-guide-to-packaging-your-cyber-monday-deliveries/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/22/the-my-parcel-delivery-guide-to-packaging-your-cyber-monday-deliveries/ Wed, 22 November 2017 11:49:14 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/21/post-your-guitar-properly-with-this-pretty-awesome-playlist/ My Parcel Delivery gets out its vinyl collection and presents the top six tracks to help you properly post your guitar. Should I Stay or Should I Go, The Clash https://open.spotify.com/track/39shmbIHICJ2Wxnk1fPSdz Some relationships aren’t meant to last and, whether you’ve fallen for another or just want to clear out some space, it’s time for your guitar to hit the road. You’ve twanged your last g-string and it’s time to say goodbye. To quote one of this century’s greatest philosophical thinkers: you are never, ever, ever getting back together. Resist the urge to lob it out of the window in a display of teenage rebellion though. There are a few steps to follow if you want to make sure it gets to its new home in decent nick.  The Weight, The Band https://open.spotify.com/track/0sDqo9UPzPUtu9wEkI3zRB Before you do send your guitar out into the cold though, it’s important to make sure you measure and weigh your package in order to get an accurate quote for your parcel delivery. You don’t want to fear the courier. Broken Strings, Nelly Furtado and James Morrison https://open.spotify.com/track/6jBUP2KCe821yqf1hiBqPR The first thing you’ll want to do is to de-tune or slack the guitar strings. Taut strings could potentially snap and damage the guitar while it’s in transit and no one wants that. Fact: 80% of death metal could have been prevented if guitar strings hadn’t snapped in the post. Peace of Mind, Boston https://open.spotify.com/track/1GqlvSEtMx5xbGptxOTTyk Real rock stars use protection, so make sure your guitar is adequately prepared for its journey on the highway to hell (also known as the M25 London Orbital at rush hour) by wrapping fragile bits like the tuning keys and frets. You can use bubble wrap, padded foam or polystyrene chips. Two out of three ain’t bad. Gimme Shelter, The Rolling Stones https://open.spotify.com/track/1dv3ePjze9tPq2pk8eWJdR Sadly, you can’t just do a Springsteen and give your guitar to a courier to swing over a shoulder. Popping it in its case (with a sprinkle of polystyrene chips for good measure) and sending it on its way in a cardboard box will do the trick. If you’re struggling to find a suitable box, troop down to your local Tesco (other supermarkets are available) and see if there are any knocking around the freezer aisle. Go ahead. We’ll wait. Money, Pink Floyd https://open.spotify.com/track/3aoDEt6zSuYQ47gzarlaVo Do you remember when Iggy Pop was in those adverts for car insurance? You don’t? Let us remind you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cvrz-Ynor4 Oh, how we chuckled. Although maybe the godfather of punk had a point. While most parcel delivery services provide some form of compensation cover as standard, it might be worth looking into a bit of extra cover if you’re after more reassurance. One to be aware of though: the maximum compensation value for sending a guitar by courier is £100 shiny pounds. Or 300 Steve Brookstein albums in old money. Bonus track: Get a quote from My Parcel Delivery My Parcel Delivery provides metal heads across the country with an easy way to compare parcel delivery prices for their guitars. Enter your details into our comparison tool and get a quote within seconds. If you're sending a guitar this Christmas then make sure to get a quote today with My Parcel Delivery. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/21/post-your-guitar-properly-with-this-pretty-awesome-playlist/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/21/post-your-guitar-properly-with-this-pretty-awesome-playlist/ Tue, 21 November 2017 11:09:28 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/20/the-my-parcel-delivery-guide-to-heroically-posting-a-television/ This month sees the release of yet another superhero franchise as DC Comic’s Justice League is released in cinemas. It seems you can’t go more than a few days without tripping over a cape or being thwacked in the face with a giant silver hammer. Still, while many of us may envy Iron Man for his aerodynamic presence or go green with envy at the Hulk’s bulging pectorals, it’s worth pointing out that there are some areas where us mere mortals have the upper hand over our fictional saviours.    Take posting a television, for instance...   Not all couriers wear capes Wonder Woman has an invisible jet. Batman has the Batmobile. Superman just uses updrafts. None of these are suitable ways to transport a television and, if you’re looking to post your own goggle box, you’ll need to use our online form to check the weight and size restrictions for each courier. Bear in mind that if your TV is bigger than 32 ″, you’ll need to use Parcelforce as other couriers may not accept delivery.   Have a super plan You’ll want to avoid damage to your television during delivery and an unprotected TV can break quicker than you can say “holy smashed up Samsung, Batman”. You need to make sure your television is properly packaged. Cut a piece of cardboard that's the same size as your TV and place it over the screen. This will provide it with protection akin to a sidekick in an unnecessary B story. You’ll also need to invest in bubble wrap, but we’ll talk more about that in a few seconds (less if your superpower is to read really quickly).     Get a proper costume Superhero costumes are rarely practical: it’s all spandex and catsuits. Your television needs a sensible outfit if it’s to safely zip to its destination. Make sure you wrap a few layers of bubble wrap around the entire television; a 5cm layer (around 10 sheets) should make sure it is appropriately attired for the adventures ahead.   Assemble help Superheroes don’t like asking for help. Batman prefers to brood in his office. Superman flies away to his ice palace. Spiderman goes to sulk in a web behind the bins. If you’re posting a TV, you’ll need a box to send it in and asking for help is the best way to get one. Waltz down to the supermarket or bike shop and see if they’ll give you a suitable container. Just be aware that your box needs to be big enough for the television to fit without touching the sides.   Avoid collateral damage A TV is a restricted item , which means you can’t take out compensation cover in case of loss or damages. Still, if you follow our advice, there should be no reason to hulk out; your television should arrive safe and sound. Spare a thought for the residents of Gotham and Metropolis. Heroes and villains wage war amongst the city streets on a regular basis and it must be quite exhausting to constantly find your route to work blocked by rubble and vanquished henchmen. If you're sending a TV this Christmas then make sure to get a quote today with My Parcel Delivery. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/20/the-my-parcel-delivery-guide-to-heroically-posting-a-television/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/20/the-my-parcel-delivery-guide-to-heroically-posting-a-television/ Mon, 20 November 2017 17:07:22 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/13/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-a-trade-show/ Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for esellers and, here at My Parcel Delivery, our hard-working elves are raring to go as peak season hits. Still, while your products might be flying off the virtual shelves, it’s often easy to forget that just 13% of all Christmas shopping is done online. As we race towards the 25 th December, eager shoppers across the country will flock to markets and fairs in search of the perfect gift. When it comes to events, we’ve got quite a few names on our nice list this year. Although it might feel too late to book a stand and exhibit (there are often last minutes spaces available, so it is worth a look…), there are tons of reasons to get yourself down to a festive fair this year. You might think we’re crazy for suggesting you take time out of your busy day at this time of year, but think of all the clients you can potentially source by popping to an event with a stack of business cards in hand. Whether it’s new customers or potential partners for business collaboration, networking is a key reason to don the Christmas jumper and mingle at the exhibitions. You’ll get to see what the hot products are, what the competition is up to and you’ll leave with a sackful of motivation and new ideas. Here are just some of the places you can check out this year. Festive Gift Fair, 16-19 November The NEC Birmingham opens its doors for the Festive Gift Fair from the 16 th November. The event is bursting at the seams with exhibitors and attracts huge crowds of Christmas shoppers. It features all the trimmings: food, drink and an appearance by Father Christmas, everyone’s favourite gig-economy worker. If you’re a small business, definitely worth checking out, especially as an exhibitor – whether you do it this year or next… Eat & Drink Festival, 22-26 November Christmas is a time for overindulgence and London’s latest food festival is happy to facilitate your expanding festive waistband with four days of food and drink at Olympia London . The festival, which takes place during the last week of November, sees exhibitors share their perishable wares ahead of the upcoming food frenzy. If you’re merely in the market for meat, a number of celebrity chefs make Christmas dinner look easy with workshops and demonstrations at the Foodie Stage. Perfect for anyone selling tasty goods; either seasonal produce or gifts. Country Homes & Interiors Christmas, 23-26 November  Stonor Park Manor House, Henley-on-Thames, hosts the Country Homes & Interiors Christmas show between 23-26 November. Over 100 home, decorating and lifestyle businesses will be promoting their wares to customers keen to spruce up their living room for Christmas. Beautiful interiors galore, ideal for inspiration! Harrogate Christmas & Gift, 14-17 January 2018 While you may be sick of the sight of stuffing and terrified by the prospect of more turkey, the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show – taking place on 14-17 th January – offers independent retailers the opportunity to showcase their products for 2018’s festivities. Over 90 exhibitors will pack the seven halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre and the event provides retailers with the chance to speak to mail-order buyers, garden centres, department stores and wholesale buyers. Best not pack away the tinsel just yet – it’s never too early to plan! If you're sending a gift this Christmas then make sure to get a quote today with My Parcel Delivery. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/13/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-a-trade-show/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/november/13/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-a-trade-show/ Mon, 13 November 2017 12:43:54 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/september/19/the-my-parcel-delivery-guide-to-heroically-posting-a-television/ Last month saw the release of yet another superhero franchise as Marvel’s Defenders launched on Netflix after a four year build up. It seems you can’t go more than a few days without tripping over a cape or being thwacked in the face with a giant silver hammer. Still, while many of us may envy Iron Man for his aerodynamic presence or go green with envy at the Hulk’s bulging pectorals, it’s worth pointing out that there are some areas where us mere mortals have the upper hand over our fictional saviours .    Take posting a television, for instance.   Not all couriers wear capes Wonder Woman has an invisible jet. Batman has the Batmobile. Superman just uses updrafts. None of these are suitable ways to transport a television and, if you’re looking to post your own goggle box, you’ll need to use our online form to check the weight and size restrictions for each courier. Bear in mind that if your TV is bigger than 32 ″, you’ll need to use Parcelforce as other couriers may not accept delivery.   Have a super plan You’ll want to avoid damage to your television during delivery and an unprotected TV can break quicker than you can say “holy smashed up Samsung, Batman”. You need to make sure your television is properly packaged. To start, cut a piece of cardboard to match the size of your screen and place it over the screen. This will provide it with protection akin to a sidekick in an unnecessary B story. You’ll also need to invest in bubble wrap, but we’ll talk more about that in a few seconds (less if your superpower is to read really quickly).     Get a proper costume Superhero costumes are rarely practical: it’s all spandex and catsuits. Your television needs a sensible outfit if it’s to safely zip to its destination. Make sure you wrap a few layers of bubble wrap around the entire television; a 5cm layer (around 10 sheets) should make sure it is appropriately attired for the adventures ahead.   Assemble help Superheroes don’t like asking for help. Batman prefers to brood in his office. Superman flies away to his ice palace. Spiderman goes to sulk in a web behind the bins. If you’re posting a TV, you’ll need a box to send it in and asking for help is the best way to get one. Waltz down to your local supermarket or bike shop and see if they’ll give you a suitable container. Just be aware that your box needs to be big enough for the television to fit without touching the sides.   Avoid collateral damage Sending a TV is always on a restricted basis and you can’t take out compensation cover in case of lost or damages. Still, if you follow our advice, there should be no reason to hulk out; your television should arrive safe and sound. Spare a thought for the residents of Gotham and Metropolis. Heroes and villains wage war amongst the city streets on a regular basis and it must be quite exhausting to constantly find your route to work blocked by rubble and vanquished henchmen. To find out more, visit our guide on how to post a TV . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/september/19/the-my-parcel-delivery-guide-to-heroically-posting-a-television/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/september/19/the-my-parcel-delivery-guide-to-heroically-posting-a-television/ Tue, 19 September 2017 14:30:03 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/july/11/parcel-porn-the-parcel-lover-s-guide-to-the-unboxing-experience/ Let My Parcel Delivery escort you through the euphoria and ecstasy of the unboxing experience. Because there are few pleasures in life greater than the physical and emotional bond between a person and their new parcel.   A memory to cherish forever There are things in life you never forget. Your wedding day, the birth of your first child or the time you prise open the lid of a new parcel. Don’t forget, as you lay eyes on your delivery for the first time, it’s normal to cry. A single tear of joy creeps down your cheek. ‘Thank you,’ you’ll whimper to a confused delivery driver. These are the moments that make life special.   The physical response Your new parcel has arrived and emotions are running high. You will be experiencing a range of feelings as you prepare to unbox your delivery: lust, excitement, fear (have you bought the right size?).  Spend a moment doing some calming breathing exercises and be aware of your symptoms. Your blood pressure rises, your heart rate quickens and you may become flushed around the face, neck and chest. There’s nothing to worry about; this is just the body’s natural reaction to the parcel delivery experience.   Make it last It is tempting, so very tempting, to be swept away in the moment. You may get carried away at the thought of only a few pieces of bubble wrap being between you and your long-awaited goods. But, resist your primal urges. Slowly pick away the packing tape. Gently unwrap the ribbon. Take your time. Enjoy this experience.   Use your hands The moment you open your parcel is very special. You gently lift your new phone from the packaging and it is as good as everyone told you it would be. You take a moment to run your hands over its smooth surface. Savour the oddly satisfying feeling of peeling the protective plastic from the screen. Sensory overload.   Bragging rights Of course, you want to share your leg-shaking parcel delivery experience with your friends; a few photos of your new trainers (before they get too dirty) on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Remember to tag them with #ParcelPorn before posting. It’s just common courtesy to warn people before they get an eyeful.   Post-parcel bliss You’re exhausted and there are sheets of packing paper on the floor. You don’t have a care in the world. You’ve just had the time of your life and you’re riding the Oxytocin train. You’ve never enjoyed opening another parcel more in your life. Savour this feeling. Soon you will have to take it out and put it in the recycling bin. The council come to collect cardboard on Tuesday. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/july/11/parcel-porn-the-parcel-lover-s-guide-to-the-unboxing-experience/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/july/11/parcel-porn-the-parcel-lover-s-guide-to-the-unboxing-experience/ Tue, 11 July 2017 10:13:33 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/july/10/the-weird-and-wonderful-world-of-music-festival-merch-on-ebay/ Festival season is upon us and, over the coming months, musicians will spread across the country - like a particularly aggressive rash – to perform their most-requested Spotify songs to braying field-based mobs. To celebrate this glorious summer of music, MyParcelDelivery took to eBay. We wanted to find the weird and wonderful tributes to 2017’s festival headliners. The internet’s favourite online auction house did not disappoint. Have I told you about my cupcakes lately? Nothing gets your family asking ‘why is there an old man in my mouth?’ more than these Rod Stewart cupcake toppings. Celebrate the venerated rocker’s appearance at this summer’s Isle of Wight Festival with these alluring (and edible) toppings. For bonus points, put the finishing touches to your culinary creations while wearing this fetching Rod Stewart chef’s hat. Da we think ya sexy? Yes, chef. There’s a hunger in his belly already. It’s time for mum’s spaghetti. If you’re off to see Eminem at Leeds or Reading, make sure to pack a hearty dinner in this branded Eminem lunchbox. This sacred vessel of hip hop also comes with its own branded thermos flask so you don’t have to wonder why your tea has gone cold.  Craig David all over your coffee table. Boink. Met a girl on Monday. Took her for a drink on Tuesday. She had questions about my Craig David mug on Wednesday. And on Thursday. And Friday. And Saturday. We didn’t speak on Sunday. Little lion man. Lose yourself in the gentle gaze of Marcus Mumford with this multi-coloured interpretation of Mumford & Sons’ extensive back catalogue. We’re not sure why the 2008 song ‘Liar’ is given so much prominence on Marcus’ forehead though. There’s probably a story there.  First time for everything. This novelty Ellie Goulding credit card is perfect for giving the old receipts in your wallet a bit of company. While Goulding is rumoured to have over $10 million in her bank account, you won’t be able to spend your equally sizable fortune with this credit card as it’s not actually real and will not be accepted by any retailer at point of purchase. Still, it’s got a nice photograph of Ellie on, which is consolation if you can’t make her performance at V Festival this year.   A view to a kill. The question surrounding this lifesize cardboard cutout of iconic singer, songwriter and supermodel Grace Jones isn’t so much around who should buy it, but rather why wouldn’t you want it in your house at this very second? Jones can next be seen performing at Wilderness Festival or - if you want to purchase this and put it in your hallway - by the front door where she will warmly welcome guests into your home. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/july/10/the-weird-and-wonderful-world-of-music-festival-merch-on-ebay/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/july/10/the-weird-and-wonderful-world-of-music-festival-merch-on-ebay/ Mon, 10 July 2017 11:50:03 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/april/25/make-sure-you-have-compensation-covered/ Unsure about whether you should be protecting your parcels with compensation cover? Here’s the need-to-know. Sending your precious parcels around the world, or even just to the neighbouring town, can be a big deal if there’s sentimental, reputational or financial value in the package you’re shipping.   Although we have the greatest faith in every courier we use, accidents do happen sometimes. Before you post your item, consider financially protecting it first. Then, if your parcel doesn’t get to its destination in the condition it was sent in, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world.   Adding compensation cover It’s all about planning ahead and making a clever choice at checkout. If you add cover to your parcel when you ship it, you’re able to claim compensation if the worst does happen. Super simple.   Covering your parcel for what it’s worth Is the extra few quid worth it? That’s your call. But, if you’re getting compensation cover, just make sure you value your parcel correctly.   Some of our courier services come with compensation cover as standard. This depends on the courier, and applies as long as you’re not sending a prohibited or restricted item . Selected couriers will usually cover you automatically for parcels worth £10 - £30, so if your package is worth more, you’ll have to top it up with extra  cover.   When you book a delivery, you’ll be asked for the value of your parcel and you’ll be given the option to add the extra protection. It’s worth knowing however, that some items are only covered for loss rather than damage, so you should check this before sending.     Some of the power is in your packaging Remember – fancy machines and super smart robots will handle your parcel at some points of the delivery journey. As clever as they are, they can’t read ‘FRAGILE’ and ‘HANDLE WITH CARE’ labels.   To mitigate the risk of damage to your parcel, check out our top tips for packing as well as our official packaging guidelines – that’s everything you need to know.   Our experts have devised this handy guide to making a claim – but hopefully you shouldn’t need it.   That’s a wrap! Our team is made up of parcel experts, but not everyone is handy with the cellotape. Watch what happened when we challenged some of the crew to wrap a pineapple in just 30 seconds… Think you could do a better job with awkward parcels/packages? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook ! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/april/25/make-sure-you-have-compensation-covered/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/april/25/make-sure-you-have-compensation-covered/ Tue, 25 April 2017 09:37:57 Vicky https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/march/27/5-packaging-tips-for-avoiding-parcel-damage/ As experienced online sellers will know, there’s more to posting a parcel than simply popping it in a box and sending it on its way. Packaging it correctly is essential. No one wants to receive a damaged parcel, and although accidents can happen, many of them can usually be avoided. To help you ensure your next delivery goes as smoothly as promised, we’ve picked out 5 essential packaging tips for preventing parcel damage. 1. Package your items in a brand-new, double walled box Using a brand-new box is key to ensuring the safety of your items. Opting for previously-used boxes won’t offer as much protection as new packaging, and the more fragile your parcel, the bigger the impact this will have. In fact, new double walled boxes are the preferred packaging option. Double walled cardboard boxes contain two sheets of corrugated cardboard which are firmly glued together, providing extra protection for the items inside. 2. Use plenty of internal packaging Not matter what size your parcel is, it’s always a good idea to pad it out with plenty of internal packaging, such as bubble wrap or foam. Since every additional layer of packaging adds an extra layer of protection for your items, we’d recommend a minimum of 5cm, or 10 sheets, of internal packaging for each parcel. Also, if your items are a lot smaller than the box you’re transporting them in, ensure the box is also filled with foam or bubble wrap to avoid internal damage. 3. Check the maximum weight of your box Before you buy a box to transport your delivery items, make sure you double check its maximum weight and weigh your items before you buy. If you opt for packaging that can’t handle your load, it’s likely your items will end up getting damaged during delivery. It’s also a good idea to measure and weigh your packaged parcel before delivery. This ensures you don’t face any additional charges if your parcel is bigger or heavier than you first stated. 4. Don’t package your items in fabric or cloth bags Although they may look nicer than your standard box, packing your items in cloth or fabric bags provides minimal protection for your items inside. If you’re receiving a parcel delivery, most of us are far more concerned about items inside the parcel, not how it looks when it arrives. Opt for a strong, sturdy material that will keep your parcels in one piece throughout delivery. 5. Use strong parcel tape to seal your box Using household sticky tape or string to seal your parcel simply isn’t strong enough to withstand transportation. When sealing your parcels, ensure you’re using strong parcel tape to fasten them. Once you’re sure the box is secure, tape around all the edges of your box as well, as this will strengthen the corners and make sure your parcel doesn’t fall open in transit. Remember, simply adding a 'fragile' or ‘handle with care’ label isn’t a substitute for careful packaging. Parcels are often handled by machines who can't read the additional labels. Do you have any top packaging tips? Share them with us via Facebook or Twitter ! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/march/27/5-packaging-tips-for-avoiding-parcel-damage/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/march/27/5-packaging-tips-for-avoiding-parcel-damage/ Mon, 27 March 2017 16:53:38 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/february/10/it-s-not-too-late-don-t-be-a-heartbreaker-this-valentine-s-day/ Uh oh. Tuesday is Valentine’s Day. You’ve got that sinking feeling again, when a weekend of box sets and takeaways got in the way of hitting the high street to buy that Valentine’s gift to send to your beloved. Well fear not. With our next day parcel delivery , and even same day delivery , you can leave it right down to the wire and still make it look like it was all totally planned in advance. So, whether you can’t be together on Valentine’s Day and want to send a present, or if you want to go for gold and surprise your other half at work, look no further than our UK couriers to be your parcel heroes. NEXT DAY PARCEL DELIVERY If you’re reading this on Monday the 13th and your palms are sweating, then take a deep breath, you’ve still got time to choose one of our next day delivery services . These services are an easy and cost-effective way of sending your parcels out and delighting your other half in time for the big day. By sending out your own presents, as opposed to just ordering online, you can send something much more personal (and score some serious brownie points in the process). Adding a personal, handwritten card to your gifts will of course go down a treat too. Remember, there are certain things you can’t send with us, so be sure to check out our list of Prohibited and Restricted Items before you wrap up anything you’re not allowed to send. SAME DAY PARCEL DELIVERY It’s never too late! If you’ve left it until the day itself and it’s now Tuesday 14th February, then calm down! You can still get your parcel there on time. But you’re going to have to invest a little more cash and plump for one of our same day services . With our same day, fully tracked services you can have your parcel on its way in as little as 60 minutes after placing your order! And no one will ever know you only sent it today…. In both cases, don’t forget to measure and package up your parcel correctly- you really don’t want any hold-ups this week. You can check out last year’s article (extolling the virtues of ‘being organised’) with lots of info about the importance of packaging things up correctly. Happy romancing! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/february/10/it-s-not-too-late-don-t-be-a-heartbreaker-this-valentine-s-day/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/february/10/it-s-not-too-late-don-t-be-a-heartbreaker-this-valentine-s-day/ Fri, 10 February 2017 13:37:23 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/31/parcel-tracking-for-2017-hermes-gets-the-alexa-treatment/ Enhanced, accurate parcel tracking is the ultimate in convenience for many people looking to send a parcel, either within the UK, or internationally. We hear all the time from our customers that being able to see their parcel moving towards its destination in real time, uber-style, is what they really want. If you can see your taxi, then why can’t you see the delivery driver? Well we might not quite be at that stage just yet, but you can now hear where your parcel is... Alexa, play my favourite song Alexa, change the TV channel Alexa, where did I park my car? … Alexa, where is my parcel? Amazon’s voice-activated assistant Alexa took the tech world by storm in 2016. You can buy one of Amazon’s wireless speakers (such as the Amazon Echo) and through the Amazon Skills app you can get Alexa to do all sorts of things for you. From telling you the day’s weather, to finding recipes for you, there are no end of opportunities. And as usual the innovation doesn’t end there. UK courier Hermes has just announced that they will be integrating their own tracking solution into the Amazon Skills app. This means that if you are sending something with myHermes and you have an Amazon smart speaker, you’ll be able to ask Alexa for updates on your parcel’s progress. This will give customers more accurate delivery information and added peace of mind, meaning they won’t need to make phone calls when wanting tracking information. This latest development, created by the Hermes Innovation Lab in Leeds, also allows customers to track returns they send with the carrier, improving the whole delivery experience. Head of Digital Strategy and Technology Innovation at Hermes, David Turner, said “An important part of our remit is to explore new and exciting technologies that will allow us to enrich the delivery experience. Digital assistants such as Siri, Cortana and Alexa have been developed to drive increased convenience, and our research tells us that there will be a future shift away from screen interactions in favour of conversational interface technology. We are thrilled with our initial release, but we are already experimenting with new interactions and functionality that we will be releasing throughout this year.” (source: Hermes). So, what will you ask Alexa next? https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/31/parcel-tracking-for-2017-hermes-gets-the-alexa-treatment/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/31/parcel-tracking-for-2017-hermes-gets-the-alexa-treatment/ Tue, 31 January 2017 15:06:53 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/27/norman-wilson-hs-components/ HS Components have, for the past 17 years, been a market leader in the automotive spare parts industry. We spoke to Norman Wilson from HS Components about how and why they use My Parcel Delivery’s services to send a parcel up to 160 times every week. Sending the volume of car parts HS Components does means that delivering on and fulfilling their promise to customers is vital. One aspect of the business is selling franchise dealers’ obsolete stock through their multi-platform websites to the public, garages and other franchise dealers. To facilitate this process they find that My Parcel Delivery fits the bill perfectly. For two years now HS Components have been using My Parcel Delivery to manage their logistics. Prior to this they were using several couriers but became frustrated with the service they were receiving. “Having My Parcel Delivery as an accessible point of contact for us is a big help for our business” says Norman Wilson from HS Components. He says that managing the between 120 and 160 parcels they send every week is made significantly more simple thanks to the services they receive from My Parcel Delivery. “The website is easy to use. The diverse array of services on offer means that whatever we’re trying to send and on whatever service it’s needed on, it can be fulfilled.” The variety of products HS Components sends means that the value, weight and urgency of delivery for every consignment can differ. My Parcel Delivery has the easy flexibility that the company requires. For a business like HS Components the details afforded to them through their My Parcel Delivery account mean they have full traceability of every consignment and transaction, which is invaluable for their sales and accounts team. The other advantages they find from their business account is the efficiency of paying on account, along with their preferential rates. So customer service, good rates and full reporting capabilities continue to give HS Component’s customers the first-class service they expect. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/27/norman-wilson-hs-components/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/27/norman-wilson-hs-components/ Fri, 27 January 2017 16:30:27 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/19/marek-koczen-managing-director-of-rentadigitalpianocouk/ Marek Koczen is the founder and Managing Director of rentadigitalpiano.co.uk . The company sends digital pianos for short or long-term home and event rentals and has been using My Parcel Delivery’s services for three years. We spoke to Marek about his experiences with My Parcel Delivery and found out why it’s a better model than trudging around London delivering pianos from the back of his car… Speaking to us from his car (on the handsfree!) seems apt for Marek Koczen, MD of rentadigitalpiano.co.uk. When he started his digital piano rental service in 2012 he spent a lot of time driving around London. Not only was he founder and MD of his own business, he was also moonlighting as his own courier, delivering the pianos himself in the back of his car to each and every customer. He says “I loved the customer interaction I was able to have with all my customers. But eventually it became unsustainable." After partnering with some local private driving firms and having some bad delivery experiences, particularly around damaged goods, he found My Parcel Delivery in 2013 and says “I’ve never looked back”. Through UPS he now sends between five and 10 pianos a week using My Parcel Delivery. “Delivery is a crucial part of our business” he says. “It’s fundamental to fulfilling the customer promise. I always do a lot of research before working with people as I want to ensure I only work with the very best partners. The My Parcel Delivery website I’ve found easy to navigate with competitive, clear pricing. Also, the customer service experience I’ve had with Ian has been an absolute pleasure. And as I’m such a frequent sender, I get attractive discounts too!" Marek collaborates with a local music and instrument repair shop who pack and check the pianos for him. This ensure he’s done everything he can to minimise any potential damage. But now he uses My Parcel Delivery he can feel confident in retaining the quality of his service across every step of the rental process. And it also means he can scale his business as he wishes and isn’t limited to however far he can drive! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/19/marek-koczen-managing-director-of-rentadigitalpianocouk/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/19/marek-koczen-managing-director-of-rentadigitalpianocouk/ Thu, 19 January 2017 11:35:19 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/18/want-to-send-a-parcel-to-the-usa/ This week one thing is on the mind of all Americans, and international observers alike. The Donald. Yes, the 45th President of the United States, Mr. Donald J. Trump, will officially take office on Friday, ushering in a new era, and a president addicted to Tweeting. So here at My Parcel Delivery we thought this was the perfect excuse to tell you everything you need to know about how to send to the United States. So, whether it’s to your aunt in Arkansas, or your friend in Philadelphia, you can easily and cheaply send things across the Pond with our courier services. If it’s to cheer up disheartened Clinton voters, or to add to the celebrations of Trump’s supporters, this is our four-step guide to posting to the U-S of A this January. 1. How long does it take to send a parcel to the USA? We can get your parcel to the States in as little as two working days. But if you want the cheapest option, our DPD Air Classic service takes between three and seven working days. Timings can vary though, depending on customs clearances etc. so this is an estimate only. 2. What can’t I send to the United States? Like most countries, the USA has stringent import regulations. We have an extensive list of Prohibited and Restricted items that couriers in the UK won’t accept. If you’re sending clothes or souvenirs, you’ll usually be A-OK. But for a more definitive list, check out the US Postal Service guide , just to be on the safe side. 3. How much does it cost? Getting the cheapest price is important for a lot of people when sending parcels to the USA, which is why we’ve got a range of services to match your exact requirements. These prices start from as little as £19.99+VAT, to send 1kg parcels with DPD Air , and from £84.04 to send 30kg parcels with Parcelforce. 4. What are the customs charges? When you send a parcel to the USA from the UK, there are sometimes extra customs fees that need to be paid. The good news is, things like gifts and personal effects aren’t subject to customs charges if they’re under $800 in value. Before you send anything, you’ll need to fill out something called a pro-forma invoice. This tells US Customs what’s in your parcel and enables it to fly through as quickly as possible. Don’t worry though, My ParcelDelivery supply you with all the forms whenever you book parcel delivery to America with us. Just make sure you print out 5 copies of your completed pro-forma invoice and attached it in an envelope to the outside of your parcel. If you’re unsure whether your parcel will be charged a customs fee when it arrives in the US, there’s a really handy tool that you can use. Just type in your item and you’ll be able to see what percentage of duty and import tax may apply. There’s more useful info on our fast, cheap courier services to the USA here. So, whatever it is you want to get flown across the Pond, there’s a fast and easy way to get it there. And in the spirit of the President Elect, why not Tweet us about your good experiences? https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/18/want-to-send-a-parcel-to-the-usa/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/18/want-to-send-a-parcel-to-the-usa/ Wed, 18 January 2017 13:31:31 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/10/want-to-send-a-parcel-to-china-cheap-parcel-delivery-to-the-middle-kingdom/ Here at My Parcel Delivery we’re gearing up for the Year of the Rooster, which is why we’ve recently had one of our flyers translated into Mandarin. Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival as it’s known at home, is the biggest celebration in the Chinese calendar. Endless firecrackers, delicious dumplings and lots of family time are the order of the day. But not everyone can get to China in person this January… So, for the next best thing, if you’re looking to delight friends and family in the Middle Kingdom with a new year treat, now you can. With our parcel comparison services you can find out now just how cheap courier services for delivery to China from the UK can be. Struggling to find the cheapest way to send a parcel to China? Look no further. For the best rates and all the information you need about sending to China, including the all-important Prohibited and Restricted items list , look no further than our page on sending parcels to China . You can also check out our previous blog post for five tips when sending to China . 祝你鸡年大吉! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/10/want-to-send-a-parcel-to-china-cheap-parcel-delivery-to-the-middle-kingdom/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/10/want-to-send-a-parcel-to-china-cheap-parcel-delivery-to-the-middle-kingdom/ Tue, 10 January 2017 15:58:57 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/06/didn-t-get-the-parcel-delivery-you-wanted-this-christmas-sort-it-out/ Ahh, January. Santa’s parcel delivery is officially complete; the tinsel is being boxed up and we can now revel in a pit of despair while panning all those ‘new year, new me’ social media posts. And as your withering Christmas tree sheds its last pines, there may still be one or two stray presents cowering under there you would really rather see the back of. Well fear not, our parcel delivery comparison services can help you send a parcel whether it’s to your next eBay customer or to your friend needing a January pick-me-up. So, here’s our big 2017 guide of what to do with all those gifts not quite matching your very on-trend, hygge tastes… Get Selling January can be something of an eCommerce bonanza for both consumers and online sellers and of course if you want to make some cash then this is the best place to do it. If you’re new to the world of online marketplace selling , you’ll be surprised by just how easy it is. So, this January instead of joining the queue at the tip, why not open a free account on one of the many platforms out there and start listing your items? The daddy of online selling is eBay. Follow this link to our guide to selling on eBay for the full lowdown on how to get started. Have a browse of the site too and see if this is the right platform for you. Well-known consumer tech brands tend to do really well on eBay, along with clothes and furniture. Yet if you’re wanting to get rid of something a little more unusual, check out sites like Depop. We also have a guide to buying and selling on Depop which has everything you need to know to get going on this marketplace for more unique or niche items. There are several other guides available depending on what your item is, so go ahead and fill thy purse with money. You never know, you might get addicted and end up becoming a serial seller. In which case, you’re going to need to open a business account with us… Treat a friend One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. So, whereas it may not be to your taste, why not think of a friend who might appreciate it instead? Our courier comparison services can make sure you get the best courier service for whatever it is you want to pass on, wherever they are. So you can help your mates beat the January blues and instead of Christmas presents, give them a New Year present. Including a note in the parcel saying ‘I got this for Christmas but thought you might like it more!’ will never go unappreciated. So instead of leaving your unwanted kit at the back of a drawer all year, pass it on and make someone’s day. Donate to charity There are a wealth of worthwhile places and causes to donate your unwanted Christmas presents to, particularly if they’re on our all-important prohibited and restricted items list . So get that Lynx Africa gift set down to your local charity shop (you can’t post aerosols!), donate unwanted food or chocolates to foodbanks or give clothes to homeless charities. After an indulgent Christmas, giving something back to those who need it more is surely the best way to start the new year. We all know how difficult buying presents for people can be. But getting all those purchases to the right home will in the long-run reap big benefits for everyone. Happy New Year! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/06/didn-t-get-the-parcel-delivery-you-wanted-this-christmas-sort-it-out/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2017/january/06/didn-t-get-the-parcel-delivery-you-wanted-this-christmas-sort-it-out/ Fri, 06 January 2017 12:28:10 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/november/25/christmas-last-posting-dates-2016/ Now Black Friday is well and truly out of the way, it’s time to get your festive game on. Yes, Christmas is very nearly upon us. But missing the Christmas post could be a disaster. Don’t be a Scrooge this year; make sure you don’t miss the Christmas boat. Here are our guides to the last posting dates for Christmas 2016 by courier, service and country. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/last-posting-dates-for-christmas/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/november/25/christmas-last-posting-dates-2016/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/november/25/christmas-last-posting-dates-2016/ Fri, 25 November 2016 14:47:20 Lee https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/november/11/will-you-go-for-gold-on-black-friday-2016/ We are racing, uncontrollably, towards Black Friday 2016. So here at My Parcel Delivery we wanted to slam the breaks on just for a second and make sure whatever marketplace you sell on, you’re as Black Friday ready as you can be. This way, when the going gets tough on the 25th of November, your operations will work like a well-oiled machine, leaving your customers delighted. Here’s how you can prepare for the big day, so you don’t miss a single opportunity. LEARN FROM THE PAST Black Friday is an American phenomenon, now ‘warmly’ embraced by UK retailers and consumers alike- especially in the past two years. The post-Thanksgiving event officially marks the start of the peak period, stretching all the way through to Christmas. 2014’s Black Friday was, to put it bluntly, chaos, with shops witnessing near-riot scenes across the UK as people grappled to get their hands on heavily discounted goods. 2015 was a more sober affair with customers shifting their attention to shopping online and retailers launching their discounts and promotions earlier, to ease pressure on the day itself. Yet it didn’t pass off without its own problems as websites crashed and customers were left empty-handed. So it’s anyone’s guess what Black Friday 2016 will look like. But one thing’s for sure, if you’re running a small business online you need to be prepared. Customers are savvy and will always sniff out the best deals around, whether online or in bricks and mortar stores. The calm before the storm will soon be over. KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS Understanding what motivates your customers is vital in the run-up to the busiest period of the year.  Are they motivated by sale prices, product choice or delivery options? A lot of consumers, depending on age, say they are prepared to wait longer for their order if they’re happy with the discounts on offer. So, reflect on who is buying your products and think about altering your delivery options accordingly. If you usually offer next-day delivery, then why not consider extending this so the pressure on you and your couriers is eased? PREPARATION IS EVERYTHING Black Friday UK-style remains in its infancy, so it’s hard to predict exactly what will happen. Yet that’s not to say you can’t be prepared. We’ve identified three key points to prep for: Pick (or customise) your products carefully. You might struggle to offer the really big discounts that retail giants roll out. So instead why not bundle some of your products together and create gift sets? This works particularly well around this Christmas period. You could also run multi-buy offers to entice your customers. You could think about restricting sales for specific products, only offering certain products you hope will be successful. And if you can add some Christmas sparkle to any of your products and ‘Chrismasify’ them this could work wonders! Promote your shop. In the run up to Black Friday you can try sending marketing emails to your customers or use social media to drum up interest in your offers. Remember, many retailers will start running discounts earlier than the day itself, so consider promoting this in any emails or posts you send.  Call in recruits. Finally, you should be prepared to work around the clock, if you have to. And if you’re a really small business without the option to get staff in on overtime, why not draft in family or friends to lend their support over this period? The rewards could be big. YOUR PARCEL DELIVERY Ensuring you can fulfil your customer promise importantly includes delivery options. Again, planning is key here. And not just a core plan; make a back-up plan should things go awry. Your usual couriers may not be able to meet demand, so you want the flexibility of being able to offer extra delivery services to your influx of customers. My Parcel Delivery is a great tool for comparing parcel delivery prices and giving you multiple carrier options, so if one can’t deliver, you can turn to a suitable alternative. Couriers come under great pressure during this period, dealing with much greater volumes than normal. Using multiple carriers also means you can use one courier for, say, larger products, and a different one for everything else.  Black Friday is an American import with huge potential financial rewards. With the right plans in place it could be a golden opportunity for your online store. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/november/11/will-you-go-for-gold-on-black-friday-2016/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/november/11/will-you-go-for-gold-on-black-friday-2016/ Fri, 11 November 2016 15:31:57 Lee https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/september/26/hmm-pinteresting-how-to-promote-your-products-on-pinterest/ Launched in 2010, Pinterest is a platform for users to organise and bookmark ideas, ‘Pinning’ pictures to virtual pin boards. Describing itself as a ‘catalogue of ideas’, Pinterest is a great way to collect inspiration for anything from home décor to new recipes.  Yet, much more than this, if you’re a small business, it’s an excellent way to promote your products and could even lead to some sales too. In 2015 the San Francisco-based company claimed to have 50 billion Pins on over a billion boards, and counting. This makes for a huge opportunity to get your products in front of an immense audience of keen Pinners, waiting (with their wallets in hand) for inspiration.  And with much of the content now ‘buyable’ to users in the US, it’s only a matter of time before UK users will be able to buy products directly from Pins they view on the site. So if you’re selling something that might appeal to the legions of UK Pinterest lovers (particularly if it falls within the ever-popular DIY, food, home décor, holiday or wedding categories) read on for some sound advice. GET SET UP First things first, you need to set up a Pinterest business account for your website, online store or marketplace. If you already have a Pinterest account you’ve used for personal Pins, you can easily convert this to a business account. Remember, this will be your brand’s ‘board’, or storefront, displaying all of your Pins (including your own products and any other things you Pin) so if your personal pins are really unrelated to your business, then you may be better off setting up a brand new Pinterest account just for your business. Next, and you should confirm your website with Pinterest. This will mean that you can add the Pinterest Save button to your store, so that potential customers browsing your online shop can save products directly to their Pinterest boards. Then all of their followers and friends will see your Pin too! Confirming your website also gives you access to stats and analysis on all your Pins, so you can see how much interest you are generating through Pinterest.  PIMP UP YOUR PRODUCT PHOTOS FOR PINTEREST Pinterest users love great photos; good pictures of your products will help to get them Pinned and re-pinned. And more Pins and re-pins means potentially more click throughs and more traffic to your website. So make sure you’re displaying your products in as positive a light as possible. Portrait, as opposed to landscape, photos taken with a good quality camera are the basics. Then think about how to make your pictures look as eye-catching and unique as possible, with suitable lighting and balanced composition. Showing your products in situ also works really well as people can envisage how your products would look in their own homes. Good quality snaps of your products are easy to achieve and can be hugely rewarding. Doing some research around Pinterest will also mean you can see how your competitors are doing it.  PIN YOUR PROUCTS WITH LINKS BACK TO YOUR PRODUCT PAGE To get your profile set up first you need to go all out with at least five boards. Pin your most interesting products, making sure to Pin them from your website, so when Pinterest users are browsing they will then click through to your site. Alternatively, if you’re uploading custom images from your computer, you can add the referral link in later. You should also make sure you Pin images from across all of your social platforms- including any blogs you have or social advertising you do. And don’t just pin your own things. Why not create boards themed around your products? This could include innovative ways to use your products or inspirational images and styling advice to complement the items in your store. It’s also important to write Pin descriptions that will be as impactful as possible, using appropriate keywords. This will help your products to show up when people are searching on the site.  STAY ACTIVE Once you’re all set up with your main boards, you should stay active with your Pinterest profile; try to Pin something at least once per day in order to remain as visible as possible, especially if you get new products in regularly. And on the back of any research you do on the site, find out what means a lot to your customers and try to create boards that will meet their needs.  Pinterest done right has huge potential for your online store and your brand, as referral traffic will increase and in turn, the sales will hopefully come rolling in. And you never know, you might also find some avocado inspiration yourself. Or how to maximise space in your bathroom.    For more expert help and advice on how to use Pinterest for business, check out the business section on the Pinterest website, full of advice on how to get your business set up and even more tips to get the most out of it. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/september/26/hmm-pinteresting-how-to-promote-your-products-on-pinterest/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/september/26/hmm-pinteresting-how-to-promote-your-products-on-pinterest/ Mon, 26 September 2016 16:11:09 Lee https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/september/15/7-freshers-week-headaches-a-courier-can-fix/ The first week of uni can be a rollercoaster of studenty emotions. From the highs of being liberated from parents, to the lows of starvation and extreme dehydration, Freshers’ Week is something of a journey of discovery. But with a little help from our couriers, who can go on the journey for you, the whole process doesn’t have to be as vom-inducing as you might have feared. Here’s our rundown of seven headaches only a good courier can solve this September. And if you’re already a seasoned pro at studenting, read on for some ways to make this academic year the best yet. 1) courier your gear to uni Let’s face it. Carting all your gear to uni, whether in a car or on public transport, is a hassle. Why not courier it instead? You’d be surprised how reasonable it is to do it and just think how much you’ll appreciate kicking back on the train and not sweating over a truck load of suitcases. The My Parcel Delivery Shipping Personal Effects and Belongings guide tells you everything you need to know about how to pack, protect, measure up and ship all of your things, so you can focus on erm, your studies. But remember, there are some things you’re not allowed to send by courier - check out our prohibited and restricted items list for more info. 2) Care packages from the rents In the interests of survival, why not get your mum and dad to send the essentials to your halls to ease you in to student life? Food, Nurofen and rehydration pills should all be on the list. Make sure the food isn’t perishable and that they don’t send anything in fancy glass or ceramic dishes that could break. Also, for food, a next day delivery service is your best bet, to make sure it arrives super-fast and as tasty as poss. When requesting this care package from the bank of mum and dad you might want to put on a pathetic voice and feign illness - being hungover isn’t a good enough excuse for free food, so we’re told… 3) Laptop Express Left your laptop at home and feeling lost without it? If you’re having an anxiety attack over your digital detox and thinking how on earth you can be expected to take notes and work with a pen and paper, relax. Why not get your parents to courier it to you instead of you having to waste time and money going back to pick it up and missing out on Freshers’ Week debauchery? This also works for whatever else you might have left at home; forgotten ID, text books, a toaster or a toilet plunger, one of our courier services could be the way forward. 4) Courier launderette Can’t face dragging yourself and a sack full of stinking laundry to the local launderette? Why not bag it up and get a courier to your halls to collect it? You can then bribe your parents to do it all for you and send it back, so you can stay smelling as fresh as a daisy all term long. We know the naysayers will denounce this as “lazy”. We say stuff ‘em. It’s SAVVY. Remember you’re not allowed to send ‘foul smelling or disgusting materials’ as per our prohibited and restricted items list , so don’t leave it tooo long. 5) Get selling and make some cash Uni is never going to be cheap. And now with fees skyrocketing, it’s a good idea to maximise your income; selling off things you no longer need could be the way forward. Textbooks, clothes or old shoes, eBaying your old kit might be the lifesaving cash injection you need. And with our marketplace selling guides at your disposal, you’ve got all the know-how you need to do it and can save time and money on posting stuff out by using a courier. Or, if you’re really crafty, why not turn your hobbying into a business? Check out our Etsy selling guide for more info. 6) stay in the good books Physically sending presents may be an alien concept to you if you’ve always relied on internet shopping, or your mum to traipse to the Post Office for you. But now you’re an ‘adult’ you should try to keep in the good books; showering your parents with a couple of thoughtful gifts will definitely keep them on-side. Sending last minute birthday presents, anniversary gifts or even a Valentine’s Day present to your old flame back home- our next day delivery services can get you out of a sticky situation or keep your mum really happy. 7) Return the love and become a courier Once you’ve seen the superpowers of a good courier for yourself, maybe you’ll want to rip your own shirt off and morph into one too? Why not reap the benefits of couriering and do it as a part-time gig? Particularly with some food courier companies delivering by bike, you can get a workout while earning some cash and get some free food! What’s not to love?   Anything that can ease the stress of the first few weeks of the academic year and free up your time has to be worth it. With a few of these courier tools at hand, you’ll sail through to reading week, as long as Freshers’ Flu doesn’t get you. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/september/15/7-freshers-week-headaches-a-courier-can-fix/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/september/15/7-freshers-week-headaches-a-courier-can-fix/ Thu, 15 September 2016 12:45:30 Lee https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/september/02/back-to-school-back-in-the-red-how-to-save-money-this-september/ Crisp, blank exercise books, shiny new shoes and stiffly ironed white shirts. Yes it’s that time of year again when kids everywhere move up a rung on the school ladder. But for parents, forget about the emotions of waving the kids off every morning. For many, September means one thing and one thing only…. serious money worries. But kiddiewinks skipping back through the school gates doesn’t have to mean spending an arm and a leg to get them there. Here we look at seven ways you could save yourself a packet this September. 1) Loyalty love: dig out your store cards and reap the benefits Not checked your Tesco Clubcard points balance recently? Now’s the time to find out if you’ve got any points stacked up that you’ve forgotten about or you’ve been saving for a rainy day. Buying school essentials from supermarkets is not only good value, but using your points can see even further savings. Also look out for deals, vouchers and coupons to use that you can redeem in store.  If you don’t have any points to spend, then buying uniform or stationery in stores with loyalty cards means you can treat yourself to a little something once you’ve built up enough points. 2) Get crafty. Customise basic school essentials  Spending a small fortune on branded goods for your kids can leave you feeling cheated, especially when they grow out of things so quickly. So instead of buying expensive labels, why not flex your creative muscles: go for the basic option and then get customising? A plain backpack or pencil case is a blank canvas to be decorated in a fun way that is really unique, and will leave the playground "fashionistas" fuming! This could also be a great end-of-summer activity for you and your children.  3) Under your nose You’d be surprised how many things we leave around the house that go overlooked, unopened or untouched. So why not use the start of September as an excuse to hunt for forgotten treasures or items you’ve kept buried in kitchen drawers for years? You might just salvage some school supplies.  That old calculator you thought had seen better days; maths equipment hiding in desks or backpacks you’d forgotten about could all be waiting to see the light of day again 4) Sell, Sell, Sell And why not make a quick buck by selling off all those old treasures that you can’t find a use for this term? You can also get rid of all the old school equipment your little ones no longer need, or want, that you’re being forced to replace! Head to eBay , streamline your home and make some cash in the process. Whether you’re selling a school tie for 99p or unworn school shoes your child’s outgrown, there are people always on the lookout for all manner of things. And if you’d prefer not to use eBay, then why not try local sites like Gumtree, or a specialist online selling site. We’ve written a step-by-step guide to selling on Gumtree to help you through this process. And remember, it’s not just Gumtree and eBay. There are a whole host of other sites where you can get selling; find out more from our marketplace selling guides here .  5) Feel the love for preloved  Yes we’ve said hit eBay hard and sell your unwanted things. But equally you could also use it as a buying tool for second-hand purchases. Why not bid on ’preloved’ school uniforms or other gear? This is especially useful for things that you suspect might be a bit of a fad or a seasonal purchase, like that hockey stick required just for the autumn term or the clarinet. You could also try asking at the school itself to see if they have a dedicated second hand service you could scour for a bargain. 6) Socialising, with an agenda…. A great way to tap into the sharing economy is by befriending other parents. You can do this via school social media networks or by chatting at the school gates. It’s particularly useful to be friends with parents of children the year above yours, so you can gratefully receive any hand-me-downs or get some advice about things they have found useful, or useless, for their children.  7) And finally, get help.  There are several initiatives and schemes to help you out financially. Whether it’s childcare vouchers , free school meals or help with transport costs there is help available, so be sure to take advantage of it.  So with the heady days of summer behind us, a little creativity and some serious organising can mean that going back to school doesn’t have to break the bank this year. And it also means that you can now get saving for Christmas. Sigh. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/september/02/back-to-school-back-in-the-red-how-to-save-money-this-september/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/september/02/back-to-school-back-in-the-red-how-to-save-money-this-september/ Fri, 02 September 2016 08:47:29 Lee https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/august/22/summer-bank-holiday-posting-dates/ Ahh, the summer bank holiday. The long weekend offering one final fling before the onset of drizzly dark nights and the start of a brand-spanking new school term. And if you’re thinking of sending anything around these dates, whether it’s a wedding present or a new school satchel, you’ll want to make sure it gets there right on time. So here’s everything you need to know to make sure you don’t miss the boat. 1) Monday, Monday. When to get your parcels sent this bank holiday Remember most couriers won’t be delivering on Monday 29th August, so if your parcel needs to get there urgently, aim to have it delivered for Friday 26th August. So get it wrapped up right now, following our packaging guidelines , of course. Also, if your parcel is collected by a courier on Friday 26th, or dropped off over the bank holiday weekend, be aware it’ll take a little longer than usual for delivery as most couriers are kicking back and shooting the breeze on bank holiday Monday. And who can blame them? 2) My parcel delivery opening hours And come to think of it, here at My Parcel Delivery we’re also taking a well-earned break on bank holiday Monday. Our offices will be closed all day on Monday 29th August, but if you need to get in touch with our customer service team, leave us a message and we’ll get back to you on Tuesday 30th August. Or type in your query via the Help button at the bottom of the page, where you will also see all our FAQs answered. So whatever you’re planning on sending, make sure you don’t fall foul to the holiday and end up with some serious bank holiday blues. Nobody wants that. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/august/22/summer-bank-holiday-posting-dates/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/august/22/summer-bank-holiday-posting-dates/ Mon, 22 August 2016 09:03:44 Lee https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/august/10/on-the-road-to-rio-how-to-send-to-south-america/ Despite having some ups and downs recently, Brazil remains a strong South American powerhouse. And with Rio 2016 now in full swing, the eyes of the world are firmly pointing towards the samba nation. So we thought it high time we shared some advice on how to send things to Brazil, either to one of the 11,000 British expats enjoying themselves over there, or to one of the 200 million Brazilians calling the country home. And while we’re at it, we’ll also look at some of the country’s neighbours. So whether you’re sending sandals to Santiago or leotards to Lima, you’ll know exactly how to wrap things up and get them on their merry way. So here are our Olympic-tastic tips for sending stuff to South America. 1. Prohibited items: don't end up beating yourself up Make sure you’re allowed to send your item. This means not breaking the export rules for sending from the UK, and also checking you don’t break the import rules of where you’re sending to. Our pages outlining international parcel delivery , including to Brazil , are a good place to start, to guide you through this process. You need to also head to our list of prohibited and restricted items for guidelines of things you can’t send and then double-check each country’s requirements with your courier. For example, Brazil prohibits the import of binoculars and collectible stamps. Who knew? You’ll beat yourself up if you get this wrong. 2. Import and customs taxes. How to jump through hoops Import and customs taxes are the bane of every international seller’s life and Brazil is known for having particularly high import taxes. You can find a list of import duties and taxation of products into Brazil here . Remember to factor this into your costs before the person you are sending to is faced with a big fat bill. You can also find more information about exporting from the EU here and we recommend checking each country’s import duties, as they will all vary within the continent. Before you send your parcel, be aware that you’ll need to know the Tax ID number of the person you’re sending to in Brazil. This is similar to a National Insurance number for Brazilian nationals and without this, your parcel will be returned. If it’s a non-Brazilian national you’re sending it, the person will need to show their passport for clearance. See more info about this in tip number 4, below. 3. Wrap it right. But forget the ribbons Brazil and her surrounding countries are a long way from the UK, so we don’t recommend daintily wrapping anything up in fancy ribbons as these could get caught up when your parcel is travelling and cause damage to your precious items. Package your items securely following our packaging guidelines . In some of South America’s less developed countries your parcel may endure several rounds of transportation to reach its destination, so make sure it’s well wrapped and well labelled, so whether it’s moving through jungles or across snow-capped mountains, it will get there in one piece. 4. Don't dive in head first Whenever you send anything outside the EU you need to fill in some extra paperwork. It’s important that you don’t just cast your parcel off without filling in everything you need to. My Parcel Delivery will provide you with a proforma invoice which you need to fill in and then print, and attach five copies to the outside of the parcel. You need to include a valid tax ID shown clearly on this form, (typed, not hand-written). This document will be inspected by customs in Brazil; if you forget to attach it this could cause delays to your delivery, or worse, your parcel could be sent back, and we wouldn’t want to happen now, would we. 5. Shop around for the best deal and go for gold Using a courier comparison service, like My Parcel Delivery, will find you the best option for getting your parcel to South America. It might be that you need your parcel delivered as quickly as possible, that you are sending something particularly heavy or that you just want the cheapest option. My Parcel Delivery compares prices for you in a matter of minutes and will save you ££s. For example, you can send a 1kg parcel to Brazil from as little as £29.03, with an estimated transit time of five working days after collection.   Long after the Olympic torch goes out in Brazil, the continent will continue to feel its positive impact. And with lower costs for sending to South America, you too can feel a financial impact right away with My Parcel Delivery. So whenever you need international parcel delivery , look no further! image credits: Ian Glover , Stephen , Laura Bittner , JD Lasica , Strider Bikes all via flickr https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/august/10/on-the-road-to-rio-how-to-send-to-south-america/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/august/10/on-the-road-to-rio-how-to-send-to-south-america/ Wed, 10 August 2016 10:55:57 Lee https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/july/13/parcel-pitfalls-our-top-5-parcel-sending-fails/ The art of parcel sending. You might think you’ve got this down to a tee: you wrap up your gear, slip it into a packet and send it on its merry way. But here at My Parcel Delivery we’re always seeing people getting it wrong. Really wrong. Here we look at the five most common mistakes we see people making when sending their parcels, so you can make sure the next time you send something, you won’t be left out-of-pocket and red-faced. 1. Auto fill Auto fail When booking a courier service online, you’ll be asked to provide your address and the delivery address. With most website browsers on desktops and even mobiles, when it comes to filling in this information you may find the “auto-complete” box appear offering a list of addresses. This is supposed to save you time and improve efficiency; seeing your address spring up automatically is great, as you believe that the browser is going to get it right first time for you. Well think again. Sometimes the technology just can’t keep up. Chrome, for example, asks you to fill in a full address all within the “postcode box”, see below.  And, if you’ve lived at multiple addresses, certain browsers might confuse parts of the address, attempting to match the first line with the wrong towns and postcodes. Here at My Parcel Delivery we have even seen customers sending parcels to themselves; a nice present for you maybe, but the person you were meant to be sending to probably won’t be best pleased. So be sure to double-check each line of the address you are sending to before clicking the order button.  2. wrap it good Getting your parcel wrapped up and ready to go shouldn’t be taxing, so long as you use some good, old-fashioned common sense. Be sensible with your packaging; use new, double-walled boxes that aren’t packed so full they’re going to burst open, secured with good quality parcel tape. If you do recycle packing boxes then be sure to remove any old labels or addresses that could confuse the delivery company if they are scanned by mistake. And of course make sure you label correctly; we’ve seen some senders get in quite a pickle over the humble label (see below). For a full list of our packing do’s and don’ts, read our packaging guidelines . 3. DIY Labelling Labelling your parcel correctly doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing test. Having said that, we’ve heard lots of horror stories about people printing labels from printers running out of ink, and even one case of someone trying to draw a barcode on a parcel by-hand. Making sure your parcels’ labels are correct and as clear as possible will ensure a smooth delivery and prevent your parcel from getting lost. And if you can’t print a label, then you can choose one of our couriers who can print one for you and bring it with them when they collect your parcel. 4. Pack safely Urban myths of people attempting to post animals (including bees), thousands of pounds in cash and even children continually bounce around the postal industry. And frequently parcels are rejected and even destroyed by a courier if people attempt to send prohibited or illegal items. Again, using your common sense is paramount here, but if you’re unsure about something you want to send, then you can check out our comprehensive list of restricted items to make sure you’re not sending something that could be unsafe. Remember that parcels are x-rayed and meticulously checked, so risking it is never a good plan. 5. Paperwork Getting all of the paperwork right relating to your parcel is vital, particularly when sending parcels overseas. Not filling in a pro-forma invoice for international deliveries (anywhere outside the EU) means your parcel will be stopped at customs, slowing down the whole process. This can also mean that parcels are returned to the sender, which sometimes incurs a fee. You can keep up to speed with all things relating to international delivery here.   With a little forward planning, and an equal amount of common sense, there’s no reason why your parcels can’t fly through our courier services in no time. Just remember to package securely, to label clearly and to keep it legal. And no bees. Never send bees. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/july/13/parcel-pitfalls-our-top-5-parcel-sending-fails/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/july/13/parcel-pitfalls-our-top-5-parcel-sending-fails/ Wed, 13 July 2016 15:18:05 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/july/06/still-cheaper-than-royal-mail/ Did you know, it’s been 6 years since My Parcel Delivery was launched? And since then, the discounted rates and cheaper parcel delivery prices haven’t stopped, and we’re still cheaper than Royal Mail ! Over the years My Parcel Delivery customers, ranging from people sending one off Christmas presents and birthday gifts, to eBay sellers and independent stores, and even big businesses, have been making use of the discounted courier delivery rates which you can only access through My Parcel Delivery. But it’s not just our low prices which make My Parcel Delivery so popular with parcel senders, it’s the help and advice we offer too. The My Parcel Delivery customer service team are on hand 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday via Livechat (find out more about how to contact us ) We want to make sending as simple as possible, and that’s why we’ve got plenty of advice to share on how to package your parcel and if you’re in a hurry and don’t have access to scales and measuring tape, we even have a guide to estimating the weight and size of your parcel . So the next time you have a parcel to send, don’t go and join the Post Office queue. Compare courier prices easily online instead, book your delivery service in just a few clicks and then sit back and wait for your collection, or drop your parcel off at your local drop-off point. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/july/06/still-cheaper-than-royal-mail/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/july/06/still-cheaper-than-royal-mail/ Wed, 06 July 2016 09:57:03 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/june/29/selling-your-craft-items-online-4-tips-to-wow-your-customers-in-2016/ With websites like Etsy and Folksy becoming more popular than ever, there’s plenty of opportunities for crafters to turn their hobbies into businesses and share their creations with fans across the world. The craft space can be very competitive though, and sometimes you’ll find having an amazing product isn’t enough to nab that sale and keep your customers coming back. Earlier this year, My Parcel Delivery collaborated with UK Craft Blog to find out how crafters wow their customers. Here’s a look at what they had to say and 4 tips you can follow to wow your own customers! make it personal What sets you apart from the items bought “off the shelf” in big retail shops and online stores is the fact that your items are handmade and crafted. Depending on the type of item you make, why not add a customisable element Does your product lend itself well to having initials, a personal message or a name added? If product personalisation isn’t an option, then you can add a personal touch by including a handwritten note when you send the item. It’s a small gesture but it’s something that your customers will remember and could help keep them coming back to buy more! Pretty packaging and parcels Think about the experience you want to create when your customers receive their item. You just have to look at the millions of videos on Youtube of people “unboxing” items and opening packages they’ve just received to see just how important packaging is to customers in 2016. Your first priority should be to make sure your parcel is secure, follow our packaging guidelines for all the essential info on this. We’d advise you keep the outside of your parcel plain, and free from any ribbons, wrapping paper or other decoration, as these could cause problems whilst the parcel is being sorted and transported. However, you can (and should!) go all out with your internal packaging, from patterned and coloured tissue paper, to the scented elements, there are lots of creative ways to give your internal packaging lots of appeal! Build up your brand You want your customers to remember you, and this doesn’t just mean having a nice logo on your Etsy profile, and matching social media icons. Build up your brand offline too – business cards and flyers are the most obvious way to do this, be sure to include these when you send out your parcels. You could also get some branded stickers made up or perhaps get a branded stamp? Choose something that fits in with your brand and items that you create. Everybody loves a freebie To really compete against the bigger shops and online, you should seriously consider whether you can offer free delivery. As a small independent business, this may seem like a radical change, but it could make all the difference when it comes to turning browsers into buyers. Is your craft item something people would want to buy more than one of? Why not trial offering free delivery for multiple purchases, or perhaps if they spend over a certain amount? To help you manage the cost of offering free delivery, you may have to consider a slight price increase on your full product range to cover this, and it’s also worth making sure you shop around and compare the delivery services you currently use to make sure you’re getting the lowest prices. If free delivery isn’t something you can offer, then think about other added value items you can offer for free to your customers when they make an order. Maybe your items is something people often buy as gifts, so you can send some free gift wrap or gift boxes, or if your item is something sewn, can you make a token gift from the leftover material?   Do you have any tips to add? Share your thoughts with us on the My Parcel Delivery Facebook page . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/june/29/selling-your-craft-items-online-4-tips-to-wow-your-customers-in-2016/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/june/29/selling-your-craft-items-online-4-tips-to-wow-your-customers-in-2016/ Wed, 29 June 2016 13:22:31 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/june/22/sending-a-parcel-to-europe-how-to-find-the-cheapest-rates/ The demand for UK to Europe parcel delivery services is nothing new, with people selling eBay items to buyers in European countries, to gifts for relatives living or studying abroad, and there are also lots of small businesses in the UK who have a customer base in Europe. However, right now, Europe is an even bigger talking point for people in the UK, whether it’s the ongoing debate on the EU Referendum or the hugely popular Euro 2016 football tournament. For anyone that has parcels to send to a country in Europe, here’s a quick look at some of the lowest prices, plus tips on how to bag the cheapest courier rates. Sending parcels to france As host country to the Euro 2016 football tournament, this month France has been home to thousands of extra visitors coming to support their teams, including 3 teams from the UK home nations – England, Wales and Northern Ireland. • The cheapest options for parcel delivery to France start from £12.99+VAT with the courier DPD Europe. This courier service allows you to send a parcel to France weighing up to 18kg, in 2 days, all for this great low-cost price. • Want it delivered to France even sooner? Try UPS , for international express delivery from £29.36+VAT. sending parcels to spain • Courier delivery services to Spain start from £15.49+VAT, with DPD Europe leading the way again. • The UPS International Express Saver Courier service aims to get your parcel to Spain there next day from £31.95+VAT sending parcels to Germany • My Parcel Delivery’s exclusive courier service, MPD International , offers the cheapest option for sending a parcel to Germany , with prices as low as £10.99+VAT. •    For next day delivery to Germany, UPS prices start from £29.36+VAT sending parcels to italy •    You can send parcels to Italy from the UK for just £17.49+VAT. The DPD Europe drop off service aims to have it delivered in 3 days and your parcel can be up to 18kg in weight. •    If your parcel to Italy is more urgent, UPS offer next day delivery starting from £31.95+VAT. Top Tips for UK to Europe parcel delivery Drop off instead of collection Save money by using a drop off service instead of having the parcel collected from you by the courier. Drop Off services can be up to 48% cheaper than courier collections and it also means you don’t have to wait in all day for the collection. Book before 12pm for a speedier delivery If you do choose a courier collection service, and want your parcel to be delivered as quickly as possible, book before 12pm and the courier could collect the very same day. compare prices before you book Remember, the Post Office isn’t the only way to send a parcel to Europe, try a courier service instead and you could save up to 79% compared to Royal Mail prices. Use a courier comparison website like My Parcel Delivery to get quotes from different couriers and book the service that suits your needs the most. Compare European parcel delivery prices now . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/june/22/sending-a-parcel-to-europe-how-to-find-the-cheapest-rates/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/june/22/sending-a-parcel-to-europe-how-to-find-the-cheapest-rates/ Wed, 22 June 2016 16:51:31 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/june/01/australia-s-plant-import-rules-the-dangers-common-uk-plants-can-cause/ Plants and seeds are two of the key items on the prohibited list if you want to send a parcel to Australia. They aren’t allowed to be sent because seemingly common plants in the UK could cause devastation to Australia’s agriculture and unique environment. There are strict screening and quarantine processes in place however a recent article in the Guardian  revealed how eBay, Amazon and other similar marketplaces are offering many of the prohibited plants for sale to buyers in Australia. If you’re sending a parcel to Australia, make sure you’re aware of all the essential info, from the full list of prohibited items, to the customs and paperwork you’ll need to provide. Take a look at our guide to sending a parcel to Australia. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/june/01/australia-s-plant-import-rules-the-dangers-common-uk-plants-can-cause/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/june/01/australia-s-plant-import-rules-the-dangers-common-uk-plants-can-cause/ Wed, 01 June 2016 15:48:31 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/may/26/parcel-sending-tip-print-an-extra-label/ Here at My Parcel Delivery, we’re all about making parcel sending as simple as possible for you. That’s why we’ve put together lots of resources for you, from our general guides on how to package a parcel , to our posting guides which tell you how to post specific items. Today we wanted to share with you a quick tip which you save you a lot of bother if the label falls off your parcel. What happens if the label falls off my parcel? Sometimes, delivery labels can come off parcels whilst they’re being sorted or transported by the couriers. So just what happens if your parcel has been scanned and collected by the courier, but loses its delivery label on its way? If the label comes off your parcel, the courier will usually look for a return address or other information they can use to identify where the parcel came from and where it should be going to. This process can take some time and once the parcel owner has been identified, it’s not always easy to match up exactly where the parcel should be going to, especially if you’re someone who sends lots of parcels and has lots of bookings with the same courier. To help your parcel get back on track to the recipient if the label is lost, we recommend you print off an extra delivery label and place it inside your parcel. That way, it the original label is lost, the second label is a great backup for getting your parcel delivered as soon as possible. For more advice on sending a parcel, check out our other recent blog post with three more tips to get your parcel there safely. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/may/26/parcel-sending-tip-print-an-extra-label/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/may/26/parcel-sending-tip-print-an-extra-label/ Thu, 26 May 2016 14:41:39 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/may/18/online-marketplaces-or-your-own-online-store-where-to-set-up-shop/ Last year the first ever eBay “rich list” was published – a list of 30 UK eBay businesses with sellers raking in up to £17 million a year. There are many more online marketplace success stories and eBay is the first choice for many people when setting up their new business. However, it’s not the only choice and with eBay regularly updating its policies, you may find that hosting your ecommerce store on your own website is a better option. Our new ebook looks at the differences between setting up shop in an online marketplace like eBay, Amazon or Etsy, compared to launching your own independent ecommerce store. The marketplace vs ecommerce site ebook looks at: How much it costs to sell Rules and restrictions Personalisation and building a brand Tips for making the best of both channels Click here to download your free copy now! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/may/18/online-marketplaces-or-your-own-online-store-where-to-set-up-shop/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/may/18/online-marketplaces-or-your-own-online-store-where-to-set-up-shop/ Wed, 18 May 2016 11:24:17 Tom https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/may/04/package-your-parcel-perfectly-check-out-our-posting-guides/ Here at My Parcel Delivery, we don’t just offer great discounted rates, we also offer handy advice for packaging more unusual items. Not every parcel you send is a regular shape, things like guitars are a bit more tricky to package and post. You might be wondering if it’s difficult to post a homemade cake , or even how to post a potted plant . Don’t worry, as we’ll show you exactly how to do it! It doesn’t matter if you’re sending your used household items to a buyer from  eBay, or just posting something to a friend, it’s wise to do everything possible to make sure your item arrives in tip-top condition.  Preparation is key When it comes to super-tricky things like posting bikes , our “how to post” guides will give you top tips on how and when to dissemble them prior to packaging. For example, with bicycles you’ll need to remove the wheels and pedals from the frame, and then protect them in bubble wrap. On the other hand, you might have a family member who has recently had a baby, and you’re interested in the best way to post a pram . Our posting guides cover all you need to know about folding them up before posting, as well as how much it will cost to get it to its destination as quickly or cheaply as possible. No box, no problem If you don’t have the original box for the item you want to post (for example what if you're missing the boxes for your old  video games or small appliances ) we’ll guide you on what you can use to package them, and also which couriers will and won’t accept unboxed parcels. It’s super-important that your items don’t move around too much inside the box. We’ll give you all the tips you need to keep your items as secure as possible while they’re on their journey. Can you find me the cheapest ways to post my parcel? Absolutely. Whether you’re sending your son a brand new laptop for his university term, or you’re sending him those freshly ironed clothes he left behind at Easter, you’ll be able to find all the essential information for sending that parcel in our guides. Alongside tips on preparation, packaging, weighing and measuring, all our individual posting guides will tell you the cost of posting each item, with links to the most popular couriers.   So if you're sending something unusual, be sure to check out our posting guides today https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/may/04/package-your-parcel-perfectly-check-out-our-posting-guides/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/may/04/package-your-parcel-perfectly-check-out-our-posting-guides/ Wed, 04 May 2016 09:43:21 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/27/lower-prices-on-parcelforce-courier-services-are-here-to-stay/ Following on from our limited offer price drop on Parcelforce drop off services last month, we’re pleased to announce that our cheaper prices are here to stay! Parcelforce 48 Drop Off – NOW £8.60+VAT Parcelforce 24 Drop Off – NOW £9.99+VAT To access these lower priced parcel delivery rates, simply enter your parcel details into our quote form to compare prices, then click on the “drop off” tab to book a Parcelforce drop off service. Alternatively, you can visit our Parcelforce page to see all our best rates for Parcelforce including times services and collection services. Why you should try Parcelforce Here’s four reasons why you should give Parcelforce’s drop off services a try: Over 11,500 Post Office locations where you can drop your parcel off, so you’re sure to find one near to you. Through My Parcel Delivery you can choose between two drop off services with Parcelforce - their 24 hour or 48 hour services – both of which are now even cheaper! Unlike some other drop off services , Parcelforce are a little more generous with their weight allowance for drop off. Your parcel can weigh up to 25kg. You get £15 compensation cover included as standard, and there’s always the option to increase your cover for any items that are worth a little more. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/27/lower-prices-on-parcelforce-courier-services-are-here-to-stay/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/27/lower-prices-on-parcelforce-courier-services-are-here-to-stay/ Wed, 27 April 2016 15:07:53 Tom https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/22/three-tips-to-get-your-parcel-there-safely/ It doesn't matter whether you’re sending a parcel to Peterborough or Pittsburgh, there’s a couple of things you can do to make sure your parcel gets to its destination safe and sound. Here at My Parcel Delivery, we like to the think we’re pretty up to speed on the super-simple ways you can help your parcel reach the end of its journey in tip-top condition. Whether you only send a few things a year, or you regularly send parcels around the world, it’s always handy to know how to send items safely. 1) Packaging makes perfect A lot of people don’t realise that almost all the parcels that get sent from the UK are handled by conveyor belt. That means writing ‘Fragile’ or ‘This way up’ is no longer the best way to keep items safe. That’s because these days most of the items you send end up going through big automated depots with machines that will scan barcodes, but can’t read any other instructions written on your parcel. That’s why it’s super-important to package everything perfectly . 2) "Sign here, please... Some couriers will leave your parcel in a safe place such as a porch or shed, and this is really helpful and convenient for a lot of people. However, if you’d prefer to know your package has arrived in the safe hands of your recipient directly, you can add a signature on delivery for that reassuring guarantee. 3) Extra cover for the parcels that matter most Whether you’re sending scented candles to your Mum or a pack of new shirts for your Dad, sometimes it’s worth adding extra compensation cover for those parcels that mean the most. Not to mention, if you’re running a business it’s good that you’re protected against any potential losses when you send a parcel to a customer. Certain items can only be sent on a ‘no compensation’ basis, so please check the Restricted and Prohibited list for further information. You can easily add cover whether you’re sending candles to Cleethorpes or books to Brussels. The easiest sleep comes when you know you’re covered, so get your quote right away. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/22/three-tips-to-get-your-parcel-there-safely/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/22/three-tips-to-get-your-parcel-there-safely/ Fri, 22 April 2016 09:02:10 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/15/5-tips-for-selling-internationally-on-ebay/ If you’re an eBayer who’s keen to start selling abroad or begin expanding your online business, it might be helpful to have a look at how to get started selling internationally. If sending parcels to customers across the world sounds like something you’d like to do, then this quick guide to selling internationally on eBay will be right up your street. 1) Understand the trading laws of the countries you’re selling to Before you’ve decided how you’d like to sell your items on eBay, you’ll need to have a quick look at the import rules for each country you’re selling to. For example, if you’re sending something worth over $800 to the United States, then there will be a customs charge that will need to be paid for by the buyer. Or, your item might even be on a prohibited or restricted items list . It’s recommended to look up your items on the customs sites for the country you want to sell to, and see what their rules are. It’s a good idea to let your potential buyers know about these customs fees in your eBay advert. You can read about eBay’s guidelines about specific items and countries by clicking here . 2) There’s two way to sell your items internationally on eBay One way to list your items is to put them for sale directly on other international eBay sites. For example, you could list your item on eBay.fr to sell in France or eBay.es to sell in Spain. As your eBay I.D is universal, you can post items on another country’s eBay site in the exact same way as you do for the UK. You’ll pay eBay insertion fees for each individual country eBay site in the same way you do for the UK.   Alternatively, you can write your eBay ad as usual on eBay.co.uk, offer international postage, and use the International Site Visibility upgrade. This mean your items show up on eBay sites in certain countries when buyers search for the items you’re selling. As of March 2016 you can only use this option if you want to sell your items in the United States, Canada and Australia although eBay has said they’ll add more countries to this feature in the future! 3) Meet the eBay account requirements for international selling Before sending internationally on eBay, you’ll need to make sure you meet their account requirements for selling abroad. These include having an eBay.co.uk seller account and also having a minimum of 10 positive feedback points as a seller. You can earn positive feedback by selling within the UK to begin with, and of course giving your customers a good experience! You’ll also need to make sure you offer PayPal as a payment option. Whilst it used to be a requirement to have PayPal for sales within the UK, it is now only a requirement for international eBay sales. Plus, it is famous for being one of the easiest to use and most secure websites on the internet, so any first-time international buyers might feel more at ease if you offer PayPal. Don’t forget, if you sell directly on eBay’s international sites, you may have to change the settings on your PayPal account to receive funds in different currencies. 4) Agree to eBay’s International Selling Agreement The first time you sell internationally, eBay will ask you to accept their International Selling Agreement. This includes information about payment and money back guarantees for your customers. Some other policies that may affect you selling internationally include: Buyer and seller protection programmes – these help you resolve and disputes that may arise between you and your customers. How to make sure all your different accounts (if that applies) remain in high standing Duplicate items – you can only list a single item once across all eBay’s sites. You can read all about these in more detail here . 5) Offer competitive international delivery prices Whichever way you decide to sell your items internationally on eBay, you’ll want to make your ads appeal to potential buyers by offering a choice of international delivery options. To make sure that you get the best international postage rates for your customers, you can use a courier comparison website like My Parcel Delivery. There’s various different international delivery options you can choose from, depending on whether your customer’s priority is speedy delivery or fantastic low rates. Just measure the length, width and height of your parcel, plus the country it’s going to be sent to, enter this information into our quick quote form and you’ll be able to compare delivery prices today. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/15/5-tips-for-selling-internationally-on-ebay/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/15/5-tips-for-selling-internationally-on-ebay/ Fri, 15 April 2016 09:49:12 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/12/my-parcel-delivery-founder-shares-his-business-advice-at-lhs-solicitors-launch/ Last month, My Parcel Delivery founder David Grimes spoke at the launch event of LHS Solicitors alongside other entrepreneurs to offer advice and guidance on starting and growing a business. LHS Solicitors are not a traditional law firm and they cater to the legal services needs of individuals, businesses and organisations of all sizes, with their mission being to deliver “real law, made easy”. You can watch David’s talk below and visit the LHS Solicitors Insights blog to read more and hear advice from the other entrepreneurs who spoke at the launch. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/12/my-parcel-delivery-founder-shares-his-business-advice-at-lhs-solicitors-launch/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/april/12/my-parcel-delivery-founder-shares-his-business-advice-at-lhs-solicitors-launch/ Tue, 12 April 2016 10:23:54 Tom https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/29/the-usa-raises-import-threshold-to-800/ You might not have heard, but on the 10 th of March 2016 the United States of America did something pretty cool which could make a big difference to UK businesses with US customers. They raised the import tax threshold on goods from $200 to $800…or about £140 to £560 in UK pounds. What does this mean? Previously, any parcels sent from the UK to the USA that contained items worth more than $200 were subject to import fees when they were delivered to the US. In many cases the person responsible for paying the customs charges was the recipient. Whilst they are still the ones who would be liable to pay under these new changes, many items sent from the UK aren’t valued at more than $800 – which is the new customs limit. In the past if you were sending a couple of brand new Premier League football shirts to nieces and nephews in America for example, the value of these could have quite easily tipped over the $200 mark meaning there’d be customs fees to pay. However thanks to the new changes, unless you’re sending an entire team’s worth…you should be well within the new limits! Saving your nieces and nephews (or perhaps their parents!) more than just a couple of dollars. Why we love it These new changes are fantastic for both individual parcel senders and businesses. It doesn’t matter whether you’re sending a gift to a friend in Tennessee, or you’re an online retailer shipping to Tuscaloosa – these new rules could save money for your recipients in the USA. As long as your items don’t go above that all-important $800 (£560) limit, of course! The old customs limits might have put some Americans off purchasing from the UK, so if you’re running an online retailer these new changes give you a chance to sell to more customers in the US. These welcome changes also mean no more formal customs procedures for your items if their value is under the new limit, which means less paperwork, less hassle and faster delivery. However you’ll still need to complete a pro-forma invoice, print it off and attach 5 copies to your parcel so that customs know what it contains. For more info about this, you can have a glance at our tips for posting to America . It’s also worth bearing in mind that if you want to send certain items such as food or tobacco to the USA, these have their own set of import rules and may still be required to go through formal checks by US government agencies. My Parcel Delivery has a wide range of courier services available for posting to the USA , so why not take a look and see how speedily you can get your items posted to the Land of the Free. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/29/the-usa-raises-import-threshold-to-800/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/29/the-usa-raises-import-threshold-to-800/ Tue, 29 March 2016 11:47:34 Tom https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/21/easter-posting-dates-2016/ It’s that time of year again, where chocolate bunnies and hot cross buns become a staple part of your daily diet. What’s more is it’s a time for giving, and lots of people like sending gifts (mainly eggs!) to their family and friends over the Easter break. Not everyone can see their family in person at the holidays, so sending them a parcel full of their favourite treats is a nice way to send your greetings. Whether you’re sending a gift in time for Easter, posting out something you’ve sold online or have urgent items which need to arrive before the 4-day break, here’s all you need to know to send a parcel.   Don’t forget to book your parcel delivery in advance To make sure your parcel arrives in time, it’s worth having a look at the courier service last posting dates for this year’s Easter break. With the bank holiday beginning on Friday 25 th March and most courier services not delivering on this day, to get your parcel there for Thursday 24th you’ll need to book your delivery by Tuesday 22 nd March at the very latest to have it collected or dropped off by Wednesday 23 rd . Whether you’re posting Easter eggs to Exeter or Edinburgh, book your delivery online as soon as possible.   Couriers for last-minute Easter parcels Both Parcelforce and UPS offer next day delivery services which are your best option for any last-minute deliveries. Both come with the option to drop your parcel off at a local collection point, or have it collected by the courier driver. If you’ve booked a drop off service, we’d advise you drop it off as early as possible in the morning, and for collection services, remember that you’ll need to be in at the address on the collection day.   Compare parcel delivery prices now for Easter 2016. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/21/easter-posting-dates-2016/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/21/easter-posting-dates-2016/ Mon, 21 March 2016 14:16:14 Tom https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/16/5-tips-for-sending-a-parcel-to-china/ Have you ever wondered how simple it is to send something to China from good ol’ Blighty? Maybe you’ve got family out there working in the ever-growing English teaching profession, and you’re planning on posting them something to remind them of home. What can you send? What can’t you send? My Parcel Delivery are here to answer all those questions and help you easily send that parcel to China. China is a massive country, with a land space of over 9,500,000 km squared, and there’s lot of choice when it comes to finding a courier to China including UPS and DPD.   1) Make sure your item can be posted to China The first thing we recommend before packaging your parcel ready for sending to China is to make sure it is safe to send. As well as the things that usually can’t be sent abroad such as meat and animal products, Chinese customs also don’t allow you to send items such as DVDs, and anything that criticises the state, for political reasons. They also forbid anything labelled ‘Made in China’. Interestingly, China’s postal rules do allow you to send live cats and dogs – however I’m afraid UK laws don’t allow you to post your precious pets! We also have a handy restricted and prohibited list, so you know in advance what UK couriers won’t handle. However, it’s also important to have a glance at the English language version of the Chinese customs website so that you know if you can send your parcel to the People's Republic of China.   2) Check beforehand about any extra tax charges and customs fees for sending to China Like the majority of countries China also has rules on the import of items, and whether certain extra charges may apply. There are a couple of factors, aside from restrictions/prohibitions, that may affect your parcel’s contents in regards to import and tax rules. For personal effects (a gift from one person to another for example), as long as the value of your parcel is below ¥800 (roughly £80) you won’t be liable for any further fees. If it is above this figure, you’ll be liable for import fees. For further detail about what extra charges you might have to pay, have a look at the Chinese customs website.   3) Pack your items appropriately for their trip to China When you post a parcel to China, it’s not the same as sending it to Cleethorpes! China is 3,600 miles away from the UK at its westernmost city of Kashgar, and a whopping 5,600 miles away in the eastern city of Shanghai. That means on the way, your parcel could travel by land, air or sea and go through a lot of depots and sorting facilities on its way. So it’s recommended that you use a strong box for your package, don’t overfill and invest in some good internal packaging too. Check out My Parcel Delivery’s packaging guidelines for more detailed advice.   4) Labelling your parcel for shipment to China Before you send your parcel off to the Republic of China, you are required you to fill out a pro-forma invoice – which is a document listing all the items in your parcel. My Parcel Delivery supply these for free, and they’re required so the Chinese authorities know what it is that you’re sending. You’ll need to print out and put 5 separate copies of this form into an envelope and attach it to the outside of your parcel. This is so the Chinese customs officers can access the papers easily and won’t need to open your package to individually check what’s in your parcel.   5) Find the fastest  and cheapest way to send a parcel to China My Parcel Delivery have a 5 different options for you to choose from to post your parcel to China using a variety of different couriers. Whether you’re posting to Xinjiang or Shandong, we’ll have something to match your requirements. Our quickest parcel delivery service to China is the UPS International Saver which will have your parcel there two days after collection, which starts from as little as £35.93 and is fully tracked.   Follow these tips and you’ll find it’s super-simple to   send a parcel to China with  My Parcel Delivery. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/16/5-tips-for-sending-a-parcel-to-china/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/16/5-tips-for-sending-a-parcel-to-china/ Wed, 16 March 2016 15:48:11 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/03/busy-schedule-make-life-easier-with-parcel-drop-off/ Hectic school runs and tricky working hours are just a few of the things that could cause you to miss your parcel courier collection. However, there is an alternative thanks to the drop-off services you can book with many couriers to make life that little bit easier. Below are a couple of ways in which using a parcel drop off service can be really valuable. Dropping off your parcel is super convenient There’s over 25,000 drop off locations(DPD Pickup shops, UPS Access Points, Hermes ParcelShops and CollectPlus points) spanning the UK, including many in the larger shops you usually use such as Asda, Costcutter and Nisa, as well as independent corner shops, petrol stations and pharmacies. Instead of waiting at home all day for the courier to pick up your parcel, you can drop your parcel off at the shop at the same time you get your milk.  Use our handy guides to finding your nearest drop off points: Find your nearest DPD Pickup shop  Find your nearest Hermes Parcelshop Find your nearest UPS Access Point Find your nearest Collectplus store A drop off courier service can save you money Not only are they more convenient if you’re out during the day, drop off services are also cheaper than traditional parcel courier collection services. Wonder why? Well, instead of going from house to house collecting parcels your courier only has to go to the drop off point and collect all the parcels from one place. To put it simply, the savings that are made by the courier are passed directly over to you. Prices start from £2.79+VAT and even Next Day delivery begins as low as £6.75+VAT. So, your wallet will be happy with drop off delivery too. Plenty of choice Depending on what you’re sending, certain drop off services may be more suitable than others. So it always makes sense to look around for the best service for you. My Parcel Delivery currently offer over 10 different parcel drop off services, which vary on price, delivery times and also the weight allowed. DPD’s Drop Off service is a popular option which gives the receiver a one-hour delivery time slot and Parcelforce are currently offering an awesome 17% discount on their drop-off services (valid until the end of March 2016) - they’re a great option if you live near a Post Office and want to send a heavier parcel (up to 25kg). So, if you want to say goodbye to waiting around all day for a courier, and hello to freedom of choice – compare prices and book a drop off delivery service with My Parcel Delivery. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/03/busy-schedule-make-life-easier-with-parcel-drop-off/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/03/busy-schedule-make-life-easier-with-parcel-drop-off/ Thu, 03 March 2016 11:22:52 Tom https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/02/5-tips-for-sending-a-parcel-to-the-usa/ Just how easy is it to send a parcel to the United States of America? Maybe, it’s been a while since you saw your cousin Randy out in Oklahoma…and you’re thinking about sending him some English tea to enjoy with his buddies on the ranch. Can you send anything and everything? That’s what we’re here to find out! My Parcel Delivery offer four different couriers who can get your parcel to America, and below we’ve got some top tips to make sure you get your items to their destination as simply as possible.  1) Check your parcel is safe to send to America The first step to getting your parcel to America is to check the items in your parcel are safe to send, so it’s recommended you look at which items are allowed. My Parcel Delivery have a handy guide to all the restricted and prohibited items that couriers in the UK won’t accept. Due to their rules regarding items such as food, if you want to treat your American friends to PG Tips and ‘totally awesome British candy’, you'll probably need to wait until they visit good ol' Blighty. It’s worth looking at the United States Postal Service page as there are some country-specific restrictions you should be aware of. However, as long as you’re not sending over fresh cream cakes and English tea, you’ll probably be fine! 2) Make sure you understand the tax/import rules for your parcel’s contents All countries have customs restrictions, and different rules when receiving items from abroad, and sometimes those items incur extra charges. If you’re just sending a family friend a football shirt and a knitted scarf, you’re not going to need to worry about any kind of import tax, however this isn’t the case for everything you might want to send in your parcel to America. It’s never wise to get on the wrong side of Uncle Sam, so it’s always worth checking their customs and border protection site to get an idea of the possible extra charges and to see if there’s any extra paperwork you need to fill in. 3) Don’t forget to fill out your pro-forma paperwork To send a parcel to the US you need to fill out a pro-forma invoice. This is required by law and tells US Customs what’s in your parcel. At My Parcel Delivery we supply this as standard whenever you book a parcel delivery to America with us. It’s important to fill it out properly, so that it whizzes through customs and gets to its destination as quickly as possible. Remember, you’ll need to print five copies of the invoice and attach it to the outside of your parcel in an envelope. 4) Package your items appropriately for their journey Unlike these universally dreary shores, North America has a diverse climate which varies hugely depending on the location. So if you’re sending something to the scorching desert of Nevada, you’ll probably want to pack your items a little differently than if you’re sending a parcel to Alaska. Don’t forget to take a look at our packaging guide , as your item might go through numerous depots and sorting facilities – so it needs to be strong! 5) Find the fastest and cheapest parcel delivery service to America My Parcel Delivery currently offer 4 different couriers and 7 different delivery services to get your parcel to where it needs to be in the States. Whether you’re posting a book to New Hampshire or a T-Shirt to California, you’ve got a wide range of choice. The cheapest is the DPD Air Classic , which gets your items there in 3-7 working days from just £26.39 (£26.39 ex VAT). The fastest parcel delivery service to America is with UPS, which allows you to post anything up to 70kg and starts from £32.28 (£32.28 ex VAT). So, it turns out sending a parcel to the United States is pretty simple! I guess Randy can expect his Manchester United shirt any day soon. So get it packed and ready for its long voyage over the Atlantic. It’s super-easy to send a parcel to America with My Parcel Delivery.   Photo credit: Colin Campbell via Flickr https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/02/5-tips-for-sending-a-parcel-to-the-usa/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/march/02/5-tips-for-sending-a-parcel-to-the-usa/ Wed, 02 March 2016 10:50:28 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/23/get-your-gifts-delivered-in-time-for-mother-s-day/ This year, Mother’s Day falls in Sunday 6th March and what better way to say “thanks” to Mum than sending a pressie? It’s the perfect way to show your love if you can’t be with her on the day, and even if you’re going to be spending the day with her, you can still surprise her with a little something in the post too. Here’s 3 tips for sending your mum a present this Mother’s Day. Plan your gift in advance To avoid disappointment, it’s best to plan your gift and postage options in advance, and getting your delivery booked in earlier could save you a pretty penny when it comes to courier services. Most couriers will only deliver Monday – Friday, with Parcelforce being one of the few that can deliver your parcel on a Saturday, and you’ll need to find a specialist if you want to have your parcel delivered on Sunday 6th. If you’ve left it last minute, at the very latest, you’ll need to book your parcel collection with Parcelforce on Thursday, to be collected on Friday and delivered the day before Mother’s Day on Saturday.   Pick a gift that will travel well The last thing you want is your gift to arrive in less than perfect condition, and that’s where our guide to packaging will come in handy to help you protect your parcel on its journey to your mum. If you can, also think about picking a gift that will travel well and avoiding fragile items. Here are some ideas for items that are easy to post: Books – write a personal message in the book before you send it! Clothes – fold with tissue paper and add some fragrance beads to your parcel   Consider sending direct from the store/retailer There’s a number of items which you aren’t allowed to send in the post via courier and others which you can send, but won’t be covered for compensation – take a look at the full list of restricted and prohibited items . If you’ve got your heart set on sending something which is on the list, such as jewellery, liquid items like perfumes and alcohol or something else, then the best thing to do is to order it from an online retailer and have it delivered direct to your mum.   For any Mother’s Day parcels you’re sending yourself, compare delivery quotes now. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/23/get-your-gifts-delivered-in-time-for-mother-s-day/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/23/get-your-gifts-delivered-in-time-for-mother-s-day/ Tue, 23 February 2016 15:14:40 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/16/flash-sale-extra-17-off-parcelforce-drop-off-in-february-and-march/ For a limited time only, My Parcel Delivery are offering up to an extra 17% off Parcelforce’s 24 and 48 Drop Off courier services. Our courier price comparison already helps you save up to 70% compared to Royal Mail , and with our Parcelforce price drop you can save even more money!   Parcelforce 48 Drop Off was £9.99+VAT, now from £8.49+VAT Parcelforce 24 Drop Off was £10.99+VAT, now from £9.99+VAT   Using this drop off courier service is easy! Simply book online, package up your parcel, print off and attach the label and then drop it off at your nearest Post Office.   Here’s what great about this service: Ideal for heavier parcels Weight allowance of up to 25kg   Fast delivery Choose from delivery in 1 working day or 2 working days   Convenient drop off locations Over 11,500 Post Office locations in the UK for you to drop your parcels off   Compensation cover included You’ll get £15 compensation cover included, with the option to add more cover if you need it     View the full range of Parcelforce courier services you can book online with My Parcel Delivery and book now before the offer ends on 31st March 2016. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/16/flash-sale-extra-17-off-parcelforce-drop-off-in-february-and-march/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/16/flash-sale-extra-17-off-parcelforce-drop-off-in-february-and-march/ Tue, 16 February 2016 14:56:03 Tom https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/09/valentine-s-day-don-t-miss-cupid-s-arrow-this-14th/ As a close second to the nation’s favourite gift-swapping Christmas period, Valentine’s Day presents a couple of questions to both star-crossed lovers and couriers alike.  Of course, we’d all like to give gifts in person, but sometimes that’s not always convenient. However, and even if you’re not apart it’s always exciting to receive a surprise delivery.  Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday in 2016, so whilst a workplace surprise bouquet is probably out of the equation, you might have other reasons for needing to have your gift delivered.  When should I arrange for collection? Will my gift arrive in time?  All perfectly normal concerns that we here at My Parcel Delivery hope to give you a few quick tips on.  Don’t wait until the last minute To make sure your pressie arrives in time, make sure you don’t leave it the last minute. Our couriers don’t currently deliver on Sundays, and only Parcelforce deliver on Saturdays , so it’s really important to get that order in on time. If you’re using Parcelforce, booking on Thursday the 11th should be fine, however, to ensure your gift arrives before Saturday when using other couriers, it’s best to explore your options and check the estimated delivery date . Remember, if its flowers you’re sending – don’t be too early, otherwise you run the risk of them wilting in the depot. Receiving a dying flower might send the wrong message!  To get your gift there by this Saturday, have a look at what Parcelforce are offering . Read up on sending gifts abroad (and at home!) Although it might be tempting to send a long-distance lover a gift to a far-flung destination, it’s always important to remember to check the rules. Even within the UK, there are guidelines surrounding alcohol (which includes most perfumes), and even chocolates. For further info about what’s 100% safe to send, cast your eyes on our handy restricted/prohibited items list . Whilst we’re pretty sure you won’t be sending “airbag modules” to your significant other, it’s always wise to check the guidelines.  Don’t forget about packaging Whether you’re sending perfume or a cute fluffy toy, it’s always important to make sure your gift arrives not just on time, but also safely. Here at My Parcel Delivery, we’ve put together a quick and simple guide to parcel packaging , so have a quick read and hopefully you’ll find some helpful hints.  As a rule, it’s usually best not to include overly-fancy ribbons and decorations, as parcels move around depots on conveyor belts and can get trapped. Why not put your beautifully gift wrapped item inside another plain box, so your loved one still gets that special unwrapping experience. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/09/valentine-s-day-don-t-miss-cupid-s-arrow-this-14th/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/09/valentine-s-day-don-t-miss-cupid-s-arrow-this-14th/ Tue, 09 February 2016 17:14:14 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/02/international-parcel-delivery-from-1699-with-dpd-air-classic/ My Parcel Delivery have a new international parcel delivery service to add to the list of courier services which you can compare and book online. The DPD Air Classic courier service offers some of the cheapest international delivery rates when you send from the UK to Australia, USA, China, Canada and beyond. Here are some of the key features of this new option for sending your parcels abroad. Low prices The first thing you’ll notice about the DPD Air Classic service is the low prices, take a look at some of the starting points below: Delivery to Australia from £16.99 Delivery to USA from £19.99 Delivery to China from £16.99 Delivery to Canada from £19.99 Delivery to New Zealand from £25.99 Speedy delivery in 3-7 working days With many economy delivery services, low prices mean longer delivery times. That’s not the case with the DPD Air Classic service. This service offers delivery in 3 - 7 working days and depending on the collection address, if you book before 11am your parcel could even be collected the very same day! Tracking and signature All DPD delivery services benefit from their award winning tracking system, which lets you track the progress of your parcel and comes with free SMS notifications and a signature included. Invoices and x-ray checks When you send a parcel to a country outside of the EU, you will need to complete a pro-forma invoice. We’ll provide this for you when you book an international delivery so all you have to do is complete the information and print 5 copies. The pro-forma invoices must be attached to the outside of your parcel ready for inspection by the customs officers. Be aware that your parcel could also be x-rayed at the DPD depot to make sure your package is safe for sending. It’s worth checking the general list of prohibited and restricted items and also checking for any extra restrictions for the country you’re sending to.   Compare international parcel delivery prices now and see just how much you could save with DPD Air. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/02/international-parcel-delivery-from-1699-with-dpd-air-classic/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/february/02/international-parcel-delivery-from-1699-with-dpd-air-classic/ Tue, 02 February 2016 12:20:41 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/29/5-ways-to-improve-your-business-parcel-delivery-offering/ Postage and delivery can be a big part of setting up and running a business, especially for retail and ecommerce businesses, but also in other sectors, there’s a need to send out items to customers, clients and colleagues.  Here are 6 ways you can improve your parcel delivery offering to keep your customers happy and your costs low. 1) Don’t rely on just one courier or delivery service Your current parcel delivery offering might be working just fine for you, but it’s always worth having some tried and tested backup options, just in case your preferred courier company suddenly increases their prices or changes the weight and size limits on the parcels they’ll accept. If you’re an ecommerce business it’s also worth doing some research into what delivery services your customers use the most often. Are your items emergency purchases that most people will want next day delivery ? Or is cost the most important factor to your customer and they’d be happy to wait longer to receive something if it meant a cheaper delivery cost? 2) Drop Off or Collection – find which works best for you Are you spending hours each week queuing up at the Post Office before closing time? Would it be easier if you could have your parcels collected instead? Or how about being able to drop them off outside of standard Post Office opening hours? Couriers like DPD, Hermes, Collect+ and UPS have local drop-off points across the UK where you can drop parcels off for delivery. If you’ve not used a courier drop-off service before, you can find out a bit more about these services and find out if there’s a drop off point near you here – drop offer delivery . Once you’ve found your local drop-off point, if you know you’ll be sending parcels regularly, it’s worth getting to know the store staff and finding out what time parcels are collected. As a general rule, the earlier you drop your parcels off, the quicker they’ll be collected and delivered. If you’d prefer to have your parcels collected from your work or home address, there’s plenty of choice in delivery couriers for this too. Be aware that collection times can be as early as 8am or as late as 8pm, so be sure to pick a collection address to suit these hours. 3) Check if you qualify for discounted business parcel delivery rates Most courier companies offer discounted parcel delivery rates for businesses and people who regularly send parcels, for example, there’s the Royal Mail Business Account. However, these discounted business parcel delivery rates are often only available to people who send thousands of parcels a year, so many startups, SMEs and growing small businesses will find they are excluded and have to pay standard postage fees. The good news for smaller businesses and sole traders is that parcel comparison websites like My Parcel Delivery have negotiated discounted rates which anybody can access, with no minimum spend or sending volume. Our parcel delivery prices can be up to 70% cheaper than Royal Mail and if you send more than 10 parcels per week, you can save even more money and access some added features with the My Parcel Delivery Business Account . 4) Invest in your packaging The way you package up your parcel can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your items protected throughout their journey. Take a look at My Parcel Delivery’s packaging guidelines for tips on the best way to package up your parcels. It’s not just about safe sending though; as a business, your packaging can often leave a lasting impression – it’s the first thing your customers see, before they even get to your products. A search on Youtube for “unboxing” reveals over 36 million videos of people opening up packages and products and reviewing them. Maybe your product isn’t the type of item people would “unbox” on video, but it’s a great example of how important it is to think about the customer experience and the impression you want to give when they open the parcel and receive their order. You never know, good packaging could be the deciding factor in getting a customer to make another purchase with you. 5) Put an efficient system in place for managing deliveries As your business grows, make sure you keep your internal processes and systems up to date too. For example, if you only have a 10 orders a week, it’s easy to book each delivery in individually, however think about how you’d manage booking deliveries individually with 50 orders per week or over 100 orders per week. There are lots of tools available to help you manage your deliveries, including the Rapid Book tool, created by My Parcel Delivery, which makes it quicker and easier for you to book in multiple deliveries. Sign up for a free My Parcel Delivery account to find out more about Rapid Book and start using it.   For more advice on parcel posting, whether it’s for business or personal use, check out some of our other posts on the My Parcel Delivery blog.   Photo Credit - Travis Nep Smith via Flickr https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/29/5-ways-to-improve-your-business-parcel-delivery-offering/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/29/5-ways-to-improve-your-business-parcel-delivery-offering/ Fri, 29 January 2016 16:20:52 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/21/5-tips-for-sending-parcels-to-australia/ Australia is nearly 9,500 miles away from the UK, and yet the country has strong links with us Brits, from the large British expat population living in Australia, to backpackers, students and holidaymakers. Then there’s also all the Australian expats who have decided to make the UK their home! My Parcel Delivery have 5 different delivery services to Australia and we know our stuff when it comes to sending abroad. If you’re sending your first parcel to Australia, here’s our top tips to help you get it there in the fast or cheap! 1. Check the items in your parcel are ok to send to Australia Just like in the UK, Australia has a list of prohibited and restricted items which cannot be sent to the country via courier. The items in your parcel might seem like ordinary items which are regularly posted within the UK, but it’s worth checking the list because your items, and even your packaging, could contain materials which aren’t allowed into Australia by courier. For example, the list of prohibited items includes: - Items made of leather - Fruit cartons (used or new) - Live trees and plants, bulbs, - Soap, washing preparations A full list of prohibited and restricted items for Australia can be found on the AusPost.com website.   2. Check the value of the items for customs clearance into Australia When sending a parcel to Australia (or to any other none EU country), you need to complete a pro-forma invoice and attach 5 copies of this to the outside of your parcel. This document asks for information on the contents of your parcel and the value of individual items. The pro-forma invoice will be checked by the customs agents in Australia to avoid them having to open your parcel to check the contents. So, once you’ve checked the item is safe to send to Australia, the next step is to work out the value of your parcel and include this on the pro-forma invoice. If your parcel is worth less than 1,000 Australian dollars (approximately £482) then there are no extra duties or taxes to pay. However if you’re sending something worth over 1,000 Australian dollars then you will need to fill out some additional paperwork and there could be additional charges. For more advice on this, visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.   3. Make sure your packaging is strong enough for the journey We always advise using new and strong packaging, but this is even more important when you send a parcel abroad to somewhere as far away as Australia. Your parcel could be travelling via road, sea or air and could be scanned and sorted at different depots along the way, so you can understand why the packaging needs to be strong and durable. Check out My Parcel Delivery’s packaging guidelines for advice.   4. Find the cheapest parcel delivery service to Australia You’ll be surprised at the lowest prices for sending a parcel to Australia. At My Parcel Delivery have 5 different international courier services available, with our cheapest delivery service to Australia starting from just £18.90 for parcels under 1KG, using the DPD Air Classic courier .   5. Fastest delivery service to Australia The DPD Air Classic is also a popular choice for speedy delivery to Australia, with same day collections if you book before 12pm, and delivery in just 4 – 7 working days.   Take a look at some of our other popular courier services to Australia now. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/21/5-tips-for-sending-parcels-to-australia/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/21/5-tips-for-sending-parcels-to-australia/ Thu, 21 January 2016 11:27:40 Jools https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/18/3-tips-for-printerless-parcel-sending/ If you don’t have a printer then the idea of sending a parcel by courier might seem like an impossible task – because even though you can quite easily write the delivery details on by hand, the parcel will need a barcode to be scanned and processed by the courier. You’ll be pleased to hear that you CAN book a courier service which doesn’t require you to have a printer and where you won't need to queue up at the Post Office!  Parcelforce and DX both offer courier delivery services where your parcel is collected and the delivery driver will provide and attach the label. Here are 3 top tips for using a printer-free parcel delivery service. 1. Write your details on the parcel as backup It’s a good idea to clearly write the delivery address and return address on the parcel just in case. 2. Make sure you’re available for the collection All printer-free parcel delivery services require the parcel to be collected from your address. When booking your delivery, make sure the collection date is a day when you will be at the address, because some couriers do charge a fee for missed collections and you may have to wait until the next day for your parcel to be collected – meaning a delay on delivery. 3. Be aware of sending parcels outside the EU Parcels sent to the UK and within Europe don’t require any additional paperwork, so nothing extra to print. However if you’re sending a parcel outside of the EU (or to the Canary Islands) then you will need a printer to print off your customs documents. The invoice you’ll need to print is referred to as a pro-forma invoice and when you book an international delivery, My Parcel Delivery will provide this for you to complete. You must then attach 5 copies to the outside of your parcel, for the customs officers to examine when they process your parcel. For this reason, you can’t book a printer-less parcel service when sending a parcel to a country outside the EU.   Explore the range of printer-free parcel delivery services now! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/18/3-tips-for-printerless-parcel-sending/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/18/3-tips-for-printerless-parcel-sending/ Mon, 18 January 2016 10:47:53 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/12/zero-insertion-fees-for-ebay-sellers-in-january-2016/ This month, for a limited time only, eBay are offering private sellers the chance to list their items on eBay with no insertion fees – meaning you only pay when you sell. So now’s the perfect time to have a clear out of all those items cluttering up your house and any unwanted gifts left over from Christmas. Here’s all you need to know about this offer from eBay and how to make the most of it! What are eBay’s usual fees for selling? For private sellers (anyone who is not a business or Power seller) eBay usually gives you the chance to list 20 items per month without having to pay any insertion fees. After this, any items that you list for sale on eBay, whether it’s an auction or a “Buy it now” listing, will be charged at £0.35 each. Throughout the month of January 2016, eBay are offering private sellers the chance to list more items, without having to pay insertion fees. You’ll still have to pay the 10% final value fee charged by eBay if the items sells, and if you want to upgrade your listing in any way, then usual fees still apply to these. Who can use eBay’s 0 insertion fees offer? This offer is only available to private sellers on eBay who are registred as residents in the UK, so business sellers and power sellers unfortunately don’t qualify. When does the 0 insertions fees end? The offer is on throughout January 2016 and ends at 23:59 on Sunday 31st January 2016. Are there any restrictions? There are a few restrictions and exclusions on this offer that you should be aware of: • The 0 insertion fees does not apply to anything listed in the Cars, Motorcycles & Vehicles category and the Property category. • The items you’re selling must comply with eBay’s general listings policies . • Any items which are automatically re-listed (after failing to sell) won’t qualify for the offer. For more information, eBay has published their full terms and conditions for the offer which you can view here: eBay no insertion fees offer . So what are you waiting for? Get your camera out, take photos of all your items, write up your descriptions and get your eBay listings live before the offer expires at the end of this month. Finally, make sure to compare My Parcel Delivery’s prices for posting your items – eBay Parcel Delivery price comparison . Photo credit: Wordshore via Flickr https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/12/zero-insertion-fees-for-ebay-sellers-in-january-2016/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/12/zero-insertion-fees-for-ebay-sellers-in-january-2016/ Tue, 12 January 2016 12:28:38 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/04/return-re-gift-or-sell-what-to-do-with-unwanted-gifts/ Received a gift that you just know you won’t use? Perhaps it just wasn’t your colour, or maybe you received two of the same item. Whatever the reason, now’s the time to do something with it, before it gets chucked into the back of the cupboard to gather dust and be long forgotten. We’re here to talk you through your three options – Return, Re-gift or Sell. Returning unwanted gifts The easiest option to get something back for an unwanted gift is to return it to the store. Most shops extend their refund policies in December and January to make it easier for customers to get a refund or exchange. However, be aware that with sales starting, if you’re returning an item has gone into the sake, without a receipt, you may only receive back the sale price amount. Check if it’s been reduced first and if it has, then you may want to confess to the person that bought it for you, that you want to return the item, as they may still have the receipt. If you want to return something bought online, many online stores offer free returns so check if this is available first and if free postage isn’t available, then don’t worry you can easily find and book a cheap delivery service with us and have your item delivered safely back to the store. Re-gifting unwanted gifts Save yourself some money on buying presents for upcoming birthdays and celebrations by re-gifting. Store your gifts away carefully in a place that you won’t forget them and when the time comes, wrap ‘em and re-gift! A few tips for re-gifting: • Keep a list of who gave you each present, that way you can avoid the embarrassment of re-gifting something back to the person who bought it for you in the first place! • Be careful with gifts which have expiry dates, like boxes of chocolates, or limited use gift vouchers. Selling unwanted gifts They say “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and you’ll be sure to find plenty of bargain hunters ready and willing to buy up your unwanted gifts for the right price. Ebay is one of the most popular places to sell your stuff but there are also lots of alternatives. Check out My Parcel Delivery’s selling guides for advice about selling your stuff on Gumtree, Facebook, Etsy, Preloved, Amazon Marketplace and more. Once you’ve sold your items, all you have to do is post them out. Don’t waste time queuing up at the post office, instead compare courier services and prices , book your delivery online and have your parcels picked up instead! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/04/return-re-gift-or-sell-what-to-do-with-unwanted-gifts/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2016/january/04/return-re-gift-or-sell-what-to-do-with-unwanted-gifts/ Mon, 04 January 2016 12:03:01 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/17/dpd-comes-out-on-top-for-customer-satisfaction/ For the third year running, DPD has come out on top in a poll for customer satisfaction when it comes to parcel delivery.  MoneySavingExpert users were asked to take a vote and almost 9,500 people rated DPD's delivery services as "great", making them a clear winner. Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "This is another fantastic endorsement of our service and our people. Everyone in the organisation has contributed enormously over the last 12 months, but I'd like to dedicate this to our drivers who hit their one-hour delivery slots day after day after day." You can book your DPD delivery through My Parcel Delivery, whether you're sending a parcel to Europe using the DPD Europe Classic service, or sending a parcel in the UK, using DPD's drop-off service . All you have to do is enter your parcel size and weight to get prices and book a DPD delivery service. Compare prices now . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/17/dpd-comes-out-on-top-for-customer-satisfaction/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/17/dpd-comes-out-on-top-for-customer-satisfaction/ Thu, 17 December 2015 09:23:05 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/15/keep-track-of-your-parcels-with-dpd-drop-off-delivery-services/ This month we’re adding to the choice of parcel delivery services available through My Parcel Delivery with the DPD Drop Off service for parcel delivery in the UK. Read on to see more about this 1-2 day delivery service which has some great features for keeping track of your parcel on its journey. What are the key features of the DPD drop off service? DPD offer some of the best parcel tracking features around, including giving the receiver a one-hour time slot for when the parcel will be delivered and the ability to follow the driver online to get an even better idea of delivery time. To make use of these parcel tracking features, be sure to enter the receiver’s mobile telephone number and email address and they will receive all the info they need on the delivery day by SMS text message and by email. This is a drop off service , so you will need to print off the delivery label, securely attach it to your parcel (it’s worth having a read of our packaging guidelines ) and then drop the parcel off at your nearest DPD Pickup Point . What are the weight and size restrictions for the DPD drop off service? As with most drop off parcel delivery services, there are some weight and size restrictions on parcels. To use DPD’s drop off delivery service, your parcel can weigh no more than 18kg and the maximum length is 50cm. If your parcel is larger or heavier than the limits, the drop off point may refuse to accept it or you could face extra charges. How much does the DPD Drop Off Service Cost? The DPD drop off service costs from just £5.99+VAT for parcels weighing 10kg and under, and from £6.99+VAT for parcels weighing up to 18kg. Can I use DPD drop off for last-minute Christmas parcels? If you have any last-minute Christmas gifts to post, we recommend the latest you book a DPD drop off service is Monday 21st December, to be dropped off by 10am on Tuesday 22nd December. See our full list of last post dates for Christmas parcel delivery . How do I book a DPD drop off parcel delivery service? To send a parcel with DPD, enter your parcel details here , press “get quotes” and select the “drop off” tab to view prices and book your DPD delivery. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/15/keep-track-of-your-parcels-with-dpd-drop-off-delivery-services/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/15/keep-track-of-your-parcels-with-dpd-drop-off-delivery-services/ Tue, 15 December 2015 16:59:47 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/09/extra-savings-on-parcelforce-drop-off-services/ Just in time for any Christmas gift sending, My Parcel Delivery have dropped the prices on Parcelforce 24-hour and 48-hour drop off delivery services. This limited offer is available until 23rd December 2015 and there’s no discount code needed – simply get a quote now and the price you see for Parcelforce 24 Drop Off and Parcelforce 48 Drop Off will have the discount already applied. Parcelforce 24 Drop Off was £10.99+VAT, now from £10.25+VAT Parcelforce 48 Drop Off was £9.99+VAT, now from £9.25+VAT With both of these services, all you have to do is book your delivery online, print off the label, attach it to your parcel and drop it off at your nearest Post Office. Be sure to check the last postage dates for Christmas , to make sure your parcel arrives in time and follow the packaging guidelines so your parcel arrives safe and sound. For more advice on using a drop off delivery service, see our top tips here and when you’re ready to send, get a quote . Photo credit - David Wright via Flickr https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/09/extra-savings-on-parcelforce-drop-off-services/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/09/extra-savings-on-parcelforce-drop-off-services/ Wed, 09 December 2015 14:55:40 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/03/get-your-christmas-parcels-posted-in-time/ For anyone wanting to send post or parcels in time for Christmas, it’s time to get planning and make sure you don’t miss the last post dates.  Different courier services have their own set of guidelines for when you should get your parcels collected or dropped to be delivered before Christmas and this year Wednesday 23rd December is the cut-off date (with a 1-day delivery service from Parcelforce or UPS). See our last posting dates for Christmas 2015 for a full list of services and some of our tips below for any last-minute gifts. Don’t forget to book your parcel delivery in advance With courier companies being so busy in the run up to Christmas, it’s a good idea to book your parcel in for collection or delivery a day before the actual collection or drop off date. So if you’re planning to have your parcel collected by the courier on Wednesday 23rd December, be sure to book your collection online the day before. In our list of last posting dates we’ve included a guide to which date you should book your delivery by too. Drop your parcels off in the morning If you’ve booked a drop-off service, to help your parcels get delivered in time for Christmas, make sure you drop the parcel off as early as possible. For Hermes and Collect+ drop-off services, we’d advise you drop the parcel off before 11.30am. Get your international parcels posted as early as possible The last order dates for parcels to Europe and the rest of the world are a lot earlier, so if you’re planning to send a parcel abroad for Christmas, get your deliveries booked in as early as possible, especially as winter weather conditions could cause unexpected delays. View the Christmas 2015 last post dates now, and have a read of our guide to posting Christmas presents too. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/03/get-your-christmas-parcels-posted-in-time/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/december/03/get-your-christmas-parcels-posted-in-time/ Thu, 03 December 2015 10:05:14 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/24/security-and-posting-parcels-this-christmas/ The run up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of year to send and receive parcels. With many of the parcels being sent containing Christmas gifts, it’s also an important time to be mindful of security when you send a parcel containing something of value. To help make sure your parcels are delivered safe and sound, here are 5 tips you should follow when using a courier collection service: 1) Always check the ID of the person collecting the parcel. If you’ve used a delivery comparison service like My Parcel Delivery, you have access to a choice of different couriers including Hermes, Parcelforce, DPD, DX, UPS and Collect+. Be sure to check the ID of the person collecting your parcel and make sure it matches up with the courier you booked. 2) Make sure the parcel is scanned at the point of collection The courier who collects your parcel will usually have a hand-held scanner. Check that the barcode on the delivery label of your parcel is scanned by the driver when they collect it from you. 3) Get a collection receipt or confirmation Some couriers, such as Parcelforce , will give you a receipt to confirm the parcel has been collected. Keep this safe as you may need to refer to it up until your parcel has been delivered. 4) Track your parcel online You’ll be able to track the progress of your parcel’s journey online. Be aware that there can be a delay with some online tracking systems to register the initial pick-up of your parcel, but after this time you should be able to log in and view the status of your parcel. 5) Don’t make it obvious what’s in the parcel The final tip is to avoid showing off what you’re sending. For example if you’re sending the latest Xbox, Playstation or other games console which has an obviously branded box, it’s advisable to put the console box into a plain brown box, or to cover up the original packaging. We wouldn’t advise attached your delivery label to a branded box. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to items like this.   Follow these steps to help keep your parcels safe and secure for sending this Christmas. For more advice on posting Christmas parcels, read our blog post on sending Christmas presents by courier . Photo Credit: Flood G via Flickr https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/24/security-and-posting-parcels-this-christmas/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/24/security-and-posting-parcels-this-christmas/ Tue, 24 November 2015 10:45:26 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/18/sending-christmas-presents-by-courier/ As nice as it would be to visit all your loved ones over Christmas, sometimes that’s just not possible, and that’s why many people choose to send Christmas presents by post. The run up to Christmas is the busiest time of the year for parcel posting, so to help you get your precious Christmas presents posted and delivered on time, here’s our guide to sending Christmas gifts. 1. Don’t leave it to the last minute This time of year is extremely busy for parcel sending and this can lead to delays with delivery networks, especially around pre-Christmas sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. So your parcel may take a little longer than normal to be delivered. If you want to make sure your Christmas presents arrive in time, get them sent off as early as you can – even if it means the receiver is tempted to have a sneaky look at their gift before Christmas! If you’re a last-minute shopper by nature be sure to look out for information from the courier companies and the Post Office on their last delivery dates for Christmas. 2. Avoid the Post Office queues You can avoid queuing up at the Post Office by booking a courier who will collect from your address, or using an alternative local drop-off point. Couriers like Hermes, UPS and Collect+ have local drop-off points all across the UK, meaning you can drop your parcel off with them and skip the Post Office queue – see our top picks for drop-off courier services . Another great reason to use a courier service or booking through a parcel comparison website like My Parcel Delivery is the savings you can make. Take a look at how much you can save with My Parcel Delivery compared to Royal Mail parcel prices . 3. Pick items suitable for sending If you’re still choosing which gifts to send, try and pick gifts that will travel well and are easy to package. A number of items aren’t allowed to be sent via courier or through the post (see the full list here: restricted and prohibited items ) so make sure you don’t buy these items to send. If an item from restricted or prohibited list is the gift you really want to give, then we suggest ordering it directly from the retailer and having it delivered directly to the receiver. 4. Packaging your Christmas gifts for posting Packaging is really important to ensure your Christmas gifts arrive safely. Have a read of My Parcel Delivery’s guide to parcel packaging . It can be tempting to add some festive decorations to the outside of your parcel but we’d advise against this. Tinsel, bows, strings, ribbons and other extra decorations could get caught up when the parcel is being processed by the delivery couriers. If you want to decorate your parcel, we suggest using two boxes – first your gift box which you can wrap in pretty paper and decorate elaborately, then placing this inside a larger, non-decorated, strong cardboard box – with polystyrene chips or another layer of protective padding in between both boxes. Also be aware of sending off parcels in the boxes and packaging used to deliver the item to you. When sent direct from a retailer to you, some items are vacuum packed with other parcels to protect them during their delivery journey. This means the packaging might not be strong enough for you to re-send the item on as a Christmas present, so you may have to repackage it or add extra protection. 5. Sending Christmas presents abroad If you’re sending Christmas presents abroad, there are some extra things you should keep in mind. If the parcel is going to a country within the EU, then you won’t have to complete any extra paperwork. If your Christmas gifts are being sent to a country outside of the EU, then you will need to complete an additional form – a pro-forma invoice. Completing this form doesn’t have to be a chore, at My Parcel Delivery we’ll provide this for you to fill in when you book an international parcel delivery. You’ll need to print 5 copies of the pro-forma invoice and attached these to the outside of your parcel. These will then be inspected by the customs officers when your parcel arrives in the destination country. You’ll also need to check the different customs and import charges for each country (try www.dutycalculator.com ), because even for items marked as gifts, depending on the value, there could be some customs charges to pay. It’s best to find these out in advance, rather than leave the receiver of the gift with an unwanted bill. 6. Consider compensation cover for expensive items Most courier services offer a basic level of free compensation cover, this is usually around £20 - £30. This covers you in case the parcel gets lost or damaged (providing the parcel is packaged according to the guidelines and doesn’t contain a restricted or prohibited item). If your Christmas present is a little more valuable than this, you have the option to take out additional compensation cover up to £1,000. Another tip is if your item is clearly visible on the packaging, for example a game console that has a picture on the box, it’s best to cover up the item for extra security.     If you need specific advice on sending a parcel, contact us now and we’ll help you choose the right delivery service for your Christmas gifts. Image Credit - Mandy Jansen via Flickr https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/18/sending-christmas-presents-by-courier/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/18/sending-christmas-presents-by-courier/ Wed, 18 November 2015 10:13:46 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/11/top-tips-for-sending-next-day-delivery/ If you have an urgent parcel to send, next day delivery is a luxury that you can enjoy without spending a packet, with services starting from as little as £6.99+VAT. Whether it’s a last-minute gift for a loved one, an item you’re returning to a store, or a parcel for a customer, there’s a few things you should keep in mind if you’re planning a next day parcel delivery. Get your parcel size and weight just right The first thing you need to know to book a next day parcel delivery is the weight and size of your parcel. Each courier has different limits on the size and weight of parcel they can accept. If your parcel is too big for the service you’ve booked, then it could delay delivery and you could be faced with extra charges. When you compare parcel delivery prices with My Parcel Delivery, we ask you to enter the dimensions and weight of your parcel and the search results will show you suitable next day delivery couriers. You can also view some of the maximum weights and dimensions for popular couriers on our large parcel delivery page . Make sure your items are safe to send Some items can’t be sent via courier, such as perishable food items, fireworks and animal furs. See the full list of items here – prohibited and restricted items . Check the list to make sure your parcel is safe to send before booking a delivery. Package up your parcel for next day delivery Strong parcel packaging is important for using any courier service, but it’s even more important when you’re sending something on a next day delivery service. If your packaging isn’t strong enough, and the parcel opens up before it’s reached the receiver, this can cause delays in delivery and even result in the package being returned to you. Here’s our guide to packaging your parcel . Check the delivery address Another potential cause for delays in next day delivery services is an incorrect address. It’s worth double-checking the delivery address when you book your parcel delivery, in particular the postcode. You should also make sure you include your return address on the parcel, and when booking your delivery include your telephone number and a telephone number for the receiver. So if there is an error with the address, you can be contacted to clarify. Using a collection courier service If you’ve booked a next day delivery service where the courier will collect the parcel from your address, make sure you choose a collection day when you’ll be at the address all day. Your parcel collection could be as early as 8am and as late as 8pm. If you miss the collection, because you’re not in, this could delay your parcel delivery so it won’t arrive next day. Each courier service has different cut-off times for when your parcel can be collected. When you compare delivery quotes with My Parcel Delivery we’ll show you the earliest collection date for your parcel. As a general guide, the earlier you book, the earlier your parcel can be collected. Drop-off next day delivery services For anyone who can’t wait in for their parcel to be collected, you have the option to use a drop-off delivery service , where you can drop the parcel off at a local point. Each drop-off point will have their own timings for the couriers to pick up the parcels, but in general, the earlier you drop the parcel off, the earlier it will be picked up, processed and delivered. Use a timed service for urgent next day deliveries Parcelforce offer three different courier services which will have your parcel delivered by a certain time the next day, which is great for any urgent parcels. Choose to have it delivered by 12 noon, 10am or 9am and they even offer a service to have your parcel delivered on a Saturday. Find out more about Parcelforce’s delivery services . Now you’re in the know about next day delivery services, visit our next day parcel delivery page to see our top 4 next day delivery services and to get a quote for sending your parcel next day. Photo credit Graham Richardson via Flickr. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/11/top-tips-for-sending-next-day-delivery/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/11/top-tips-for-sending-next-day-delivery/ Wed, 11 November 2015 15:21:35 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/04/parcelforce-international-delivery-price-drop-save-up-to-20/ We’ve dropped the price on Parcelforce parcel delivery services to 12 countries, just in time for any Christmas gifts that you need to send abroad. My Parcel Delivery already offer parcel delivery services up to 75% cheaper than Royal Mail and with this price drop you can save even more. There's no discount code needed, simply  pop your delivery details into the My Parcel Delivery quote form and the discounted price will show when you get a quote for international delivery to one of the qualifying countries. Parcelforce Euro Priority Delivery Service Price Drop Send a parcel to Spain from only £22.99+VAT Send a parcel to France France from only £15.99+VAT Send a parcel to Jersey from only £15.99+VAT Send a parcel to Italy from only £19.99+VAT Send a parcel to Portugal from only £19.99+VAT Send a parcel to Germany from only £18.99+VAT Send a parcel to Ireland from only £16.99+VAT Send a parcel to Poland from only £23.99+VAT Send a parcel to Greece from only £22.99+VAT Parcelforce Global Priority Delivery Service Price Drop on  Send a parcel to USA from only £22.00 Send a parcel to New Zealand from only £30.99 Send a parcel to Australia from only £30.99 Send a parcel to China from only £36.54 More about Parcelforce international delivery services Whether you're sending across Europe or across the world, the Parcelforce service lets you send up to 30kg in every single parcel. They collect direct from your door Monday to Friday so you can have your parcel delivered internationally in no time at all. Our Parcelforce International services come with up to £30 inclusive compensation cover for perfect peace of mind. But if your parcel is a bit more valuable, additional cover of up to £1000 is available to make sure your parcel is fully protected.  We can't keep the prices this low forever so to make sure you don't miss out, book your deliveries today. But before the courier arrives, check your items are safe to send abroad and that your parcel is wrapped up tight .  If you've not booked an international or EU parcel delivery before, be sure to check out our 5 Tips for sending parcels abroad . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/04/parcelforce-international-delivery-price-drop-save-up-to-20/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/november/04/parcelforce-international-delivery-price-drop-save-up-to-20/ Wed, 04 November 2015 14:12:41 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/23/5-tips-for-sending-parcels-abroad/ Booking your first international parcel delivery can seem like a daunting task. Maybe you’re sending a gift to a friend who lives abroad, shipping an order to a customer in a new territory, or even returning an item you purchased online from an international retailer. To help make the process that little bit easier, here are some of our top tips for sending parcels abroad to countries outside of the EU. Is my parcel allowed into the destination country? The first thing you need to check is if the items in your package are allowed into the destination country. Each country has their own set of rules and restrictions and many items which are ok to send within the UK are on the no-go list for sending abroad, including perfume. Visit the country’s official postal website for guidance on what’s allowed and what’s not. How much will it cost to send? Once you know your item is safe to send, it’s easy to get quotes for how much it the international parcel delivery will cost. Simply enter your parcel dimensions, weight and the destination into our delivery quote form to have your pick of the services. Depending on what you’re sending and its value, there may be additional customs charges to pay that we have no control over. At the time of booking your international parcel delivery, we can’t offer any information on what these costs will be, but to get an estimate you can contact the customs office of the country you’re sending to, or try an online calculator like DutyCalculator.com . Remember your pro-forma invoice There’s some extra paperwork bits of information  needed when using international delivery services – you must complete the pro-forma invoice. This document is used by the customs agents and contains information on the parcel contents and the value of the items. Don’t worry though, the form is easy to complete and we make it even simpler for you by  providing this form for you to complete whenever you book an international parcel delivery. Then all you have to do is print 5 copies and attach these to the outside of your parcel in an envelope or plastic wallet, ready to be checked. Packaging up a parcel for international delivery International parcels often make multiple stops, travelling by land, sky, sea or rail and could also be sorted and processed in multiple locations. That’s why it’s even more important to make sure your parcel is packaged securely. To keep your parcel safe and sound , we’ve published some parcel packaging do’s and dont’s It’s also worth considering the climate of where you’re sending your parcel, if you’re sending a parcel from a cold country to a hot one, keep this in mind when choosing your packaging materials. Provide contact details for the receiver The courier company will have the delivery address, but we also ask that you provide other contact details for the receiver too, like a phone number and email address. This information can then be used if there are any questions or additional information needed as the parcel goes through customs. Some countries won’t attempt a delivery without a phone number for the recipient so it’s best to cover all the bases before you book.     Visit our international parcel delivery page to see some of the countries you can send to and to get an international parcel delivery price comparison. If you’re sending a parcel to a European country, we also have some great advice for sending a parcel within the EU . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/23/5-tips-for-sending-parcels-abroad/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/23/5-tips-for-sending-parcels-abroad/ Fri, 23 October 2015 11:41:54 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/15/what-to-send-in-your-student-gift-parcel/ This month, My Parcel Delivery worked with The Independent’s “Student Life” section, to come up with advice on sending presents to uni students. Here are some more handy hints and tips for putting together a student gift parcel and making sure the items you’ve chosen are safe to send! Check the prohibited and restricted items lists When you’re picking what to pop in your student care package, it’s worth having a look at our list of prohibited and restricted items to make sure they can be sent in the post by courier. Items marked as “prohibited” can’t be sent by a courier company, but items which are on the “restricted” list can be sent, although you won’t be given any compensation cover for loss or damage to these. For example, if you’re planning to send things like toiletries, cosmetics or medicines, you may be better ordering them online and having them delivered directly from the shop to the student, rather than packaging them up yourself. Student Food Hampers As with toiletries, you need to be careful picking what to send, especially if you’re sending to a student outside the UK. Perishable foods and any liquids – including alcohol - can’t be sent via courier in the UK. If these items are must-haves in your hamper, you could order directly from a supermarket and have them delivered directly instead or via click and collect. If you’ve got together a student food hamper of non-perishable items then we’d suggest using a next day delivery service , to make sure your food items arrive in super quick time. Student Care Package Ideas So far we’ve covered some of the items you can’t send by courier, now for some ideas on items you can include in your student gift parcel which we think students will appreciate: Books Whilst e-books may be more economic when it comes to saving space, there’s nothing quite like receiving a good old fashioned book. A student cook book will be useful addition to any student kitchen, and if you really want to help you can add your own culinary notes. You might think posting a book will be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Here at My Parcel Delivery we can help you choose from a range of cheap parcel delivery services starting from just £2.79+VAT. Clothing Essentials Shared laundry facilities can be a nightmare, especially for any students who are used to mum and dad taking care of the washing at home. So a gift pack containing new underwear and socks could really make their day. Similarly, a parcel full of winter warmers will also be welcomed by any students whose accommodation is not so accommodating when it comes to keeping warm! Think slippers, fleeces, onesies and warm blankets. Student postage for larger items If you’re sending a large item to a student, perhaps a piece of furniture that they didn’t have the space to take to university themselves, or something that they left behind by accident, then there are couriers services which specialise in posting larger items. To find out if you need to use a specialist service, you can check the weight and size limits for our most popular couriers on our large parcel delivery page . You will also need to ensure the item is packaged up securely (some couriers will only accept items packaged in a box). Remember to take your packaging size into account when entering your parcel weight and dimensions to get a delivery quote. Check out My Parcel Delivery’s packaging guidelines for some do’s and dont’s. Be sure to read our full top 10 on The Independent website here: 10 handy items every university student will be grateful to receive this year. Image credit Lauren via Flickr . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/15/what-to-send-in-your-student-gift-parcel/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/15/what-to-send-in-your-student-gift-parcel/ Thu, 15 October 2015 15:31:26 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/13/45-days-left-to-get-ready-for-black-friday-2015/ Last week My Parcel Delivery took part in a webinar offering tips and advice for businesses and small sellers looking to make the most of Black Friday 2015, which falls on November 27th this year. The webinar has some great advice including the following: How to select what products to include in your Black Friday promotions Tips to avoid disappointing your customers with late deliveries of their sale orders How to handle seasonal returns     Watch the webinar now If tip number two gives you food for thought, we're here to help. By reducing your reliance on just one courier and ensuring you've got different delivery choices to offer your customers, you'll not only keep your costs low but you be ready to deal with everything Black Friday throws at you. Our business account offers access to a dozen couriers, discounted pricing, fast booking and an abundance of knowledge and advice to help you handle this Black Friday and grow your business year round. Register for a business account now Do you have your plan in place for Black Friday already? If you're not sure that you've covered all the bases, take a look at our eBook . It's available for free and could be just the ticket to get you ready for November 27th 2015. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/13/45-days-left-to-get-ready-for-black-friday-2015/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/13/45-days-left-to-get-ready-for-black-friday-2015/ Tue, 13 October 2015 09:32:30 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/07/how-to-post-a-bike/ Here at My Parcel Delivery, we make sending simple by offering our customers a choice of courier services to post all sorts of items. We also have some great advice guides and tips for ensuring your parcel arrives safely – check out our packaging guidelines as a start. Today we wanted to share some specific advice for posting a bike . There are a number of reasons why you’d want to send a bike by post, whether it’s a bike which your child has outgrown and you’ve sold on ebay, a bike you’re sending back to an online store, or even a bike you’re shipping abroad for a cycling holiday. Sending a bike by courier – take it apart first To make sure your bike arrives at its destination safely, there are a few parts which need to be removed and given extra protection. Remove wheels and pedals from the bike frame and wrap separately in bubble wrap. Place a sheet of thick cardboard between the wheels and wrap these in bubble wrap.   Be generous with the bubble wrap for your bike Bubble wrap offers and extra layer of protection for your bike in transit and so make sure the whole bike is wrapped in bubble wrap – a minimum of 5cm in recommended. Box up your bike Once your bike and all the separate parts have been bubble wrapped, you’ll need to place them in a large, strong, cardboard box. If you have the original box the bike came in, this is perfect, however if you don’t have this available then it’s worth asking at your local bike shops if they have any spare boxes. Use polystyrene blocks to ensure the bicycle will not move in the box during transit. Once your bike is taken apart, bubble wrapped and secured in a strong cardboard box, it’s time to get your measuring tape and scales out so you can determine the exact weight and size of your parcel to get a delivery quote . Be as accurate as you can when entering your parcel dimensions and weight, as if the parcel is larger than stated, you could be charged additional fees, and we wouldn’t want that. For even more protection when posting a bike, Bikeradar wrote an article about take your bike to the Alps, including tips for packaging up your bike to get it safely checked onto a plane, read the article here: How to make the most of a trip to the Alps . If you’re still in need of some advice on the best option for posting a bicycle, our customer service team are on hand to help, get in touch now. Photo Credit M E MCCarron via Flickr https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/07/how-to-post-a-bike/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/07/how-to-post-a-bike/ Wed, 07 October 2015 16:55:33 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/06/pricing-strategies-for-amazon-sellers/ In some of our recent blog posts we’ve been looking at the different places to sell items online, offering advice and tips for individual sellers and businesses. Today’s selling advice post focuses on the Amazon Marketplace, and we have a Guest Blog from Chris Dunne at RepricerExpress all about getting your pricing strategy right. To become a successful merchant on Amazon, requires you to master many skills. One of the most important is determining what prices to sell your products at. There are many factors to consider including the price paid for the item, price of your Fulfilled By Amazon (or FBA) competition, current sales rank, sales rank history and pricing history. Your Existing Pricing Strategy If you price too high—you’ll be left with stock that sits around collecting dust—but price too low and things will be flying off your shelves at the expense of your profits. The key is to find that nice middle ground where you can profit nicely but still retain a good customer base. If you’re a seller on Amazon and want to your achieve your Buy Box dreams—then check out this compilation of our favourite pricing strategies. They can be applied manually or by using repricing software, which will allow you to set the prices more efficiently. Someone once said, “money can buy everything except time”, but with a repricer solution, that is exactly what you’re buying. Don’t Be the Cheapest Seller It’s a common assumption to make: price your wares at the lowest level, and people will flock to your page? Well, yes, they will—but not for the right reasons. If you do it often enough, buyers may associate your products with cheap quality instead of competitively affordable and it’ll quickly become a race to the bottom. So what we suggest instead is to price your products 1.5% more expensive than the lowest seller. This way, you don’t get caught up in a race to the bottom, but are still inexpensive enough to be competitive. FBA Seller Ryan Grant uses this as his default strategy across 70-75% on his inventory, allowing him to win a share of the Buy Box and maximise the value he receives for each sale. Do as the Others Do If you don’t want to follow the above repricing strategy, here’s one closely related that works fairly differently. Instead of nearly price-matching the cheapest sellers, turn to your FBA competitors and see what prices they’re using. Matching the lowest FBA competition will result in an increase in sales but reduce your profit margin. This more aggressive repricing strategy may be useful to help make a quick sale or shift some stock which has been hanging around for a while in Amazon’s warehouses costing you monthly fees. With a repricing solution you easily set a base price for items which you will never go below, which means you won’t get involved in a price war that hurts your profits. Work Your Intelligence and Experience We’ll always say to use repricing software such as RepricerExpress because it’s incredibly easy and efficient to navigate, but we also want to encourage you to use your business experience, too. This is because any sort of software program is only as good as the one giving it instructions—you. And if you’ve reached the point where you’re in need of a repricer, according to FBA seller Jeff Roth , this is usually 50 items or more, then you’ve also got the intelligence and experience to put your repricing strategies to good use. What we mean by this is doing things like: Anticipating competitors’ trends. Using past information to make future decisions. Realising the difference between an item that’s a lost cause (and in need of a quick sale) and one that just needs a little boost. When to use repricing and when to bundle, upsell or do something else to move an item. Identify What Needs to be Repriced First Before you rush out to stick a virtual ‘for sale’ sticker on your entire inventory, take a step back and evaluate what order you should be repricing things in. For example, your ‘sitters’ (those pesky products that seem to love the FBA warehouse more than being in a buyer’s hands) should probably get looked at first so you don’t get stuck with outdated stock. Plus, you can avoid Amazon’s twice-yearly long-term storage fee by not having items stay there for more than a year (365 days). Another strategy is to start at the top in terms of what costs the most in your inventory, and then knock a few pounds off it. Shoppers who’ve had their eye on a high priced item will get excited as the item becomes more affordable. Remember the Principles of Supply and Demand Repricing is pretty easy when it comes to supply and demand. If there are more items than buyers, then the shoppers can be picky about prices and hold out until it lowers to their satisfaction. Conversely, if they can’t resist the hottest toy and are in fierce competition with each other, then you can up the price a bit to enjoy a little more profit. Conclusion Having your items priced competitively is one of the best ways to increase profits. Some repricing strategies will succeed right away, while with others, you’ll have to do a bit of experimenting. If you’ve got more than 50 items in your inventory, it’s time-consuming to manually reprice every single one of your listings, so it makes sense to use a repricing solution. Here’s the best bit: As a My Parcel Delivery reader you can save time and increase your profits. By using the promo code “ PARCEL10 ”, you can enjoy 15 days of Amazon repricing for free (no credit card required), then get a 10% discount on your first month’s subscription with Repricer Express. Learn more…   Main image credit Luke Dorny via Flickr https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/06/pricing-strategies-for-amazon-sellers/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/06/pricing-strategies-for-amazon-sellers/ Tue, 06 October 2015 14:31:36 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/02/business-focus-beat-the-competition-this-black-friday/ Last year, Black Friday saw £810m spent online – a level never seen before by UK retailers. And this year retailers are anticipating four times as many customers to join the frenzy. That's why we joined up with TameBay , a fantastic eBay specialist blog site for marketplace sellers and small businesses alike, to offer a free webinar, on Monday 5 October at 12pm , giving practical tips to maximise this years Black Friday opportunity. Register for free to join the webinar right here . Our 30 minute webinar could help you transform your strategy for this Black Friday. Black Friday Trading Advice Here's what we'll be covering in the webinar Tactics to get your product mix right Tips to avoid disappointing customers with late deliveries How to handle seasonal returns   With Chris Dawson from Tamebay and David Brackin from Stuff U Sell joining us, this 30 minute webinar could help you open the door to Black Friday success this year. We hope you enjoy the webinar but if you have a jam packed day and can't find the time to attend, register to download our free eBook 5 Black Friday Success Strategies and you can still stay ahead of the competition. Register now https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/02/business-focus-beat-the-competition-this-black-friday/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/october/02/business-focus-beat-the-competition-this-black-friday/ Fri, 02 October 2015 11:15:38 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/september/24/etsy-or-ebay-where-should-you-sell/ When it comes to selling something online, there’s a huge choice of websites, apps and social media channels to choose from, but how do you pick the best place to sell your items? eBay is an obvious choice for most people, being such a well-known website with a huge range of product categories to list your items for selling, from smaller items like used clothing and toys to big purchases like cars and even houses! eBay has it all! However, last month we blogged about 6 Alternatives to eBay and today we’re going to take a closer look at a platform aimed at selling craft and handmade items – Etsy. We spoke to one Etsy seller in the UK, Jennifer from Wedding Buttonique , to find out why she chose Etsy to sell her handmade button bouquets and accessories and how her business has grown. Why did you choose Etsy as the place to sell your products? When I first started making my bridal wedding bouquets, just after my own wedding, I needed to find a way to sell them and get myself noticed. There was the obvious choice of eBay, as what can’t you buy or sell on there? But after doing a bit of searching online a craft site was the required outlet. Etsy aims itself at the handmade, unique and vintage market. This suited my quirky bouquets with a style containing vintage buttons and brooches. The site also allows the seller to set up a mini profile of: who you are, how you got there and why you do what you do. This was important to me as when I buy something handmade I like to see the person behind the work. Hand crafted items are much more personal than a factory-made mass-produced item and to me they are special. How many products did you have in your Etsy shop when you first opened it, and how has this grown? Wedding Buttonique started with three ready-made bouquets and a few button holes. Each bouquet was sold with an option that they could be made in any other colour or size. My first sale was to a lady in Seattle, USA who opted for black and red buttons. Posting it to the USA was so nerve racking as I had no idea how much packaging it would need, how long it would take and how I would send it: Royal Mail, Courier or via a company who will do it for me. Since then I am getting better at what is needed for postage! Now my shop has 26 items currently for sale with most of them having a further option on colour, size and vintage to make it individual to the bride. What challenges did you face when first setting up and how did you overcome them? Making wedding bouquets by hand has a varied amount of challenges. When you hand make items you can take many hours to get to any sort of finished product. My large full button and brooch bouquets can take between 50 to 70 hours each. With a shop to set up, manage and advertise there are hidden charges to consider. There are fees to pay when you list an item and fee when you make a sale. Items to buy before you start making, plus it is impossible to charge per hour for handmade items and this needs to be factored into your final selling price. Once you understand what you ‘lose’ before you sell an item then you can start to understand how to sell. You can read more about Jennifer’s story and visit her Etsy shop Wedding Buttonique . My Parcel Delivery’s Tip Tips for Etsy Selling Here are 3 tips to help you get started setting up your Etsy shop and selling your handmade, vintage or craft items and be sure to check out our Guide to Selling on Etsy too. Tell your story As Jennifer said, Etsy lets you set up an “about” page for your shop, and telling the story behind your handmade items could be the key to making your products stand out against the competition and get those sales coming in Don’t be afraid to open up shop with just a few items Your Etsy shop doesn’t have to be full of products when you first open. If you’re making items to order you don’t want to find yourself inundated with orders that you can’t fulfil. So start off with a product range you know best, learn as you go and expand as and when you’re ready. Keep a track of your costs Deciding how much to sell your items for can be a tricky question. It’s not just the cost of materials that matters, but also the time and skill that you’re putting in which can make all the difference. Don’t forget to include your postage and packaging costs when pricing up your items. Check out our guide to packaging your items securely , and when you’ve calculated your parcel dimensions and weight it’s easy to get a quote for delivery costs . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/september/24/etsy-or-ebay-where-should-you-sell/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/september/24/etsy-or-ebay-where-should-you-sell/ Thu, 24 September 2015 15:43:50 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/september/15/top-tips-for-using-a-parcel-drop-off-delivery-service/ Courier drop off delivery services offer an easy way to send your parcel on its way, without having to wait in for the courier driver to collect your parcel. They’re a perfect alternative to queuing up at the busy post office during your lunch hour, because most of the parcel drop off points have extended opening hours. Drop your parcel off before work, after you’ve done the school run, on your way to the gym, or even as you head out for the evening. To help you make the most of the drop off courier services available, here are 5 tips to get your parcel dropped off and on its way quick smart to your recipient. Book your drop off service in advance Before you rush to the shops armed with your parcels, you need to book your delivery. Booking a drop off service is easy with My Parcel Delivery, simply enter your parcel details into our quote form to get a list of drop off services, choose the one that’s best for you, from cheap drop off services to speedy drop off services , and then fill in all your details to complete the booking. Make sure you have a printer All the drop off services available through My Parcel Delivery need you to print a shipping label and attach this to the outside of your parcel so it can be scanned at the drop off point. If you don’t have access to a printer, then you can still have your parcel delivered, but you’ll need to use a collection service instead. Look out for delivery services from Parcelforce and DX as with these services the courier will bring the label for your parcel, meaning you won’t have to do any printing. Check your parcel weight and size Try to be as accurate as possible with the weight and size of your parcel when booking your drop off delivery service and don’t forget to take into account any extra padding and weight from your packaging. If your parcel is too big or too heavy, then the drop off point may not accept the parcel, or worse you could find yourself being charged extra, and we wouldn’t want that! Go to the right drop off point At My Parcel Delivery, you can book drop off delivery services from four different couriers – UPS , Hermes , CollectPlus and Parcelforce . Each courier has their own network of local parcel drop off points across the UK, it’s worth checking online beforehand where your nearest drop off location is, to make sure you get to the right place. - Find your nearest UPS Access Point drop off locations - Find your nearest Hermes Parcelshop drop off points - Find your nearest CollectPlus drop off locations - Parcelforce drop off locations are your local Post Office Each parcel drop off point should have a sign to show that it’s an official drop off point, so look out for these if you’re still not sure. The earlier your drop off, the better We can't say for certain what time your parcel will be collected by the courier from the drop off point, but in our experience, if you're after a speedy delivery the earlier you drop it off, the better!    If you need any help with parcel drop off services, or some advice on which service is best for you, simply get in touch and My Parcel Delivery’s parcel sending experts will be happy to help. Ready to book? Check out some of our most popular parcel drop off services now. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/september/15/top-tips-for-using-a-parcel-drop-off-delivery-service/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/september/15/top-tips-for-using-a-parcel-drop-off-delivery-service/ Tue, 15 September 2015 10:12:49 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/september/08/parcel-collection-services-for-ebay-collection-only-items/ It’s probably happened to you at least once if you’re an eBay shopper - you’ve found an amazing bargain that you really want, only to find that it’s marked as “collection only” and you live too far away to collect it. Not to worry, there’s an option you can try to help you get that must-have item. Once you’ve beat the competition and placed that winning bid, or bought using “buy-it-now”, just arrange the parcel pick-up and delivery yourself. Courier Parcel Pick-Up Services for eBay Collection Only Items Booking a courier service could be your answer. Simply find a courier service to collect the item from the seller and deliver it direct to your door. With prices starting from as little as £3.46 (£2.88 ex VAT), for a Hermes Economy Service , booking a collection service doesn’t have to be expensive either. But just before you place your bid or buy-it-now, here’s 5 things to check.   Ask the seller first Before you rush in and snap up that item, we recommend you contact the seller first. They probably have their reasons for listing the item as “collection only”; maybe they don’t have time to package it, or maybe they think the postage will cost too much? Either way, speak to them first to find out if they’re open to the idea of a courier collecting the item on your behalf. Is the item prohibited or restricted from being posted? Certain items are prohibited from being posted via a courier service , and other items have restrictions upon them, meaning that if you choose to send them, they’ll be sent on a no compensation basis. If the item is lost or damaged in transit, you won’t be able to make a claim for any compensation. Is the item too big to be sent by courier? Each courier company has their own restrictions on the size and weight of parcels they can accept. Check out some of the maximum weights and lengths on our large parcel delivery page . You can also take a look at our recent blog post which covers some of the reasons for the size and weight limits – large parcel delivery restrictions explained . To book a collection for your eBay item from the seller, you’ll need to provide accurate weight and size dimensions. For this you’ll have to rely on the seller to measure up and weigh, and you should be aware that if the parcel turns out to be larger than you stated when booking, you could end up having to pay extra charges, and we certainly wouldn’t want that. The item will need to be boxed up and labelled One of the advantages for eBay sellers of listing their items as “collection only” is that they usually don’t have to package up their items for posting. If you decide to use a courier collection service for your eBay purchase, the seller will need to package it securely, usually in a box. Check out our packaging guidelines for more information on the best way to package up parcels to keep your items safe and secure. Your seller may also need a printer to print the label for some services, so check if they have one before booking the eBay collection service. If they don’t have a printer, be sure to choose a label-less service for your eBay parcel delivery. Will the seller be available to wait for the courier driver? One final thing to check with the seller is whether they’re available to wait at home for the courier pick up the parcel. Collection times vary for different couriers but as a rough guide the courier could collect your eBay purchase from the seller any time between 8am and 8pm. Some couriers charge a fee for missed collections, so when booking the parcel collection, we also advise that you provide a mobile telephone number for somebody at the collection address, just in case the courier has problems finding the address. If the seller can’t guarantee that they’ll be able to wait in for the collection, you could consider booking a drop-off parcel delivery service . After packaging up the item securely, and printing a label to attach to the parcel, the seller could simply drop it off at one of the thousands of local courier drop-off points. UPS and Hermes are two of our most popular couriers who offer drop-off delivery services.     Overall, there are lots of things to consider if you’re going to book a courier pick up for your eBay purchase. If it’s an item that you absolutely must have, and have no other way of collecting, it’s definitely worth seeing if the seller is open to this option. You’ll also get the added bonus of being able to track the collection and delivery of your parcel online, meaning both the buyer and the seller can check the item is safely on its way. These tips also apply to any purchases made on other buying and selling websites like Gumtree and Preloved. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/september/08/parcel-collection-services-for-ebay-collection-only-items/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/september/08/parcel-collection-services-for-ebay-collection-only-items/ Tue, 08 September 2015 14:14:00 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/27/large-parcel-delivery-restrictions-explained/ There are some occasions when you need to send something large or heavy via a courier. Perhaps the item is too big to fit into your car, or you’re sending just one large item and can’t justify hiring a van. If you’re in this situation and aren’t sure what options you have for your large parcel delivery, here are some tips to help. Why Do Couriers Have Large Parcel Restrictions? Most standard couriers have a limit on the size and weight of parcels they will accept for delivery. There are a few reasons for this: Parcels that are so big or heavy that two people are needed to carry them Most standard delivery services use just one delivery driver at a time, so if your parcel is particularly heavy or bulky and needs two or more people to pick it up, they won’t be able to collect it. Large parcel sorting and processing After your parcel is collected from you by the courier, or you’ve dropped it off at a local drop-off point, the parcel will go to a sorting facility. To get your parcel sorted and heading off to its destination, it will usually go onto a conveyor-belt alongside all the other parcels sent that day. You need to make sure your parcel isn’t too large or too heavy to fit onto the conveyor belt otherwise you could be charged extra, even to have it returned back to you, and we wouldn’t want that. Drop off points and storage You may find the weight, width, length and height limits for drop-off parcel delivery services is more restricted than for collection services. This is because the network of drop off points are conveniently located in your local shops and businesses and often these don’t have space to store bigger items You can find a list of the largest parcel sizes accepted by couriers such as UPS, Parcelforce, DPD, Hermes and CitySprint on our large parcel delivery page . Delivery Options for Parcels Larger Than the Maximum Sizes If your parcel is larger or heavier than the maximum sizes, there are two things you can try to get it delivered. Repackage your parcel into multiple smaller parcels If you’re posting items that can be taken apart and split into separate parcels, this could be your best option. With the discounted rates available to My Parcel Delivery customers, you could find that it’s cheaper to send two smaller parcels than one large heavy parcel. Consider a specialist service Specialist services like AnyVan can be great for those extra large parcels such as heavy furniture, awkward shaped items and even cars! The service works a little bit like eBay, in that specialist courier companies and private drivers will place bids to deliver your large parcels. All you have to do is tell them about the large items you want delivered and where they’re going to, wait for the bids to come in, then simply choose which courier you prefer. Find out more about AnyVan .   If you’re still not sure about the best options for sending a large parcel, first enter your parcel details to get a quote and if you still need advice, get in touch, and the team here at My Parcel Delivery can help. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/27/large-parcel-delivery-restrictions-explained/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/27/large-parcel-delivery-restrictions-explained/ Thu, 27 August 2015 13:35:27 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/25/my-parcel-delivery-urges-online-shoppers-to-avoid-the-cat-and-mouse-game-with-home-deliveries/ Three quarters of shoppers automatically get their parcels delivered to home, despite frequently missing parcels because they are not home to receive them. A study by My Parcel Delivery asked 1000 people where they get their online shopping parcels delivered, as part of its mission to create easier delivery options for consumers. An overwhelming 76% of respondents said they get them delivered to home, which inevitably leads to potential games of cat and mouse with the courier. Only 11.9% of shoppers get their parcels delivered to work, despite that being the easiest location for deliveries if that’s where they are based during working hours. Just 3.1% of shoppers have their parcels sent to a neighbour’s house, while 3.2% of consumers get a parcel sent directly to a friend or relative’s house. Despite the growing popularity of parcel lockers, only 5.2% of shoppers currently have their parcels directed to them. Industry body IMRG found that one in 10 home deliveries failed on the first attempt, which is hugely frustrating for consumers AND costs the industry almost three quarters of a billion pounds a year . Think outside the (delivery) box! David Grimes, managing director of My Parcel Delivery, is urging consumers to think outside the box when it comes to getting their online shopping delivered in order to get a better experience. He said: “We were actually surprised to find that so many consumers continued to get their parcels delivered to their home when there are so many other options available for retailers to offer to their customers. Many people just go onto autopilot when filling out their delivery address – when in fact, they should be thinking carefully about whether this really is the best address to use. “Parcel lockers, click-and-collect and Collect+, for example, give consumers such a wide choice of options to make parcel collection even easier for them. Are we Brits just too polite to ask friends and neighbours if we can have parcels sent directly to them in the first place? Or do retailers and couriers need to start communicating better with their customers to help them receive deliveries more quickly. “As the popularity of online shopping is growing by almost 20% per year, the delivery industry needs to encourage consumers to think really carefully about where they get their parcels delivered. “Online retailers frequently don’t tell customers which couriers they use and which options they offer before an order is checked out. Better communication from the outset could really help consumers get their shopping easier.” Case studies: What do shoppers think?  Book blogger Dane Cobain said: “For books that I'm sent for my book blog, I usually get them sent to my home address. As I'm out at work during the day, I often get *loads* of stuff redelivered on Saturdays. I only usually get stuff delivered to work when it's urgent or I need it quickly - but I get sent so many books anyway that I'm in no particular rush to receive any of them! “The Saturday re-deliveries are books that don't fit through the letterbox - it is a lot of hassle because I have to fill out the online request each time. It would be easier if they just left the parcels in my doorway, or if they automatically redelivered on a Saturday, I think! “Another reason I get them sent to my home address is that I know my home address off by heart but not my work one, and so it's easier to type out my home address in response to an e-mail.” Blogger Lizi Legge said: “I always get everything delivered to work (much to the despair of our office manager) as I live in a flat without a concierge service. I just find it too much of a hassle to try and get things delivered home when I know that I'm not in during the day. In fact all of our office get parcels delivered here, there's a never ending supply of ASOS and Amazon deliveries to the building!” Another blogger Asma Younus said: “Oh boy, we get a lot of parcels delivered (my hubby is trigger happy with the 'buy now' button) and we do always get them delivered to our home address. We live in a cul-de-sac where most of our neighbours are retired or work from home. So whenever we get home, it’s like a treasure hunt trying to work out which house has our package.” Tom Bourlet, from The Stag Company , also has his parcels sent to work "I used to always have them sent to home, but 6 months ago I moved into a one bed flat, so without anyone being home to accept them, it always seemed like a safer option to have them sent to work." Elena Manighetti commented "I do get everything delivered to work as I'm never home to get deliveries and we don't have a letter box." Lauren Wilkinson even went as far as having parcels sent to her partner's workplace "I used to have mine sent to my partners work as I wasn't allowed personal mail, now I've switched jobs, I'm likely to get them delivered to my own workplace instead." https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/25/my-parcel-delivery-urges-online-shoppers-to-avoid-the-cat-and-mouse-game-with-home-deliveries/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/25/my-parcel-delivery-urges-online-shoppers-to-avoid-the-cat-and-mouse-game-with-home-deliveries/ Tue, 25 August 2015 09:58:40 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/21/business-advice-5-things-you-need-to-know-when-selling-internationally/ There can often be hesitation for small businesses , start-ups and sole traders in the UK when it comes to expanding into the international market. Having little or no experience in this area can put many people off, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you know there’s a demand for your products abroad, whether it’s in Austria or Australia , here are 5 things you need to know when it comes to selling internationally. Is your product allowed into the foreign country? Start by researching the list of restricted items for the country you want to send to. You probably already know the obvious restrictions on things like food and items which can be used as weapons, but many countries also restrict specific items. Did you know China doesn’t allow baby milk powder to be imported? Or that South Africa, Mexico and India don’t allow you to send a pair of matching shoes? So before you start taking orders from customers in a different country, check that what you’re selling can be shipped there. Understand the local language You don’t have to be fluent in the local language, but you need to be aware of accents, umlauts and other characters which aren’t used in the English language. These are really important when addressing your parcels and could make all the difference when it comes to having them delivered.   If you’re unsure, we suggested double-checking the details with your customer. If your keyboard is missing a special character, try copying and pasting the address directly as it has been sent to you by your customer. Customs Officials and Pro-Forma Invoices When you send a parcel outside of the EU, it will have to pass through the country’s customs before it is allowed into the country. As part of this process, you’re required to complete a pro-forma invoice. We’ll ask you to complete this during booking so it’s quick and easy to do, just be sure to be accurate with your descriptions and valuations as customs officials do check this.    You’ll need to print off 5 copies of the pro-forma invoice and we recommend you attach these to the outside of the parcel so that the customs officials don’t have to open and re-seal your parcel.   We also suggest putting your business name, address and telephone number on the outside of your parcel, so that you can be contacted if there are any queries from the customs officials. Some countries, including Canada , actually require this. Plan for Potential Delays You probably know the UK bank holidays without even thinking and have planned how these could affect your deliveries. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the national holidays and festivals of the countries you want to send to. This way you can prepare for any potential delays to deliveries and give your customers an accurate idea of when they can expect their parcel. Offer Delivery Choices Whilst the majority of UK shoppers would prefer a free delivery option, this isn’t always the case in other countries. Research has shown differences in the parcel delivery priorities from different international communities. For example, an essential factor for German shoppers is speed of delivery. Make sure you offer a range of delivery options and as the sales start rolling in you’ll start to get a clear picture of what your customers want.     You can find out more about European Parcel Delivery and International Parcel Delivery here, including specifics about many countries across the globe. Just follow our tips and the next time you get an order from outside the UK, it could be the start of a full-scale international expansion for your business. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/21/business-advice-5-things-you-need-to-know-when-selling-internationally/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/21/business-advice-5-things-you-need-to-know-when-selling-internationally/ Fri, 21 August 2015 11:41:20 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/17/parcel-delivery-by-drone/ With so many people talking about drones and how they can be used in the future, we’ve written a few blogs about their use in parcel delivery. Every few months there is another development and this time I was contacted by the Guardian for my views on how SMEs could benefit from the drone industry. It’s something that I’ve thought about a lot over the past few months and I was happy to share my views.   There’s no doubt that there are concerns about drones being used in parcel delivery. Whether worrying about the safety of your goods or the aircraft in general, the legislation or limitations in their ability, there are many questions to be answered. With such powerhouse companies as Amazon investing heavily in the technology, it does seem that drones will be an inevitable part of the parcel delivery puzzle in the future but the question is how smaller SMEs can benefit from the technological advances of Amazon.   The average diesel truck costs roughly $1 a mile whereas a drone is just 3 cents a mile making it a very attractive prospect. The reality however is that due to the strict limitations of use, drones will only be able to be used for a proportions of deliveries and as such will not replace human parcel delivery services any time soon – a relief to many.   Drones are only capable of lifting a couple of Kilos so anything heavier simply isn’t possible with this technology. This isn’t so much of a problem for Amazon who claim that 86% of their deliveries fall within this weight limitation, but it may not be as suitable for other companies. Here at My Parcel Delivery for example, only 32.5% of the parcels booked could be delivered by drone as the average weight of parcel is 8.5kg. That’s a long way from the 2.25kg maximum weight allowance.   There are also limitations in the distance that a drone can cover for parcel delivery. The maximum distance allowed is 10 miles or 30 minutes flight time. Clearly this means that drones can’t be used for international parcel deliveries or even parcel deliveries to the far corners of Great Britain. While this is disappointing, it certainly doesn’t rule out drones use in parcel delivery in the future. In this fast paced world, the need for same day deliveries is increasing with customer expectations rising every single day. Drones offer a unique opportunity to deliver lightweight parcels within a small radius in a matter of minutes.   But when all is said and done, at the moment only companies like Amazon can hope to have drone parcel delivery implemented in the short term. It is through their investment that SMEs can later benefit from this innovation. My prediction is that if all the hurdles are overcome, not least the legislative issues, SME’s could have the chance to use drones for parcel delivery in the next 5 years or so. This may sound like a long time but believe me…it will fly by!   You can read more about this in the Guardian , with extra opinions from Ben O’Leary, who runs an aerial filming and drone photography company. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/17/parcel-delivery-by-drone/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/17/parcel-delivery-by-drone/ Mon, 17 August 2015 10:26:32 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/11/6-alternatives-to-ebay-where-to-sell-your-stuff-online/ We love eBay, it’s a great place to sell your stuff online, and just last month the first ever “ eBay Rich List ” showed off some of eBay’s most successful UK businesses. However, eBay isn’t the only place on the web to sell and depending on what you’ve got on offer, other websites might be better suited to your bits and pieces. Here are 6 alternatives to eBay, after you've read these, be sure to check out our Marketplace Selling Guides with advice for selling on Amazon, Gumtree, Etsy, Preloved, Facebook and more.   Amazon Marketplace List your items alongside Amazon’s products in the Amazon Marketplace. Unlike eBay’s auction style listings, you set the price with Amazon. Amazon is a great place to sell electronics, books and collectible items, both brand new and used.  There are a two different selling plans on the Amazon Marketplace, a “pay-as-you-go” system aimed at individual sellers, and a “Pro Merchant” system for people who sell over 30 items per month. Find out more about selling on the Amazon Marketplace .    Depop A favourite with fashion bloggers, Depop is a free mobile selling app which is a bit like a shoppable social media channel. Simply photograph your item, write a brief description, share it on your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in just a few clicks and wait for the offers to come rolling in! There’s no fee for listing items, instead you’re charged 10% of the transaction amount (including postage costs). You’ll also need to have a Paypal account and be aware of the fees associated with receiving Paypal payments. It’s great for selling both new and used fashion items including clothes, accessories, jewellery and shoes. Find out more about selling on  Depop .   Etsy The home of all things handmade, Etsy is a great place to sell uniquely crafted items from artwork, homeware and furniture, to jewellery, accessories, wedding and party items and even craft supplies for others to make their own art. There’s also a great vintage section! Etsy charges $0.20 to list an item and then 3.5% commission on the item price (excluding postage costs and any tax). Don’t be put off by the fact that the listing price is in $ - there are plenty of UK sellers running thriving businesses on Etsy. Find out more about selling with  Etsy  and read our interview with an Etsy seller .   Gumtree Gumtree claims to be the UK’s #1 Classifieds website and have over a million ads posted on the site at any one time. They have a wide and varied “for sale” area, selling anything from cars and furniture, to clothing, health and beauty items, consumer white goods and even more. There’s even listings for freebies and a “swap shop”! The fees for posting your ad vary depending on the category you’ve chosen, but the “For Sale” area is free to post in and is dedicated to private sellers. If you really want your advert to stand out there are also premium options to help your ad get noticed. Gumtree is great if you’re looking for a local buyer, or if your item is something very specialist. Check out our guide to selling on Gumtree .   Facebook Facebook and other social media pages weren’t originally intended to be used for selling items, but if you’re active on these networks, they can be a great way to show-off what you’re selling and find a buyer. Facebook won’t charge you to post on your own FB profile, or even on your friend’s profiles (although we’d advise against doing this without getting permission first). Not only can you post on your own profile, but you can share your bits and bobs on any number of the free groups and communities. Look out for your local “For Sale or Swap” groups, or seek out a fan page if you’re selling something special. If you’re really keen to get your item sold on Facebook, you can pay to run a Facebook advert and promote your item to an audience of your choice, but most of the time you can find a buyer without needing to do this. Sign in, or sign up for a Facebook account to start selling.   ASOS Marketplace The ASOS Marketplace is a perfect opportunity for budding fashion designers and dress-makers to build their customer base, by selling alongside ASOS clothing and their established brands. The application process to open an ASOS boutique requires you to stock a minimum of 15 different styles at any one time, and they also have a set of standards for the photos of your products. Costing just £20 per month, you’ll also pay 20% commission on every item sold. Find out more about opening an online boutique on the ASOS Marketplace .   After you've made your sale, whether you used eBay's auction system or tried out one of the alternatives, all you have to do is package up your parcel and send it to its new home. Most buyers will want to know postage and delivery costs in advance of making their purchase, so when you're listing your stuff for sale, don't forget to check My Parcel Delivery for a quick parcel delivery quote . If you send more than 10 parcels a week you could qualify for a Business Account with My Parcel Delivery . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/11/6-alternatives-to-ebay-where-to-sell-your-stuff-online/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/11/6-alternatives-to-ebay-where-to-sell-your-stuff-online/ Tue, 11 August 2015 09:02:20 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/05/ups-next-day-drop-off-from-only-649plusvat/ Sometimes life is simply too busy to wait in all day for a courier to arrive to collect your parcel. Did you know that we have drop-off services available to help you with just that? You can take your parcel to a local drop off point and the courier will pick it up from there.   INTRODUCING - NEXT DAY DELIVERY DROP-OFF SERVICE WITH UPS...   Just drop off your parcel at a choice of thousands of Access Points and get it delivered the very next day, within mainland UK, by one of the most reliable couriers around. And it only takes 3-5 days to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and selected European countries too.                 MAINLAND UK UPS Access Point offers our fastest UK drop-off service. If you drop it off in the morning, you can have it delivered the very next day From £6.49 +VAT   N. IRELAND Drop it off at a local Access Point at a time that works for you. Then UPS will send it across the water and have it delivered...fast. From £9.99 +VAT   REP. OF IRELAND Get your parcel delivered to the Emerald Isle using this drop off service. From Dublin to Cork to Galway, you can send it all over. From £13.50 +VAT   EUROPE This drop-off service gets your parcel delivered to France, Germany, Belgium and Italy within 3-5 working days. From £14.50 +VAT   WHY CHOOSE UPS ACCESS POINT UPS are known for their speed, reliability and professionalism, providing a first class delivery service offering next day delivery on their UK mainland drop-off services. But that’s not all they offer…here are the very best bits of their drop-off service.          Thousands of access points across the country          Drop it off in the morning for next day delivery          Send up to 20kg in every parcel (max length 80cm)          Up to £15 FREE compensation cover included          Fully tracked and signed for, plus receive a text upon delivery          Peace of mind by choosing one of the most reliable couriers                 Don’t just take our work for it, Catherine says… “Outstanding service Very impressed with speed of service / ease of booking / low price and outstanding service from UPS delivery person. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/05/ups-next-day-drop-off-from-only-649plusvat/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/05/ups-next-day-drop-off-from-only-649plusvat/ Wed, 05 August 2015 10:51:35 Nazma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/03/top-tips-for-cheaper-parcel-delivery/ Are you looking for the cheapest way to send your parcels, without compromising on good service? In addition to a range of delivery couriers, such as Hermes and Collect+ who offer economy services, there are a few other things you can do to cut your parcel sending costs. Send more parcels to get cheaper preferential rates When it comes to courier companies and parcel delivery, as a general rule, the more you send, the more you can save. With member schemes like MPD+ you’re automatically start to receive benefits if you send over 20 parcels in a calendar month. For anyone that doesn’t send enough parcels to qualify for a bulk discount, you can still get a cheaper service by using parcel price comparison websites like ours. We’ve negotiated some great parcel delivery discounts which we pass onto all our senders, even those who only send a few parcels a year! Don’t limit yourself to just one courier It might seem convenient to send all your parcels directly with the same courier, but if you’re sending items of different weights and sizes, it’s worth comparing delivery quotes before you book your usual service. You could find it cheaper to send some of your parcels with a different courier and it’s worth looking out for limited offer price drops and discounts. Factor in your travel for drop off services and time for collection services If you’re looking to get the best value from your parcel delivery, then it’s also worth factoring the type of service you use into your cost equation. Are you making multiple trips to a drop-off point when it could be more cost effective to use a collection service? Or would you be better off using a drop-off service because the location is somewhere you travel to regularly anyway? To truly find the cheapest parcel delivery option, explore all the options to find the service that’s the most cost and time effective for your lifestyle. Be as accurate as possible with your parcel weights and sizes In our guide to weighing and measuring parcels , we advise people who are estimating the weights and sizes of their parcels to “be generous”, so that you avoid any surcharges you could face if you’ve underestimated. However, to make sure you get the cheapest quote, it’s worth getting out those scales and tape measures and submitting your exact parcel dimensions and weight. You never know, you may find your parcels are actually lighter than you thought, giving you a cheaper parcel delivery price! Hopefully these tips will help you keep your costs down and get the best possible price for your parcel delivery. When you’re ready to book, be sure to take a look at our cheapest parcel delivery services . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/03/top-tips-for-cheaper-parcel-delivery/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/august/03/top-tips-for-cheaper-parcel-delivery/ Mon, 03 August 2015 10:24:37 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/july/21/price-drop-enjoy-our-cheapest-1-2-day-service/ Until the end of August, DX have dropped their prices to become an even better value 1-2 day delivery service. Now you can have your parcel delivered by one of our most secure services for less than £10 including VAT. They are so secure in fact that they're the preferred courier for some of the main UK agencies who send your most important identity documents out.   This 1-2 day service gets your parcel delivered the very next day, 80% of the time. The courier will bring your label so all you need to do is package your parcel and wait for them to knock on the door. You don't need to print a label £10 free cover included Max parcel length 100cm Max parcel weight 20kg   Their customers love them but you don't need to take our word for that. Take a look at what's been said about them on Trustpilot...   Very impressed. " This has been the first time I have used My Parcel Delivery and so was unsure of its efficiency. But I have been delighted with my initial experience. The DX courier they used could not have been more efficient, speedy and helpful. I shall cerainly be using this service again. Thank you " May   Brilliant Delivery Company. First time using DX Deliveries, and I would have no issues using them again. Very fast delivery time for my parcel, less than 24 hours. The driver was very polite and professional. Thank you. Chris Appleton   Great service This is the second parcel I have had delivered by DX - brilliant service. Parcel delivered with 2 days - excellent. Angela Kester   You can find out more about the DX service right here.  Happy sending! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/july/21/price-drop-enjoy-our-cheapest-1-2-day-service/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/july/21/price-drop-enjoy-our-cheapest-1-2-day-service/ Tue, 21 July 2015 15:15:11 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/july/06/expanding-your-business-overseas/ There are few things more important to running a successful business than growth. Whether you achieve growth by maximising revenue from your current customers, ensuring you’ve covered all areas of your existing market, or branching out into new markets entirely, your businesses growth will always be top of the agenda.   I’ve had many people in the industry approach me over the years, asking my take on the best way to grow. As I reel off what I see as the top options, there’s often a visible wince when I make my number one suggestion – international expansion. While there are barriers which vary depending on the type of business you’re running, there is no doubt that expanding internationally will open up your audience and, if managed effectively, will help you grow your business massively.   The team at Smarta.com asked me to go into a bit more details about this which I’ve shared on their blog. My top tips to consider include: Payment options Knowing your audience Shipping costs and delivery options] Importing rules and prohibited items by country Cultural dates and customs   Take a look at my blog for Smarta.com  – it’s a great starting point for your international expansion plans. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/july/06/expanding-your-business-overseas/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/july/06/expanding-your-business-overseas/ Mon, 06 July 2015 10:57:07 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/july/03/delivery-delays-in-france-and-kent/ We’ve all seen the long lines of Lorries stuck in Kent due to the industrial action which is still going strong in the port of Calais. It has turned the M20 into a virtual car park and this is causing a few issues so we want to keep you in the loop   Operation Stack is in effect in Kent 23 miles of the motorway is a standstill of lorries The bulk of cross channel ferries are not running Issues are also being seen on the Channel Tunnel due to the increased volume All services by road to France are being effected, with some being redirected through Belgium where possible Deliveries to Kent are also seeing an effect with delays effecting postcode CT, ME and TN.   We’re sorry for any inconvenience this is causing and really appreciate your patience at this tricky time. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/july/03/delivery-delays-in-france-and-kent/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/july/03/delivery-delays-in-france-and-kent/ Fri, 03 July 2015 11:16:42 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/24/were-in-the-news/ You may have read this week about a few changes going on here at My Parcel Delivery. I want to take a moment to give you the inside scoop, explaining what we’ve done and why!   First of all, you can rest assured that you’ll still enjoy the same service from us. In fact, as we develop the website and add even more service, the website is only going to get even better. Other than that, I’ve popped the highlights below. -          We’ve raised £2 million in funding which is on top of the £1.5 million we raised last year -          We’re using the funding to strengthen the My Parcel Delivery website which we launched earlier this year -          We’re also developing a brand new software product for the retail industry called Electio -          My Parcel Delivery and Electio will sit under the newly formed MPD Group -          We have plenty more in the pipeline so watch this space!   You can read the full article here but if you’re unsure about anything here, just give the customer service team a call and they’ll happily help fill you in. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/24/were-in-the-news/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/24/were-in-the-news/ Wed, 24 June 2015 17:25:55 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/16/ceo-summit-2015/ Depending where you’re coming from, being disruptive can be a good or bad thing. As a child sits in class, playing the clown and stopping those around him/her from learning, being disruptive is seen as bad. But in the competitive world of business, when ‘business as usual’ is no longer enough, being disruptive is an extremely good thing.   As My Parcel Delivery is fundamentally a technology business, helping our customers to utilise our offering to get better prices and a better service, the team realised that they must shake up the industry and disrupt the status quo. This is easier said than done, and the tech team’s days are spent coming up with new ideas to make sure that they are at the top of their game.   And it’s not just us who think this…The Times produced their CEO Summit 2015 this week and 2 pages of the 10 page supplement was dedicated to disruptive businesses. From some of the biggest players like ASOS and Twitter, to the ones to watch in the future, they picked out some of the most disruptive companies in the industry.   The great news is that My Parcel Delivery is one of the businesses they chose in their list of 10 disrupters to watch. Here’s the full list…it’s a great category to appear in. Transferwise Marketinvoice My Parcel Delivery Funding Circle Warwick Music PayAsUGym Made.com Q App RedX Pharma Midrive https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/16/ceo-summit-2015/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/16/ceo-summit-2015/ Tue, 16 June 2015 16:53:41 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/10/5-good-reasons-why-it-is-good-to-start-a-business-in-a-downturn/ Starting a business is a huge decision no matter what the economic climate. You need a clear, well researched idea, a thorough business plan, and more determination than you have ever imagined. More than that, you also need the courage to make that leap and turn your fantastic, innovative idea into a business.   An economy in recession can increase the fear associated with making this leap but in fact an economic downturn actually provides a unique opportunity. Based on my own experience of starting My Parcel Delivery, I've come up with my 5 good reasons for starting a business during this challenging time. People are looking to save money It’s a good time to innovate and re-invent Think lean Big competitors are disadvantaged Everything is cheaper   Our friends at Smarta.com , a support platform for business owners and entrepreneurs, asked me to explore these points for their blog. With 581,172 new businesses registered at Companies House in 2014, they have seen how plenty of other noticed the opportunity a downturn can bring and want to share with their readers why they too should consider making that leap of faith. You can hear more about my thinking on each point on their website. As the economy is now in recovery, we truly hope that it stays on the up. But if it doesn't, we’re certainly proof that with the right idea, a business can still prosper even in tricky times. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/10/5-good-reasons-why-it-is-good-to-start-a-business-in-a-downturn/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/10/5-good-reasons-why-it-is-good-to-start-a-business-in-a-downturn/ Wed, 10 June 2015 08:42:41 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/01/international-price-drop/ The world is getting smaller, with friends, families and customers spread across every continent. We know how important it is to keep in touch so rest assured, we're offering you the very best deal we can.   Despite already being  up to 75% cheaper than Royal Mail  for International delivery, we've dropped the price of the MPD International Drop-Off and Parcelforce Global Priority services to Australia, China and the United States of America. You don't need a promo code to enjoy the low prices, and you won't see the old price on our website any more. Simply pop your delivery details into the quote form and we'll give you the best rates possible. Just check out the sample savings below...   SERVICE OLD PRICE NEW PRICE SAVING 1kg to Australia MPD International £28.30 £22.00 £6.30      22% 8kg to the USA MPD International £64.98 £51.47 £13.51     21% 15kg to China Parcelforce £131.18 £93.60 £37.58     29% 30kg to the USA Parcelforce £104.69 £84.04 £20.65     20% Medium sized parcel sent via MPD International Drop-Off or Parcelforce Global Priority, all prices are ex vat   We can't keep the prices this low forever so to make sure you don't miss out, book your deliveries today. But before the courier arrives, check your items are  safe to send  abroad and that your parcel is  wrapped up tight . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/01/international-price-drop/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/june/01/international-price-drop/ Mon, 01 June 2015 09:28:37 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/26/the-importance-of-authenticity-in-business/ Authenticity in business   is a fairly new consideration but it could help you raise your business head and shoulders above the competition. Trust in businesses has been in decline over the past few decades partly due to media savvy surfers being quick to write-off product features as marketing ploys designed to separate them with their hard earned money.   The internet has become an enormous peer network, where reputation is king and customer critiques have empowered the purchaser to have their voice heard. Beyond product, price and quality, customers want to feel they can trust the company they choose and it’s our job to make sure they can.   Our friends over at Authenticity Rules , a website devoted to this very subject, asked why I have built authenticity into my customer service strategy, and what areas in particular I focus on. It’s important to understand that how we remain authentic is not difficult, but the strategy needs to run through every part of the business at all times.   My five top tips to be authentic is… Listen to your customers Make a promise and stick to it Share your policies Let personalities shine through Take some time out   You can hear more about my thinking on each point on the Authenticity Rules website . We hope you agree that we are standing above our competitors by doing all five of these (this blog is a perfect example of point 3!) https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/26/the-importance-of-authenticity-in-business/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/26/the-importance-of-authenticity-in-business/ Tue, 26 May 2015 12:53:00 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/18/speedy-reliable-and-professionalintroducing-ups/ Our business customers love the UPS service so this week we've made it available to everyone...and it's proving an incredibly big hit already.   Why choose UPS? Book before 11.30am for same day collection and delivery the very next day Up to £20 free compensation cover for perfect peace of mind State of the art tracking to keep up to date with your precious cargo   How much can I send? It's best to make sure your parcel is the right size to send before booking. The maximum sizes for your parcel are Length - 200cm (parcels over 150cm in length charged at £13.99+vat) Weight - 30kg Girth - 310 cm calculated as Volume in girth=(width x 2) + (height x 2)   The final thing you need to know is that if you send your parcel with UPS, you must package it in a strong cardboard box. If you don't, you could face a surcharge from UPS and we certainly wouldn't want that! You can get some packaging tips to keep your parcel safe and sound right here .   We hope you enjoy the new UPS service! If you want to know more about their service, you can check out their service page . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/18/speedy-reliable-and-professionalintroducing-ups/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/18/speedy-reliable-and-professionalintroducing-ups/ Mon, 18 May 2015 11:55:14 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/13/update-dx-delivery-service/ We're constantly looking for ways to make parcel delivery easier for you. We want to let you know about some change we've made to the DX courier service. Let us take this chance to fill you in on the improvements.   We've changed the size and weight restrictions so that now you can send even more, for the same great value price. The driver will still bring the shipping label for you but they will no longer provide the mailbag to put your items in. This means that your parcel will need to be securely packaged in a strong cardboard box, following our  packaging guidelines .   The new maximum sizes for your parcel are Length - 100cm Weight - 20kg Volume - 40 litres  calculated as Volume in litres = (length x width x height) / 1000   If you have a few parcels to send, please be sure to check that the driver attaches the right label to each parcel. And to be extra careful, please write all the delivery details onto the outside of your parcels just in case the label falls off on its journey across the UK.   Why choose DX? Speedy, 1-2 day delivery service, with 80% of parcels delivered the very next day No printer, no problem! The courier brings your label Up to £20 free compensation cover for perfect peace of mind State of the art tracking with a premium option for extra security Extra secure with photographic and GPS evidence available   We hope you like the updated service! You can find out more on our dedicated DX courier page . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/13/update-dx-delivery-service/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/13/update-dx-delivery-service/ Wed, 13 May 2015 12:37:52 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/08/what-you-need-to-think-about-when-re-launching-a-website/ There has been plenty of change to our website in the past 6 weeks as 12 months of hard work from the team was finally shown to you all.   Making such a significant change is not a decision taken lightly but once it is made, there is plenty to consider. What should never be forgotten in this process is your customer. So long as every decision made has the customer at the forefront of mind, your business will be moving along the right path.   Set realistic timeframes and budgets Do you know what your customers want?   What services do your competitors offer? Invest in people Branding Plan your launch timetable Test, test, test!   I chatted this over with the team at Smarta, a website designed to help businesses grow. You can see the finer details about each point by checking out their blog . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/08/what-you-need-to-think-about-when-re-launching-a-website/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/may/08/what-you-need-to-think-about-when-re-launching-a-website/ Fri, 08 May 2015 11:07:16 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/27/ebay-uk-delivery-dates/ Late last week eBay announced some changes to their estimated delivery dates in the UK. It’s clear that the exact location of the buyer and seller will have an impact on the time something takes to be delivered. Imagine you’re sending to a customer in Inverness (the Scottish Highlands), it’s totally understandable that delivering to them will take longer than to a customer the next town over.   But what impact does the estimated delivery date from eBay have on your business and more specifically your eBay seller rating. Well no matter where your customer lives, they’ll expect to have their parcel delivered on the estimated date that eBay offers. If it fails to arrive by then, you can be fairly sure that the customer will consider the delay  your responsibility and mark you accordingly. Your reputation is one of the most valuable things you own so protecting it is definitely a priority.   In the announcement about the change to delivery time by postcode, eBay said “From 23 April our estimated delivery dates for certain carrier services will be based on the postcode of the item location the seller has specified as well as the delivery postcode specified by the buyer.”   They went on to further explain the reasoning behind the claim by saying “We are making this change to improve the accuracy of delivery estimates. The delivery address postcode used to estimate the date of delivery will be shown along with the item estimated delivery date on the view item page.”   Feedback so far appears to be mixed as the logic seems inconsistent. Only time will tell if this development will have an impact on your business so keep your eyes on the prize and ensure that there are no other delays for your customer. Same day despatch wherever possible is a must! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/27/ebay-uk-delivery-dates/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/27/ebay-uk-delivery-dates/ Mon, 27 April 2015 14:53:14 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/23/st-george-around-the-world/ The Irish have St. Patrick, the Welsh have St David, and the Scottish have St Andrew. And while the English don’t celebrate their patron saint’s day with a bank holiday, they have St George when houses around the country fly their red and white flags proudly.   But England is not the only country to celebrate on St. George’s Day. In fact, other countries around the world the party can be even bigger, even if it is on a different day. We had a look to see where (and when) other countries celebrate for St George.   Canada While it’s not an official national day across all of Canada, it’s a provincial holiday in Newfoundland. They enjoy they extra day on the nearest Monday to the 23rd April Czech Republic The Czech Republic changed the celebration day as their own national patron saint (St. Adalbert of Prague) was martyred on the same day in 997. They instead enjoy their celebrations on 24th April Hungary Hungarians also celebrate a day later than here in England on the 24th April. It’s also the name day of men named György and the Day of the Police who honour St George as a patron saint. Iraq Christians here tend to celebrate St George’s Day by visiting the church St. George Monastery in the north of the country Jordan Many churches in Jordan have been dedicated to St George, with celebrations of the day held across the country but nowhere more so than in a town near Amman called Fuheis Lebanon Celebrations here focus in towns and villages that contain churches in St. George’s name Portugal St. George is so important to the Portuguese that their army motto, translated into English, means “Portugal and Saint George, in perils and in efforts of war.” Devotions to Saint George in Portugal date back hundreds of years to the twelfth century Spain The feast of St George is celebrated in several areas of Spain, most noticeably Aragon, Catalonia and Cáceres. Celebrations vary by city however Cáceres focuses their parades on the legend of Saint George slaying a dragon to save a princess   And these are to name but a few. There are more cities around the world who will join England in their celebrations on (or near!) the 23rd April. From all the team here at My Parcel Delivery, we hope you have a wonderful St. George’s Day. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/23/st-george-around-the-world/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/23/st-george-around-the-world/ Thu, 23 April 2015 10:33:39 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/22/mobilegeddon-what-it-means/ One of the most important factors in determining whether your business is successful is whether your customer can find it. If you operate online, Google has the greatest control over this with their ever changing algorithm. We’ve lived through the days of penguin, panda and caffeine, and this week saw a game changing move by Google.   Yesterday’s release was not given a catchy animal related title, but those in the know have nicknamed it mobilgeddon due to the impact that mobile is having this time around. The key takeaways from the algorithm update are: Websites which have been designed responsively (the layout will automatically update whether visiting from a desktop, tablet or mobile) will perform significantly better within rankings. Search results will be tailored to laptop and mobile meaning a strategy for both needs to be considered. Websites that have a fast load speed, look good and are simple to use will fare well from this algorithm update.   So why is google making such significant changes related to mobile? It’s simple really. More and more people are doing everything they can on a mobile. From checking out their favourite stores to buying bits and pieces, a mobile is now a portal to do every aspect of their life. And with the rise of mobile payments and more methods of delivery, customer experience can actually be better on a mobile. Google want to encourage this and that’s why they are rewarding companies who have a responsive site, and penalising those that don’t.   It’s another clear indication that black hat SEO tactics will no longer work. If you, as a company, follow best practices, and do what is right for the customer rather than the search engine, Google will reward you. Unfortunately, the concern is that smaller businesses who don’t have the resources readily available to rebuild their website in line with the algorithm update could be penalised. It’s important to act quickly to create a journey that is optimised for your customer. As you work to do this, you will see your rankings improve naturally. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/22/mobilegeddon-what-it-means/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/22/mobilegeddon-what-it-means/ Wed, 22 April 2015 15:38:11 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/17/more-new-website-features/ It’s been just over a month since we launched our new website, packed with new and improved features to help make sending simple. We’ve had fantastic feedback from some of our new customers that we wanted to share with you – it’s made us very proud indeed!   Julia says - A terrific service, reasonably priced and 'fit-for-purpose.' “I have always been hesitant about using parcel delivery services, but this week I was pleasantly surprised about the ease and informative way that this company assured me of direct and swift transit. I used on-line booking and also spoke twice on the phone. My parcel was collected and delivered on time and in perfect condition. I will certainly use this company again.”   Sarah says - Excellent communication! “I needed some help and advice about sending parcels via courier as never done before. Customer service were so helpful and I got the information so quickly. Many thanks.”   Viovet says - Convenience at a click “I found the advice very helpful and as a very busy person the fact that I could order online and have it delivered to my door made the whole experience very simple. I would definitely recommend and use again.”   Now a bit more time has passed, we have a new wave of features to tell you all about.  We hardly let our tech team take a coffee break before asking them to make the next improvement!   Better tracking We've updated our tracking system and we’re pleased to tell you that not only is it up-to-date telling you everything you need to know, but it’s better than ever. If you have a parcel to track, you can see where it is on its journey right here .   MPD Import Lots of people use us to send their parcel out of the UK and around the world. But did you know that now you can have your parcels sent from anywhere in the world direct to your door in the UK? Just choose the MPD import service and the world truly is your oyster.   Address Book We had this on our old site but we didn’t love it. That’s why we took it away until we got it working right. Now, all you have to do is go into My Account and add the address’s that you send to regularly. Then next time you come to send a parcel, you can look up your contacts and choose who to send it to quickly and easily. You can even use it for collection addresses too! We’re making improvements to our site all the time. If you want to be the first to hear about it, simply subscribe to our blog as we’ll tell you about it here first. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/17/more-new-website-features/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/17/more-new-website-features/ Fri, 17 April 2015 09:53:36 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/13/what-to-do-with-your-brilliant-business-idea/ Do you have a brilliant business idea that you’re sure will blow the competition out of the water? Fantastic.   Are you ready to throw caution to the wind and embark on a new business adventure? Wonderful.   Do you have any idea what the next step is to make your dream a reality? This is where the tricky part comes in!   The most obvious next step is pulling together a business plan. This is an exhaustive written statement of your business - what you want to achieve with it and how you will achieve it.   But exactly what to consider before writing all your hopes and dreams into the plan is one of the most vital factors that influence an entrepreneur’s success.   I’ve shared my process with the team over at freshbusinessthinking.co.uk  By thinking and talking through these points, I was able to make sure I was heading down the right path. Demand Barriers ROI Intellectual Property People Feedback Law Brand   Understand that some of what you decide here will develop over time, especially within your brand. But without this starting point, it’ll be harder to make your dream a reality. You can read more about each of these factors in my article for freshbusinessthinking.co.uk https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/13/what-to-do-with-your-brilliant-business-idea/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/13/what-to-do-with-your-brilliant-business-idea/ Mon, 13 April 2015 15:48:52 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/02/easter-business-is-about-more-than-just-chocolate-eggs/ There’s plenty to think about in the run up to Easter. Not only do you need to buy plenty of chocolate Easter eggs, but you also need to help make Easter Bonnets, decorate boiled eggs and find time to meet up with your nearest and dearest. And if you run your own business, the tasks don’t stop there.   Last week I chatted with our friends over at Small Business and Fourth Source about how retailers can take advantage of this seasonal celebration by boosting last minute sales. But with this comes other delivery based issues which also need to be considered.   For those last minute sales, you should think about 1. Clear delivery options with more choices for your customers 2. Reaching out to customers in marketing campaigns 3. Inspiring customers on social media You can find out more about these factors by reading my thoughts at Fourth Source .   To help minimise and combat any delivery based issues, you need to consider 1. Effective communication with your customers 2. Make sure you have options if your suppliers experience issues 3. Keep an ear to the ground and be informed of delays 4. Watch your stock levels 5. Make things easier for yourself by using experts You can find out more about these factors by reading my thoughts at smallbusiness.co.uk .   I hope you all have a fantastic Easter whether you’re busy at work or at home having fun with friends or family. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/02/easter-business-is-about-more-than-just-chocolate-eggs/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/april/02/easter-business-is-about-more-than-just-chocolate-eggs/ Thu, 02 April 2015 11:11:31 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/30/easter-delivery-update/ Time is ticking as we approach Easter and the two bank holidays - yipee! While we all enjoy a few extra days to spend with our friends and family, it does mean that your parcels can't be delivered quite as quickly as normal.   We've popped the delivery schedule below for the Easter period but we recommend that you get your delivery booked in with plenty of time to spare. And remember, if you have any Easter gifts to send, we have a  Saturday service  that can get it delivered as close to the big day as possible. Thursday 2nd April Normal service Good Friday 3rd April No service Saturday 4th April Saturday service Easter Sunday 5th April                 No service Easter Monday 6th April No service Tuesday 7th April Normal service Whoever you send your parcel to, it's best to let them know if it could be delayed by the Easter bank holidays because no-one wants to end up with egg on their face this Easter. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/30/easter-delivery-update/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/30/easter-delivery-update/ Mon, 30 March 2015 11:19:59 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/23/update-delivery-by-drone/ Many months ago we shared with you Amazon’s plans to test parcel delivery by drone . Back in June, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) put a stop to its when they ruled that Amazon, and other firms, could not use drones to deliver packages. The ruling stated that it is barring the 'Delivering of packages to people for a fee’ which also includes free delivery in association to a purchase. At the time the FAA agreed to revisit the ruling later this year and that is exactly what they have done. In the past few days, the FAA granted a license to Amazon to begin testing their unmanned drones in the USA. They are now one step closer to making their dream a reality, something many didn’t believe as they wrote off their previous announcement as a PR stunt.   But what does this mean for Amazon’s customers? At the moment not very much. There will be months of testing needed before the FAA will allow drones to begin delivering to actual customers. That said, if the trial proves to be a success and full permission is granted by the FAA, you could have your parcels delivered in as little as 30 minutes with the Amazon PrimeAir service.   Only time will tell if drone deliveries will be a success. But one thing's for sure, there are plenty more companies than Amazon in the race to launch a delivery by drone service to their time-sensitive prospective customers. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/23/update-delivery-by-drone/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/23/update-delivery-by-drone/ Mon, 23 March 2015 14:21:27 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/20/has-the-budget-measured-up/ A few days ago our MD David Grimes shared what he wanted to see from Chancellor George Osbourne’s annual budget. His hour long presentation was packed with information and we know there is still more to come with the full business rate review.   Following the hopes he blogged on Wednesday, David was asked what he thought about the Budget by some online business websites. There are some things he likes, others which are disappointing but what’s clear is that a focus on helping SMEs grow is needed   Budget 2015: Your reaction at Fresh Business Thinking Budget 2015: Entrepreneurs response for Business matters Budget 2015: North West comments for B Daily   There is plenty to say about this year’s Budget, and it’s great for David to have the chance to share his thoughts. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/20/has-the-budget-measured-up/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/20/has-the-budget-measured-up/ Fri, 20 March 2015 16:48:41 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/17/what-we-hope-from-this-budget/ I always await the chancellor’s budget with excitement and nervousness in equal measures. As managing director of My Parcel Delivery, the decisions made by George Osbourne impact us in hundreds of different ways. By making changes to tax levels, in addition to the introduction and withdrawal of community and business projects, what is decided on the 18 th March 2015 can help make (or break!) a business.   With less than 24 hours before the budget's revealed, I’ve put pen to paper to highlight what I am hoping to hear. A reduction in the speed at which HMRC can collect tax to help with budgeting and cash flow within businesses More initiatives to help SME's thrive, giving them the chance to take that next step in their business Support for SMEs through the reduction of business rates, enabling reinvestment for enhanced growth A push for higher employment levels through job creation incentives benefiting businesses and workers alike The enhancement and expansion of business schemes including the current RnD tax credits scheme, aimed at encouraging innovation   Most of all, I join the rest of the UK is wanting to see a bigger crackdown on those big multi-nationals who are avoiding paying tax. If they were to pay their fair share, there would be enough in the pot to help SME’s flourish.   There's not long to wait now – let’s see what we are facing for the next year! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/17/what-we-hope-from-this-budget/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/17/what-we-hope-from-this-budget/ Tue, 17 March 2015 16:53:02 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/12/welcome-to-our-new-website/ You may have noticed a few changes. Well a few might be a slight under estimation as in fact we’ve relaunched our entire website and our logo too. This past 6 months our noses have been pushed to the grindstone in our effort to make sending… simple. We’ve listened to what you've told us you wanted from My Parcel Delivery and have come up with some exciting changes !               You can see our brand new logo at the top of the page. We chose the strapline “Sending Made Simple” as it’s exactly what we had in mind when designing the website – we wanted to make things simple for you. Parcel Boy is here to help you do just that, guiding your way through every book and fact finding mission on our website. It’s now here for you to use in all its glory so we wanted to tell you about some of the very best bits.   The icing on the cake Improved search results to help you choose the right courier Quicker and simpler booking process Brand new mobile and tablet friendly design so you can use the site however you want No need to re-enter your details any more – book more than one delivery in one go New tools like a CSV upload for when you have lots of parcels to send within the UK and internationally– perfect for eBayers and small businesses FAQs and tips throughout the site, to help your delivery run smoothly Take a look around our new website to see all these features plus many, many more. We’ve packed our website with information about services, deliveries, news and even business updates. What more could you need? That’s good to know (useful stuff) Your login password won’t change but we’ll ask you to login in again on your first visit. If you can’t remember your password, click here to reset it. For added security, you’ll also need to re-enter your card details (only on your first visit) so have them handy when you place that first order on our new-look website. In the meantime, you can keep sending your parcels through our existing website so there’ll be no interruption to the fantastic service you expect from us. We’d love to hear what you think about the new site, and if you think we’ve made sending simple. Come and talk to us on Facebook , Twitter , Google+ and LinkedIn https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/12/welcome-to-our-new-website/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/12/welcome-to-our-new-website/ Thu, 12 March 2015 17:19:52 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/04/my-favourite-apps/ I was recently contacted by the  Good Web Guide , a website dedicated to identifying the best sites on the internet. In their hunt to find the best of the best, they asked for my contribution by asking the question “What are your favourite apps?”   As you can imagine running a business, I’m on the go a lot, so apps have become an everyday part of my life. Narrowing it down to my top 6 was tricky but I went with the criteria of what apps are the most useful to me, and what apps would I struggle to live without.   My top 6 apps are: Tube Map - London Underground LinkedIn Evernote Spotify Uber Starbucks   You can read more about why I chose them at  www.goodwebguide.co.uk  – you’ll soon see why my phone is never too far away from me! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/04/my-favourite-apps/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/march/04/my-favourite-apps/ Wed, 04 March 2015 09:01:21 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/23/why-it-s-all-about-the-customer-service/ It’s that time again – time for another guest blog by our MD David Grimes for start-ups Smarta.com. This time it’s focused all around customer service and the vital role it plays in business.   David says “Our belief in offering excellent customer service is ingrained within the business so deeply that it forms part of our business values, branding and, essentially, part of who we are. We worked really hard to achieve our 9.1 rating on Trustpilot and proudly shout about this on our website.”   This second blog post, entitled ‘Why it’s all about the customer service’ is published  here . We will share all the blogs with you right here on our blog so, if you find it useful (as we're sure you will!), be sure to check back again soon. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/23/why-it-s-all-about-the-customer-service/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/23/why-it-s-all-about-the-customer-service/ Mon, 23 February 2015 14:44:04 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/18/record-growth-for-my-parcel-delivery/ This past year has been a fantastic period of growth for us all here at My Parcel Delivery. Not only do we help you send more parcels than ever before, but the team here has grown enormously too.   So now, after 3 office moves, 4 Christmas parties, countless meetings and even more office laughs, we are an award winning website that offers more to our customers than just a cheaper option.   To celebrate our success and share our story, I spoke to Sophia Taha at Bdaily.com about the continuing growth of My Parcel Delivery. You can find out the key facts that Sophia heard right  here . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/18/record-growth-for-my-parcel-delivery/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/18/record-growth-for-my-parcel-delivery/ Wed, 18 February 2015 12:37:43 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/13/entrepreneur-dna-whats-the-secret-ingredient/ Fresh from his win at the Made in Manchester Awards for Entrepreneur of the year, our MD David Grimes attended the latest Insider business breakfast last Friday.   The business breakfasts (aside from being a very early start!) are there to help people in the business community share knowledge and this edition was focused on the very thing that David had just won an award for – being an Entrepreneur.   David, joined by 8 other successful entrepreneurs, spoke to almost 90 other business men and women, trying to answer the question 'Entrepreneur DNA – What is the secret ingredient?'   You can take a look at what David and the rest of the panel had to offer in advice right  here . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/13/entrepreneur-dna-whats-the-secret-ingredient/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/13/entrepreneur-dna-whats-the-secret-ingredient/ Fri, 13 February 2015 10:06:33 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/10/five-top-tips-for-ecommerce-business/ Well-known website for start-ups Smarta.com asked our MD David Grimes for a monthly guest blog post to help new companies by drawing on his own eccommerce experience.  Over the coming months, David's blog will look at  all aspects of entrepreneurship and launching a start-up. His first post, entitled Five top tips for ecommerce businesses  is published  here . We will share all the blogs with you right here on our blog so, if you find it useful (as we're sure you will!), be sure to check back again soon. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/10/five-top-tips-for-ecommerce-business/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/10/five-top-tips-for-ecommerce-business/ Tue, 10 February 2015 15:33:57 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/06/the-city-link-effect/ Since City Link went into Administration over Christmas this year, speculation has been been rife about why it happened and how we can help make sure that it doesn't happen to others in the industry. I've been contacted many times for my views which I wanted to share with you. Fourth Source Here I  talk about why ecommerce businesses should choose their parcel delivery partners carefully after City Link’s collapse, to ensure a reliable and long-lasting business relationship.  eDelivery.net New industry website Edelivery.net asked for my opinion on the City Link collapse too. I cautioned against parcel courier services getting locked into a price-drive race to the bottom. The Sunday Post I also featured in The Sunday Post (both in the paper itself and online) as an industry expert and talked about how consumer expectations around home delivery have increased in recent years.  There is plenty to say about what happened with City Link - and it's great to share it with my customers. I'll be sure to keep you in the loop going forward too! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/06/the-city-link-effect/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2015/february/06/the-city-link-effect/ Fri, 06 February 2015 16:19:56 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/december/10/save-by-buying-and-selling-on-ebay-this-christmas/ A quick search for "Christmas gifts" on eBay and you will see more than 1 million listings for everything from jewellery and art, to sweet sets and personalised handicrafts. Have you made the most of the marketplace this Christmas Before your house fills with new Christmas gifts, you could make someone else's Christmas by selling your bits and bobs. The extra money will help make your Christmas extra special and offer the chance of a pre-loved treasure to your bidders. And while you're at it, why not do a little Christmas shopping yourself and bag a bargain? You can save on your postage too! By booking through us you can send and save up to 74% compared with Royal Mail. Remember, eBay items tend to sell for a higher price when you offer them for delivery rather than collection only! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/december/10/save-by-buying-and-selling-on-ebay-this-christmas/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/december/10/save-by-buying-and-selling-on-ebay-this-christmas/ Wed, 10 December 2014 15:16:32 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/november/28/last-collection-dates-for-uk-christmas-delivery/ No matter what gift you choose, follow these last collection dates to get it there by Christmas. Time is ticking as we approach December and shopping lists are full of gifts for your loved ones. But how will you be sending your presents around the UK this year? 16/12/2014    Collect Plus (11am)       17/12/2014    Yodel 48 Hermes Collection 18/12/2014 Yodel 24                   Hermes Drop-Off (11am)  19/12/2014 DX 22/12/2014 City Link Parcelforce 48         23/12/2014 Parcelforce 24         25/12/2014 City Sprint Please note: The 2014 collection by dates are a guide only.  They indicate the date by which parcels should be collected for delivery prior to Christmas. While the couriers have very high success rates very occasionally things can go wrong and no service isn't guaranteed. Some dates are for drop-off services rather than collection. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/november/28/last-collection-dates-for-uk-christmas-delivery/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/november/28/last-collection-dates-for-uk-christmas-delivery/ Fri, 28 November 2014 15:14:41 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/november/21/final-collection-dates-for-international-christmas-delivery/ Whether you parents have retired to the Costa Del Sol or your best friend is settled in Sydney, you can still have their Christmas gifts delivered bang on time. If you follow the final collection dates your deliveries should arrive before the big day (all being well!).  If your gift is already wrapped and ready to go why not send it now? It is better to be safe than sorry as the couriers are very busy at this time of year! Top 10 delivery countries   Parcelforce Worldwide DPD Classic service Germany 18/12/2014 18/12/2014 France 16/12/2014 19/12/2014 Spain 16/12/2014 18/12/2014 Italy 15/12/2014 18/12/2014 Republic of Ireland 18/12/2014 20/12/2014 Netherlands 18/12/2014 22/12/2014 Poland 17/12/2014 17/12/2014 Romania 15/12/2014 16/12/2014 USA 16/12/2014  n/a Australia 10/12/2014  n/a   A full list of final collection dates by country are listed below in alphabetical order. Delivery is by the courier offering the latest colleciton date. ALBANIA Tue 16/12/2014 ALGERIA Thu 11/12/2014 ANDORRA Tue 16/12/2014 ANGOLA Thu 11/12/2014 ANGUILLA Mon 15/12/2014 ANTIGUA & BARBUDA Mon 15/12/2014 ARGENTINA Fri 12/12/2014 ARMENIA Fri 12/12/2014 ARUBA Wed 10/12/2014 AUSTRALIA Wed 10/12/2014 AUSTRIA Thu 18/12/2014 AZERBAJAN Fri 12/12/2014 AZORES Mon 15/12/2014 BAHAMAS Fri 12/12/2014 BAHRAIN Wed 17/12/2014 BALEARIC ISLES Mon 15/12/2014 BANGLADESH Tue 09/12/2014 BARBADOS Wed 17/12/2014 BELARUS Thu 11/12/2014 BELGIUM Mon 22/12/2014 BELIZE Mon 15/12/2014 BENIN Wed 10/12/2014 BERMUDA Tue 16/12/2014 BHUTAN Mon 08/12/2014 BOLIVIA Mon 08/12/2014 BOSNIA-HERZOGOVINA Fri 12/12/2014 BOTSWANA Fri 12/12/2014 BRAZIL Wed 10/12/2014 BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Tue 09/12/2014 BULGARIA Mon 15/12/2014 BURKINA FASO Fri 05/12/2014 BURUNDI Mon 08/12/2014 CAMBODIA Thu 11/12/2014 CAMEROON Wed 10/12/2014 CANADA Thu 11/12/2014 CANARY ISLANDS Mon 15/12/2014 CAPE VERDE Fri 12/12/2014 CAYMAN ISLANDS Tue 16/12/2014 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Tue 09/12/2014 CHAD Tue 09/12/2014 CHILE Fri 12/12/2014 CHINA Wed 10/12/2014 CHRISTMAS ISLAND Mon 15/12/2014 COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS Mon 15/12/2014 COLOMBIA Mon 08/12/2014 COMOROS Fri 05/12/2014 CONGO  Tue 09/12/2014 CORSICA Tue 16/12/2014 COSTA RICA Tue 16/12/2014 CROATIA Fri 12/12/2014 CUBA Tue 09/12/2014 CYPRUS Tue 16/12/2014 CZECH REPUBLIC Wed 17/12/2014 DENMARK Thu 18/12/2014 DJIBOUTI Wed 10/12/2014 DOMINICA Mon 15/12/2014 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Mon 15/12/2014 ECUADOR Wed 10/12/2014 EGYPT Tue 16/12/2014 EL SALVADOR Mon 15/12/2014 EQUATORIAL GUINEA Tue 16/12/2014 ERITREA Wed 10/12/2014 ESTONIA Mon 15/12/2014 ETHIOPIA Mon 08/12/2014 FALKLAND ISLANDS Fri 05/12/2014 FAROE ISLANDS Wed 17/12/2014 FIJI Wed 10/12/2014 FINLAND Fri 12/12/2014 FRANCE Fri 19/12/2014 FRENCH GUIANA Thu 11/12/2014 FRENCH POLYNESIA  Mon 08/12/2014 GABON Tue 16/12/2014 GAMBIA Fri 05/12/2014 GAZA & KHAN YUNIS Mon 15/12/2014 GEORGIA Mon 08/12/2014 GERMANY Thu 18/12/2014 GHANA Mon 08/12/2014 GIBRALTAR Tue 16/12/2014 GREECE Fri 12/12/2014 GREENLAND Wed 17/12/2014 GRENADA Tue 16/12/2014 GUADELOUPE Tue 16/12/2014 GUAM Mon 15/12/2014 GUATEMALA Thu 11/12/2014 GUERNSEY Wed 17/12/2014 GUINEA  Mon 15/12/2014 GUYANA Wed 10/12/2014 HAITI Fri 12/12/2014 HONDURAS Mon 15/12/2014 HONG KONG Wed 17/12/2014 HUNGARY Thu 18/12/2014 ICELAND Tue 16/12/2014 INDIA Mon 08/12/2014 INDONESIA Wed 10/12/2014 IRAN Thu 11/12/2014 REP. OF IRELAND Thu 18/12/2014 ISRAEL Mon 15/12/2014 ITALY Thu 18/12/2014 IVORY COAST  Thu 11/12/2014 JAMAICA Thu 11/12/2014 JAPAN Mon 15/12/2014 JERSEY Thu 18/12/2014 JORDAN Thu 11/12/2014 KAZAKHSTAN Thu 04/12/2014 KENYA Thu 11/12/2014 KIRGHIZSTAN Thu 04/12/2014 KIRIBATI Thu 11/12/2014 KOREA (REPUBLIC OF Mon 15/12/2014 KUWAIT Wed 17/12/2014 LAOS Tue 09/12/2014 LATVIA Mon 15/12/2014 LEBANON Tue 16/12/2014 LESOTHO Mon 15/12/2014 LIBERIA Fri 12/12/2014 LIECHTENSTEIN Wed 17/12/2014 LITHUANIA Mon 15/12/2014 LUXEMBOURG Fri 19/12/2014 MACAO Wed 17/12/2014 MACEDONIA Mon 15/12/2014 MADAGASCAR Mon 15/12/2014 MADEIRA Fri 12/12/2014 MALAWI Wed 10/12/2014 MALAYSIA Mon 15/12/2014 MALDIVES Mon 15/12/2014 MALI Wed 10/12/2014 MALTA Tue 16/12/2014 MARSHALL ISLANDS  Fri 12/12/2014 MARTINIQUE Tue 16/12/2014 MAURITANIA Fri 12/12/2014 MAURITIUS Mon 15/12/2014 MEXICO Fri 12/12/2014 MICRONESIA Mon 15/12/2014 MOLDOVA Wed 10/12/2014 MONACO Wed 17/12/2014 MONTENEGRO Thu 11/12/2014 MONTSERRAT Mon 15/12/2014 MOROCCO Mon 15/12/2014 MOZAMBIQUE Mon 15/12/2014 NAMIBIA Fri 12/12/2014 NAURU Fri 12/12/2014 NEPAL Wed 10/12/2014 NETHERLANDS Mon 22/12/2014 NETHERLANDS ANTILLES Mon 15/12/2014 NEW CALEDONIA Thu 11/12/2014 NEW ZEALAND Wed 10/12/2014 NEW ZEALAND ISLAND TERRITORIES  Tue 09/12/2014 NICARAGUA Mon 15/12/2014 NIGER   Thu 11/12/2014 NIGERIA Fri 12/12/2014 NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS Mon 15/12/2014 NORWAY Fri 12/12/2014 OMAN Mon 15/12/2014 PAKISTAN Thu 11/12/2014 PANAMA Mon 08/12/2014 PAPUA NEW GUINEA Thu 04/12/2014 PARAGUAY Fri 12/12/2014 PERU Mon 15/12/2014 PHILIPPINES Fri 12/12/2014 POLAND Wed 17/12/2014 PORTUGAL Tue 16/12/2014 PUERTO RICO Mon 15/12/2014 QATAR Fri 12/12/2014 REUNION Fri 12/12/2014 ROMANIA Tue 16/12/2014 RUSSIA Mon 08/12/2014 RWANDA Wed 03/12/2014 SAMOA (AMERICAN) Mon 15/12/2014 SAMOA (INCLUDES UPOLO AND SAVAI'I) Mon 08/12/2014 SAN MARINO Tue 16/12/2014 SAO TOME & PRINCIPE Mon 15/12/2014 SARDINIA Tue 16/12/2014 SAUDI ARABIA Thu 11/12/2014 SENEGAL Tue 09/12/2014 SERBIA  Thu 11/12/2014 SEYCHELLES Tue 09/12/2014 SICILY Tue 16/12/2014 SIERRA LEONE Wed 10/12/2014 SINGAPORE Wed 17/12/2014 SLOVAKIA Wed 17/12/2014 SLOVENIA Wed 17/12/2014 SOLOMON ISLANDS Thu 11/12/2014 SOUTH AFRICA Thu 11/12/2014 SPAIN Thu 18/12/2014 SPANISH TERRITORIES OF NORTH AFRICA  Mon 15/12/2014 SRI LANKA Fri 12/12/2014 ST CHRISTOPHER (ST KITTS) & NEVIS Mon 15/12/2014 ST LUCIA Thu 11/12/2014 ST PIERRE & MIQUELON Fri 12/12/2014 ST VINCENT & GRENADINES Mon 15/12/2014 SUDAN Thu 11/12/2014 SURINAME Tue 09/12/2014 SWAZILAND Mon 15/12/2014 SWEDEN Tue 16/12/2014 SWITZERLAND Wed 17/12/2014 SYRIA Fri 12/12/2014 TAIWAN Mon 15/12/2014 TANZANIA Wed 10/12/2014 THAILAND Fri 12/12/2014 TOGO Wed 10/12/2014 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Thu 11/12/2014 TUNISIA Thu 11/12/2014 TURKEY Mon 15/12/2014 TURKMENISTAN Mon 08/12/2014 TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS Mon 15/12/2014 TUVALU Mon 15/12/2014 UGANDA Thu 11/12/2014 UKRAINE Thu 11/12/2014 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES  Mon 15/12/2014 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Tue 16/12/2014 URUGUAY Thu 11/12/2014 VANUATU Thu 04/12/2014 VATICAN CITY STATE Tue 16/12/2014 VENEZUELA Mon 15/12/2014 VIETNAM Tue 09/12/2014 VIRGIN ISLANDS (BRITISH)  Tue 16/12/2014 VIRGIN ISLANDS (USA) Tue 16/12/2014 WAKE ISLAND Mon 15/12/2014 WALLIS AND FUTUNA ISLANDS Thu 04/12/2014 YEMEN Fri 12/12/2014 ZAMBIA Wed 10/12/2014 ZIMBABWE Thu 11/12/2014 Please note: The 2014 collection by dates are a guide only. They indicate the date by which parcels should be sent for delivery prior to Christmas. For items that require commercial or pro-forma invoices, if these are not provided or are completed incorrectly delivery will be delayed. As parcels are being delivered internationally customs delays can also occur. Some dates are for drop-off services. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/november/21/final-collection-dates-for-international-christmas-delivery/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/november/21/final-collection-dates-for-international-christmas-delivery/ Fri, 21 November 2014 15:12:33 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/november/07/offer-your-customers-more-delivery-options-to-get-that-sale/ We are well and truly in the build up to Christmas which means one thing - peak Christmas trading.  For many companies this is the most important time of year. But how do you make sure that the customer chooses to buy from you rather than your competitors? ​One of the easiest answers is choice. Consumers no longer just want the best price, they also want to choose whether to have their purchases delivered to home or work, on a 2 day, next day, a specifically chosen day, Saturday or even international service. These are all options available from the big retailers and it is our job to make this available to you too. What's more the faster services can offer you a precious extra few days of sales for those last minute shoppers wanting their gifts to arrive in time for Christmas. The more you can offer to your customer, the more likely they are to offer you their business. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/november/07/offer-your-customers-more-delivery-options-to-get-that-sale/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/november/07/offer-your-customers-more-delivery-options-to-get-that-sale/ Fri, 07 November 2014 14:08:40 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/30/5-tips-for-sending-your-christmas-gifts-this-year/ We know how much time, effort and money you spend on your Christmas shopping every year so the last thing we want is a hiccup when delivering your gifts to family and friends worldwide. We have come up with 5 tips to help your delivery go off without a hitch and some key advice in case there are any delays! Tip 1 - Use special services for your special delivery Economy services are ideal for low value items but if your gift is a little more special, then there are plenty more to choose between: Next day delivery with Yodel  or  Parcelforce A secure service with DX   using a tamperproof poly bag Timed services to have it delivered by 9am, 10.30am, 12 noon with   Parcelforce A same day service for the fastest delivery with a dedicated courier These couriers do everything in their power so that your special delivery arrives as quickly as possible.  Tip 2 - Allow plenty of time Over Christmas, couriers are sent into overdrive delivering Christmas shopping and gifts around the country (and worldwide!). The courier companies are already busy hiring more drivers to get your parcel delivered direct to the recipient's door but to be on the safe side we suggest sending your parcels with plenty of time to spare! Tip 3 - Protect your parcel Our staff here at My Parcel delivery have worked with couriers for many years so we tapped into their knowledge to create Packaging Guidelines   to help keep your parcels safe and sound. Remember, your parcel will be sorted by machines in sorting offices which makes a fragile label no substitute for good packaging! For extra security why not add a guaranteed signature on arrival? This will make sure your carefully selected gift isn't left unattended if the recipient isn't home. Tip 4 - Protect yourself Whether it's a gift for Aunt Flo in Glasgow or returning your shopping that wasn't quite as perfect as you had hoped, here at My Parcel Delivery we want to make sure that you’re covered for the full cost of whatever you’re sending. As your parcel wings its way across country, or even across the world, it's a good idea to protect yourself should anything go wrong. You can add compensation cover when you book your delivery - protection (and added peace of mind!) can cost as little as 10p. Tip 5 - Check...and check again It's best to double check when completing your address details to make sure they are accurate. If you are sending your parcel internationally then take a moment and double check foreign letters too, and always add a local landline or mobile phone number for the recipient. This helps our courier partners locate the more hard to find addresses! And now you are ready to send - get a quote here . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/30/5-tips-for-sending-your-christmas-gifts-this-year/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/30/5-tips-for-sending-your-christmas-gifts-this-year/ Thu, 30 October 2014 15:25:44 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/29/compare-the-cost-of-sending-your-gifts-this-christmas/ Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? As the wet and windy weather arrives we don't want to be pounding the pavement of the high street looking for the perfect gift. Online shopping has it delivered direct to your door but how do you send your gifts on to the lucky recipient? Or back to the company if you don't love it quite as much as you thought? We're here to help, you can send with us and save up to 74% compared with Royal Mail. How we compare on UK delivery and international delivery* Medium Parcel Service Royal Mail Price My Parcel Delivery Price % Saving 2-3 Day with Signature / Up to 2kg £9.10 £5.81 36% Next Day Delivery with Signature / Up to 5kg £17.48 £9.23 47% Next Day Delivery with Signature / Up to 20kg £33.01 £9.23 72% International, Tracked and Signed for / Up to 3kg to USA £68.63 £41.99 39% International, Tracked and Signed for / Up to 5kg to Australia £97.83 £53.76 45% International, Tracked and Signed for / Up to 10kg to Germany £65.94 £17.46 74% *Prices correct as of 27/10/2014 We don’t want you to queue up in a Post Office! Here at My Parcel delivery you can choose your courier and they will pick up your parcel from anywhere you want; or, if you prefer, you can drop it off at a convenient location near you using a  drop-off  service. Have your gifts delivered the right way (and for the right price!) by booking  here . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/29/compare-the-cost-of-sending-your-gifts-this-christmas/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/29/compare-the-cost-of-sending-your-gifts-this-christmas/ Wed, 29 October 2014 15:23:36 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/20/trash-to-treasure-selling-on-ebay/ The supermarkets aisles are filling with decorations and parties are being arranged....it's official, Christmas is fast approaching! With presents to find and turkey to stuff we all feel those purse strings tighten as we move closer to the big day. Before your house fills with even more nicknack's from Aunty Flo and Grandma Dora, why not make someone else's Christmas by selling your bits and bobs which have been gathering dust? Instead of throwing out the picture that no longer matches your newly decorated kitchen, pop it on eBay. The extra money will help make your Christmas extra special and give the chance of a pre-loved treasure to your bidders. What's more you can save on your postage too! By booking through My Parcel Delivery you can send parcels up to 249cm in length and 30kg in weight while saving up to 73% compared with Royal Mail.  Remember, eBay items tend to sell for a higher price when you offer them for delivery rather than collection only so make yourself some extra Christmas money and help make someone else's even better by having a sort through your stuff and selling on eBay. It really is true that one person's trash is another person's treasure. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/20/trash-to-treasure-selling-on-ebay/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/20/trash-to-treasure-selling-on-ebay/ Mon, 20 October 2014 15:20:43 Admin https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/14/win-a-case-of-wine-delivered-in-time-for-christmas/ It's competition time! Send your Christmas gifts with My Parcel Delivery to be in with a chance to win a case of wine delivered in time for Christmas. As life becomes busier each year, it is getting harder to see all our friends and family in the run up to Christmas. Sometimes the photo album for Uncle Ned down in Dorset or the memory box for your childhood friend on the other side of the world can stay on top of your wardrobe right into the new year. Why not take some of the panic out of Christmas this year and send your gift by courier? They can get your ever so carefully selected gifts from A to B giving you the time to enjoy the Yuletide season. And just to make your decision even easier, send a parcel with us before midnight on 14th December 2014 and you’ll be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a case of wine delivered in time for the big day.  For an extra chance to win simply share this email with your friends on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Google+  or  LinkedIn . The case of wine is delicious with dinner, perfect for a party or can even be a gorgeous gift for friends - you can enjoy it in any way you want! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/14/win-a-case-of-wine-delivered-in-time-for-christmas/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/october/14/win-a-case-of-wine-delivered-in-time-for-christmas/ Tue, 14 October 2014 15:18:45 Chris https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/september/25/social-media-marketing-for-your-ecommerce-business/ Social media marketing is now essential for all businesses, no matter how big or small. We are able to increase communication, improve customer service, find areas for improvement and build a relationship with our customers in a way that no traditional marketing method has previously allowed. The marketing executive here at My Parcel Delivery has been working hard to turn our social media profile into a resource of information, packed full of content for everyone, from one off users looking for hints and tips, to our more frequent senders who are looking to grow their business. Below she shares some of the areas she thought about when setting up the My Parcel Delivery social strategy.   Social media strategy Social media can provide increased communication, improved customer service and relationship building. But first, understand the “personas" of your customers and prospects: what kind of content will they enjoy? What tone of voice should you use? What type of information should you share? The answer to the last question is potentially limitless: it could include service information, company updates, industry news, relevant conversations, questions, etc. And this can be conveyed through a variety of media, such as blog posts, guides, product features and case studies. Rich media – such as graphics, photos and videos – get even more attention, help messages stand out in news feeds and also achieve higher engagement levels than copy-only posts. But how often should you publish via social media? This varies by industry but set a weekly target per social platform to reach each week. For example, post on Twitter several times a day, Facebook daily and LinkedIn once per week. Where is social? Social is where your customers and prospects engage with an online community: that could be Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, blogs and customer review sites. Services like Trust Pilot provide a fantastic opportunity to achieve star ratings on PPC ads and gain feedback from customers. Digital marketing and social media have levelled the playing field for start-up businesses. You don’t need a multi-million pound marketing budget to make an impression and by cultivating your reputation online through great content and social media marketing, you can begin to attract customers, engage with them and develop long-lasting relationships. This brief overview could help you grow your business and take your first steps into social media marketing. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/september/25/social-media-marketing-for-your-ecommerce-business/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/september/25/social-media-marketing-for-your-ecommerce-business/ Thu, 25 September 2014 14:05:41 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/september/08/11th-time-unlucky-the-latest-ebay-power-outage/ Whether you are using it as a side-line or as a fulltime business, eBay has opened up the ecommerce world for hundreds of thousands of people across the world. But what happens when our reliable friend eBay becomes a little less reliable? Unfortunately last week eBay suffered its 11 th outage of the year which was (rather more unfortunately) also on their 19 th Birthday. What impact was felt by the eBay community? The answer is simple….lots! The family of sellers were unable to go about the business of listing, relisting and pulling off the details for shipping their goods. And perhaps even more problematic was that buyers, for approximately 4 hours, were unable to part with their hard earned money. Is this normal or should we expect more? eBay seem to be having a bad year for outages but they are not alone. On the same day that eBay went down last week we also saw outages at Facebook and Tumblr all due to internal IT issues rather than any sort of malicious attack. And judging from the response on Twitter none of the brands came out unscathed! What was eBay’s response? Unfortunately this was the most frustrating part as the eBay response was…limited. Rather than taking a proactive approach across their site and on social media they said very little. Chris Dawson at Tamebay.com summed it up well stating that “…the communication plan that eBay employed is neither acceptable [nor] successful. They need to talk and reassure people from the earliest moment: on Twitter, on Facebook, in public. That they didn’t is pretty reprehensible."  Will the eBay sellers affected be compensated? The eBay response to Tamebay.com was For several hours starting on Wednesday 3 September, some users experienced issues when visiting eBay. We acted quickly when the disruption began shortly before 6pm BST, and the issue was fixed for most users within two hours. Transactional issues were completely resolved for all users by 12:16am BST Thursday 4 September. This service interruption was the result of a technical issue that occurred during scheduled server maintenance. The personal information of our users was not compromised. While many users were not affected, we know that any interruption for our users is frustrating. Please know that as a seller with transactions impacted by this issue, we’ll be protecting you as follows: • You’ll receive a credit for all fees for auction-style listings (except those that sold for a Buy it now price) and any fixed price listings without a sale (except 30-day and Good ‘Til Cancelled listings) that ended between 5:46pm BST on Wednesday, 3 September and 2:20am BST on Thursday, 4 September. • If the affected listing was a free listing, you can relist it within 7 days for free, even if you’ve used all your regularly allotted free listings. • Any transaction defects we can identify as resulting from this issue will be automatically removed and will not impact your performance record. The credits will be applied to your account by 16 September and will be reflected on your next invoice. We understand that this type of service interruption has an impact on your selling activity. We’re taking steps to prevent this from happening again and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience. As always, thank you for selling on eBay. There is no denying the frustration that these outages have on both eBay buyers and sellers but despite this the eBay marketplace is simply too powerful to ignore. We just hope that the tech team start peddling faster to keep these problems to a minimum so that you only have to worry about growing your business rather than wondering whether you storefront will be open for business that day! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/september/08/11th-time-unlucky-the-latest-ebay-power-outage/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/september/08/11th-time-unlucky-the-latest-ebay-power-outage/ Mon, 08 September 2014 14:03:37 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/september/03/search-marketing-for-your-e-commerce-business/ How can you launch and grow your start-up business with a maximum return on your budget? Search marketing can be both cost-effective and impactful – if you know what you're doing. The marketing manager here at My Parcel Delivery is happy to share some of her secrets to campaign success so that you too can help your business reach new customers. Search strategy – Pay Per Click: Using Google Pay Per Click (PPC) is an easy, flexible and cost-effective way of advertising. To begin, you set your maximum “cost per click" (your “bid") which tells Google you will pay each time someone clicks on your ad and visits your website. Your ad position is your bid x your quality score . Work out in advance your maximum advertising budget to generate a sale; this is your target cost per converted click. Once your campaign is up and running you can increase your keywords that are hitting target and reduce the rest. Budgets can be set per day: without tightly controlled budgets you may be surprised how much you can spend! Writing relevant ad text raises the chances of getting clicked on by people who want to buy from you and a good Click Through Rate (CTR) helps your quality score, delivering cheaper clicks. Search strategy – Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) When first setting up in business and budgets are tight, it's tempting to think that SEO is the answer to your advertising needs. But remember it takes time and effort and gives no guarantees. You should build your website to be CFHSEO-friendly “but beware of companies that promise to get you the top spot in Google search. An external agency can help you improve SEO, but make sure it doesn't involve short term, high risk tactics that will attract a penalty from Google in the long term. Monitor your traffic using Google Analytics: video explanations of each feature and tutorials mean you get to understand the insights quickly. It will show you which users are buying from you, which are your best regions, times of day, which computer devices being used, etc. But don't just learn that “Birmingham is a good converting region" for you; optimise your PPC campaigns accordingly. You can up-weight and down-weight your bids according to time of day, region and device. Once you've learned something about your customers, think how you're going to use that intelligence to reach more of them. These tips are a great starting point from where you can increase your customer base greatly with a relatively modest budget. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/september/03/search-marketing-for-your-e-commerce-business/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/september/03/search-marketing-for-your-e-commerce-business/ Wed, 03 September 2014 14:00:52 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/27/sending-a-parcel-to-france/ Send a parcel to France – all you need to know. Sending a parcel to the UK is a doddle – we know the address format and can estimate how long it will take the parcel to arrive. But what about when we send parcels internationally? Each country has individual quirks to their address format but do not fear – we have the answers here. One of the most popular countries to send to is just over the water in France and this quick blog will help put your mind at ease by telling you exactly what you need to know. Address label Ensure you have space for 6 lines of text on the parcel/label Line 1 Write the person's full name, with the surname in CAPITALS.  Similar to Mr, Mrs and Miss, our French neighbours use “Monsieur” or ”M” for a man, “Madame” or “Mme” for a woman and “Mademoiselle” or “Mlle” for a young unmarried woman. Line 2 Write the company name. This line is only relevant if you are sending your parcel to a Business in France. If this is going to a personal address you can skip this line Line 3 Write the building's name and number. Again this is mostly relevant if you are sending your parcel to a Business in France. If the personal address you are sending to does not have a building name and number you can skip this line Line 4 Write the street number, followed by the street name. There is not punctuation needed on this line Line 5 Write the postcode followed by the town name in CAPITALS. The postcode consists of 5 numbers only, with no spaces Line 6 Write France in CAPITALS to highlight it is a European package.   Your French address should now look like this: Mlle Francoise MENIVIER, Firm Parcel, Hotel MYPD, 67 Rue Ponselle, 79532 LYON, FRANCE What's more, including the recipients local telephone number could help if the courier in France is unable to find the address. They do not guarantee to call but if you provide a number they will have the option should they choose to. How to choose your service There are plenty of courier services available for sending a parcel to France but to choose ask yourself 3 questions What is the value of the parcel you are sending? How soon do you need your parcel to arrive? How much do you want to spend on your parcel delivery? Once you have answered these questions simply get a quote. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/27/sending-a-parcel-to-france/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/27/sending-a-parcel-to-france/ Wed, 27 August 2014 13:58:42 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/15/how-topick-the-best-courier-for-your-parcel/ Our priority is to make choosing a courier as simple as possible and we are working hard to help with easy to use guides. Our " How to Choose a Courier " guide is perfect to help make a decision based on your Delivery address Printer access Whether you want a collection or drop off service Delivery time frame Download your FREE "How to Choose a Courier" guide here . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/15/how-topick-the-best-courier-for-your-parcel/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/15/how-topick-the-best-courier-for-your-parcel/ Fri, 15 August 2014 13:56:49 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/11/marking-20-years-of-online-shopping/ It is hard to believe that only 20 years ago secure online shopping didn’t exist! It was on this day in 1994 that a man called Phil Bradberger went shopping online with a company called "Net Market" and, by buying a CD of Sting’s "Ten Summoner's Tales", made history. The following day The New York Times announced that the "Internet is Open" and a new era in shopping had begun. Over the past two decades the internet has changed the way many of us shop. No longer are we willing to travel from shop to shop, battling the elements and comparing prices to get the best deal on everything from a new toothbrush to a new bathroom. We are now much happier to sit at home, laptop, tablet or mobile in hand. We can browse in the comfort of our own home before choosing our item and then waiting excitedly for it to be delivered just a few short days later. This is so much so that UK online spending for 2014 is predicted to be a massive £107bn – a long way from 1994 when champagne corks were popped over the first successful secure online purchase of a CD being made. What made this change so significant to retail? James Roper, Chairman of IMRG, marked 20 years of online shopping by visiting the John Lewis Distribution Centre and commented that "Online shopping has really transformed consumers' expectations in three particular ways" Range – we now have access to far more than what is available on our local high-street. In fact, we now have tens of millions of products at our fingertips instead of the thousands previously on offer Convenience – the ability to shop wherever we want and whenever we want means that we can find what we need within the touch of a few buttons Value – online shopping saves not only money but time too as there is no travel time to take into account, especially when the store has sold out! But we don’t think this is the end of the story. We are quickly becoming true multi-channel shoppers as 57% of smartphone users report using their phone in store while hunting for more sizes, more information and even better prices. Some stores are even attaching QR codes to their labels, allowing us to go directly to their website to help make that purchase decision. This means that the savviest of shoppers are finding the best of both worlds, being able to see and touch the product they want, but having the technology available to find out even more. Clever shoppers are now in the driving seat and we cannot see that stopping. As we continue to embrace online shopping, and more and more people supplement their income by becoming eBay sellers, Amazon sellers or creating their own small business, we are selling and sending more and more. So we say thank you to Phil Bradberger for making history and helping to develop the internet into what we know today. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/11/marking-20-years-of-online-shopping/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/11/marking-20-years-of-online-shopping/ Mon, 11 August 2014 13:53:16 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/07/your-guide-to-same-day-delivery/ Need a same day delivery? Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions. As time is becoming even more precious our same day delivery service is becoming increasingly popular. There are times when you need your items delivered as quickly as possible, and the standard economy and even next day delivery services just will not do. For any important documents or packages you need to send, you can now book a courier who will work around the clock to pick up your items and deliver them securely on the same day. Booking a same day delivery is easy to do, and these frequently asked questions will tell you everything you need to know! How soon can my package be collected? You can usually have your package collected within 60 minutes as more than 87% of the UK can be reached by the CitySprint delivery network within an hour. Can I specify the collection time? Yes you can. You can select your desired collection time in 15 minute intervals and in as little as 30 minutes in some cases. How long will my same day delivery take? The delivery time depends on where you are sending your package to, and the time of day. The courier will be carrying only your package so getting it to its destination as fast as possible is the courier’s only priority. Is my item safe? You package is only handled by the courier who collects it so the chance of it becoming lost is very small. However, we would still encourage effective packaging as accidental bumps can still occur. How should I package my package? Ensure you follow our packaging guidelines to help protect your item. That said, as your item is delivered directly by the same courier who collected it rather than being processed by numerous handlers and machines, labels such as “This way up” and “Fragile” are far more effective. How big a package can I send? You can send items as small as a letter or as big as a sofa and have it delivered the very same day. Your 4 same day service options are; - Motorbike (30cm x 30cm x 30cm) - Small van (150cm x 135cm x 105cm) - Medium van (220cm x 150cm x 125cm) - Large van  (310cm x 150cm x 150cm) How do I know when my item has been delivered? Not only can you view live updates on the progress of your delivery but we will also send a confirmation email and confirmation text message free of charge when your package has been safely delivered. Can I book a delivery on a bank holiday? Where same day deliveries are concerned there are no such things as holidays. Even if you need to express an urgent gift on Christmas day, you can book a same day delivery here at My Parcel Delivery 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/07/your-guide-to-same-day-delivery/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/august/07/your-guide-to-same-day-delivery/ Thu, 07 August 2014 13:51:05 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/24/paypal-working-capital-scheme-to-extend-to-the-uk/ New funding option for UK businesses from PayPal As a small business, whether selling via your own ecommerce website or using existing sites such as eBay and Amazon, there are challenges around every corner. Since the start of the crunch in 2007 it has become increasingly difficult for small business to get funding to enable not only the business launch but also growth which is vital for both the business and the British Economy as a whole. Last year, PayPal saw this challenge in America and launched a loans programme which has since provided around $140 million in cash advances to SMEs. They have now announced a similar programme to launch in the UK, initially to specially selected merchants but to become more widely in 2015. We have identified some of the key features that will set PayPal aside from the rest of the finance market as they begin to offer cash advances rather than traditional loans. Fast approval process as they already have customer data – funds could be available around 5 minutes after the application Repayment schedule is not set. They will be made as a percentage of future sales revenue No interest fees or late payment fees No external credit checks One fixed charged for programme sign up Cameron McLean believes that it is time for them to make a difference to UK businesses. The Managing Director of PayPal UK said that “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the British economy. But seven years after the start of the credit crunch, many of them are still struggling to get funding.” He went on to comment that “According to the British government, around a third of SMEs rely on retained earnings or the owner’s own finances rather than bank or equity funding. This means that many find it very difficult to finance their present needs or future growth. And the problem is acute for smaller, online businesses. PayPal is well placed to make a difference.” https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/24/paypal-working-capital-scheme-to-extend-to-the-uk/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/24/paypal-working-capital-scheme-to-extend-to-the-uk/ Thu, 24 July 2014 13:45:50 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/21/delivery-services-who-delivers-what-where-and-when/ Here at My Parcel Delivery we make it quick easy for you to find the right delivery service whether you are sending presents to family in Finland, or a vital letter to Larry in Luton. Take a look below to see our delivery services at a glance so that you know which courier will get your parcel to the right place, at the right time, and at the best cost. Download your FREE "Couriers at a Glance" guide here. Are you an ecommerce business using our site for your deliveries? This at a glance guide is ideal to help you expand your market and offer more to your customers. You could start to deliver internationally, or simply offer an express delivery service for when they just cannot wait. Take a look at our free to use guide and see your options at a glance. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/21/delivery-services-who-delivers-what-where-and-when/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/21/delivery-services-who-delivers-what-where-and-when/ Mon, 21 July 2014 13:43:45 Rhea https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/17/making-web-design-work-for-e-commerce-businesses/ Vincent Holt, commercial director at Salford-based 11 Out Of 10 web development agency , got into working with the web after years of project managing IT systems in what became engineering giant, GEC-Alstom. After seeing a gap in the market for providing a blend of technical web design and sound business advice, he launched 11 Out Of 10 more than a decade ago. Now with 10 staff, the company provides highly specialised design for bespoke websites and e-commerce systems, aimed at companies “wanting an edge over the competition and prepared to pay a bit more to get it”.  Clients have included Walls Refrigeration and PureGym – the latter taken from an initial concept to a multi-million pound business in 3 years.  My Parcel Delivery grabbed a few minutes with Vince to sample the secrets of web design for successful e-commerce businesses: HOW FAR HAS E-COMMERCE WEB DESIGN ADVANCED IN RECENT YEARS? What was expert knowledge 10 years ago is now more widely understood. Off-the-shelf, template systems have improved and can offer a wide range of functionality. But templates aren’t great if you want to create a bespoke e-commerce site. This is important, as marketing is now 10 times more sophisticated than it was and companies need to be better equipped and reactive to compete for online shoppers. WHAT ARE THE MOST CRITICAL LESSONS FOR BUSINESSES SELLING ONLINE? The reality is this: it’s becoming winner takes all. That means being able to occupy online the top three spots in your market is becoming more critical. Anything that gives you an edge in the e-commerce environment can make the difference between going broke and making a fortune. As a guide, SMEs getting into e-commerce need to understand they have to match their web development spend on marketing spend in the first year in order to play the game. That comes as a shock to many, but without capital or innovative marketing it’s difficult to grab the attention needed. WHAT SHOULD ASPIRING E-COMMERCE BUSINESSES BE THINKING BEFORE LAUNCHING ONLINE? Be clear about who your audience is. Once that’s established, be sure about what your competitive edge is and what you can offer over and above the rest. As well as retailers, manufacturers are now realising the potential in selling online, which can even involve trade websites for their channel partners to buy from them. More and more manufacturers are now realising they can sell directly to the consumers and increase their margins, by using drop shippers to manage the logistics – which by-passes what was traditionally the role of the wholesaler and distributors. WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL MISTAKES E-COMMERCE BUSINESSES SHOULD AVOID WHEN THEY START? Trying to sell everything! It’s better to go for a small, niche range of products. As a starting point it’s easier and lower cost to market a specialism rather than trying to compete with the bigger, more established companies. Aim to attract an audience with your niche product area and build on that. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR MORE ESTABLISHED E-COMMERCE BUSINESSES? Companies can get complacent. After investing money when the site is built, they tend to think that’s “job done” and squeeze every penny they can out of the site. But they need a longer-term view and strategy. Management might be suspicious because it’s difficult to keep up with the advance of technology but, ideally, a site needs to be reviewed every 2-3 years and investment is needed to keep up with newer technology, such as ensuring their website is mobile device friendly. If a business selling products online is not converting mobile traffic, then creating a mobile site will help sell and this is usually a healthy contribution towards the price of the website overhaul in its own right. HOW HAS CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR IN E-COMMERCE CHANGED? Consumers used to be more tolerant of websites and would accept making their way slowly through a transaction process. Today, they are both intolerant and impatient and won’t put up with substandard sites. More than that, the process now has to engage the customer with subtle touches that people will enjoy. International e-commerce sales are becoming more and more important – in fact, the UK is the biggest exporter via e-commerce – so showing your prices in other currencies is helpful to show overseas customers how much it’s going to cost them. And consumers are very aware of online customer reviews – 60% of people check out reviews before buying. Reviews are also important also for SEO on the site itself as Google sees them as a nice thing to have. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NEXT BIG THING? E-commerce is becoming more joined up. For example – at the bigger end of retail – you buy online and pick up your purchase in a shop at your convenience. Add to that drop-off points for click and collect. Shops are going to function more as showrooms, with shopping for entertainment as much as requirement. Shops may be fewer in number, but they will be more interactive. While there will be more mobile payment via phone it needs to be slicker process, such as being able to make a mobile purchase without entering card details at check-out. And there’ll be a complete intolerance of hidden charges when buying online. It’s one of the biggest turn-offs in the process, which currently results in about 70% of shoppers abandoning the cart altogether. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/17/making-web-design-work-for-e-commerce-businesses/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/17/making-web-design-work-for-e-commerce-businesses/ Thu, 17 July 2014 13:40:55 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/11/ebay-sellers-safety-first-beware-the-unscrupulous-buyers/ Have you ever asked yourself - who is the most at risk? An eBay seller or an eBay buyer? With over 17 million people logging onto eBay in the UK every month, the site is now responsible for over 15% of the UK’s online shopping (Experian Hitwise, 2011). What once started as a place for people to flog an unwanted gift or a rarely used impulse buy is now a global site for everything from fashion to furniture, and from collectibles to cars! What’s more, thanks to security measures and PayPal guarantees, it is safer than ever to be an eBay buyer but what about being an ebay seller? There are hundreds of blogs, articles and cautionary tales of eBay buyers ‘scammed’ by unscrupulous sellers who pocket your hard earned money. We hear far fewer stories of hard working eBay sellers ‘scammed’ by buyers who pocket your goods! But how can this happen? Well it seems that the eBay system is weighted in the favour of the buyer rather than the seller. Don’t get me wrong, there are far more instances of undelivered items than false refunds but it is still something to consider as an eBay seller. The problem seems to be a combination of a few factors. These include an uneven weighting in the number of eBay buyer claims vs eBay seller claims and eBay’s understandable quest to reassure buyers to shop. Furthermore, eBay’s process when investigating seller claims is said to be far too long-winded and time-consuming which has led to incorrect snap judgements being made. Something as simple as losing your postal tracking number could leave you with the difficult, unenviable task of having to prove you have fulfilled an order. But do not fear....there are 3 simple ways to help protect yourself: Turn your item into a star! More specifically, take plenty of detailed pictures from every angle prior to posting. This is to ensure that you can prove the condition of your item should the buyer submit a claim based on the condition in which it arrived. Make your own rules. Only you can control who is able to buy your items. Restrictions such as PayPal registration and policy violations may reduce your potential profit by 20p but could also save a lot of time and effort. Pick the right delivery service. There are plenty of options available to you so why not shop around for a trusted delivery company who can help you send a parcel both in the UK and abroad. Remember to balance your decision between a cheap courier and protecting yourself! The Post Office isn’t always the answer! Follow these 3 simple steps and you are well on your way to being an ‘unscammable’ eBay Seller. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/11/ebay-sellers-safety-first-beware-the-unscrupulous-buyers/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/11/ebay-sellers-safety-first-beware-the-unscrupulous-buyers/ Fri, 11 July 2014 13:38:41 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/01/picking-the-best-parcel-courier/ There are so many questions that you need to ask yourself when trying to pick the best courier for your parcel. Selecting the cheapest, or the fastest, courier may be the simplest option but we suggest that you answer the below 10 questions before making your decision. This will ensure that you select the best courier for your parcel.  1. What is the size and weight of your parcel? There are some couriers who are more suitable than others based on the size, shape and weight of your parcel. For example, City Link will allow you to send an item that is 240cm in length, whereas DX requires your item fit into their tamperproof polybag which is 69x65x5cm. Parcelforce allows parcels of up to 25kg, whereas Hermes only allow up to 15kg. Ensure that the courier you choose is capable of taking your parcel to avoid collection refusals and/or surcharges from the courier depot. 2. How valuable is your parcel? As parcel delivery becomes an increasingly automated process it is vital to choose the service that can treat your parcel with the care and attention it deserves – remember that machines cannot read the fragile message that you put on your parcel. If your parcel is valuable to you, either financially or sentimentally, ensure you select a courier with the best reputation rather than just the best price. You may also consider adding additional compensation cover as accidents can happen. 3. When does your parcel need to arrive by? While courier companies cannot offer a guaranteed collection and delivery date they can give an indication of the length of time a parcel can take. Through My Parcel Delivery you can choose from same day, next day, two day and economy services. 4. Do you have a printer? We appreciate that not everyone has a printer at home. Many couriers now allow you to use the service without printing your own label. The exceptions are Hermes, DPD, and any drop off service (myHermes, CollectPlus and Parcelforce Drop-Off). 5. Do you want your parcel to be collected from home or dropped off at your convenience? Sometimes it is not convenient to wait in all day for your parcel to be collected. myHermes, Collect+ and Parcelforce all offer a parcel drop-off service for just these occasions. Beware; you will need a printer to use the drop off service. 6. Does your parcel contain confidential information? If you are sending confidential and/or sensitive information you may want the added security of using City Sprint who offer a SecureData service, or DX who seal your parcel in a tamperproof polybag. 7. Is your parcel on the prohibited/restricted items list? While most items can be sent via courier some cannot, and others can be sent but with limited or no compensation cover. For example, you cannot send external car parts (e.g. bumpers and bonnets), musical instruments can only be covered to a maximum of £100, and items which are made of glass or have glass components can be sent at your own risk, but are not covered against loss or damage at all. Ensure you check the prohibited & restricted items list before you book your delivery. 8. Do you need the parcel to be delivered at the weekend? Very few couriers will allow you to select a weekend day for delivery. It is available through Yodel and Parcelforce at an additional cost, and Hermes will deliver and collect on a Saturday but will not allow you to specify a Saturday (or any specific day) for delivery. 9. Are you sending your parcel inside the UK or internationally? If you are sending your parcel internationally not only will the number of providers offered be reduced, but there are other factors to also consider such as whether the country you are sending to offers home or depot delivery (as with some African nations), and whether customs will enforce any delays and/or charges.  We recommend that you investigate this prior to making your booking but if you need any help on where to look then contact our customer service team. 10. How much are you able to spend on your parcel delivery courier? We appreciate that you want the cheapest courier possible however it is more important that you get the best value courier for the service you need and our price comparison service will make sure you can get that. This list is not exhaustive and you may well find additional questions depending on the specific delivery you require, but if you ensure that you always consider the above 10 points your decision will be much simpler! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/01/picking-the-best-parcel-courier/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/july/01/picking-the-best-parcel-courier/ Tue, 01 July 2014 13:34:13 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/26/delivery-by-drone/ Amazon's Drone delivery service plans have been grounded by the US federal Aviation Administration. Imagine arriving home after a long day at work, realising you have forgotten to buy that all important DVD for your night in and wanting nothing more than to sit down and have dinner rather than going back out. Earlier this year Amazon announced that they were in the process of developing a solution for this very issue. Never mind next day or even same day delivery of your parcels, Amazon planned to deliver your parcel within 30 minutes by drone via their Amazon PrimeAir service. Civilian air space was expected to be opened up to all kinds of drones in the US by 2015 and in Europe by 2016 so Amazon started to look at the technology to make this delivery system work. Sceptics felt it was a system that would never work and was merely designed for publicity, but Amazon stated that "from a technology point of view, we'll be ready to enter commercial operations as soon as the necessary regulations are in place." You can take a look at the drones at work right here. The Amazon PrimeAir dream however looks to now be in jeopardy as the Federal Aviation Administration has said that Amazon, and other firms, cannot use drones to deliver packages. The ruling states that it is barring the 'Delivering of packages to people for a fee’ which also includes free delivery in association to a purchase. But all is not lost for Amazon boss Jeff Bezos as the FAA has agreed to revisit the ruling later this year with the potential to have new rules in place by the end of 2015. With this door left slightly open we cannot see the development of delivery by drone being dropped, whether it is through Amazon PrimeAir or other firms such as DHL who are also working on drone delivery projects. As Jeff Bezos has said, "… there is more invention to come". Whilst drone delivery may still only be blue sky thinking in the delivery industry, why not check out the next fastest way to deliver your parcel with our Same Day Delivery Service https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/26/delivery-by-drone/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/26/delivery-by-drone/ Thu, 26 June 2014 17:05:42 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/20/how-toprotect-yourself-and-your-parcel/ Choosing compensation cover to protect against lost or damaged parcels Waving goodbye to your parcels as they start their journey with a courier is, nine times out of ten, a stress-free process. Parcel courier services are now a thoroughly affordable and efficient way of sending parcels both in the UK and abroad – whether you are a consumer or running a growing e-commerce business. But, in shopping as in life, things don’t always go to plan. The volume of parcels in circulation has mushroomed with the boom in e-commerce, eBay and Amazon online selling, and that means millions of extra packages in transit. And along with a greater number of parcels, the delivery process is now more automated. Overall, this means accidents can occur. But how well protected are the contents of your parcels if the worst happens? Parcel senders, when booking a delivery, can choose to include compensation cover for parcel contents lost or damaged en route to their destination. The cost to protect goods is calculated at 50 pence per £10 of value by most couriers and My Parcel Delivery provides customers up to £20 automatic compensation cover (subject to terms and conditions) when they book. However, when looking at what our customers did in a typical month (in fact, May this year) we found that only 15% had opted to protect the value of their sent items. For the remaining 85%, they had sent collectively nearly £1m worth of goods without any additional compensation cover. And overall less than one third of the total value of parcel contents sent had compensation cover. Obviously, it’s a risk that many people are willing to take but it’s worth thinking again when you book parcel delivery about the possible cost to you if anything does go wrong. The old saying “better safe than sorry” has a lot of truth in it and, for a relatively modest compensation premium, consumers and businesses can give themselves both peace of mind and the chance to get their money back. Which parcel contents to cover and when to cover them is clearly up to you. If consumers or businesses are sending a lot of low value items to individuals, it probably doesn't make sense to take out compensation cover for every parcel sent. But choosing to use compensation cover when the parcel value is high enough for you to need to protect it could prevent you from being left out of pocket. To coin another old saying, "prevention is better than cure" and you can prevent possible damage to parcel contents by using the correct type and quality of packaging. To help you with this, My Parcel Delivery has produced a comprehensive "Do's and Dont's" guide . If you are ever in the unfortunate position of having to make a claim for lost or damaged parcels, we’ve also put together a handy checklist: Check your item is covered under our compensation scheme - prohibited and restricted items are not covered under our compensation cover policy. Check that the timescale for submitting your claims has not been exceeded. We must receive your claim and all the documents within seven calendar days of the scheduled delivery date. Check that you have all the documents necessary for you claim to be submitted. These include a suitable proof of value - website screenshots are not accepted Additional documents are then needed depending on what type of claim you are making: For a damage claim you will need: Proof of repair/quote Photos of the damage Photos of the internal and external packaging that was used You will also need to ensure the item is available for collection should it need to be investigated. For a claim for loss you will need: A proof of loss. This needs to be a signed and dated letter from the receiver confirming they did not receive the parcel. In the vast majority of cases, your parcel will arrive at its destination safe and sound. But please don’t be left trusting to hindsight if what’s in the parcel is too valuable to be travelling without compensation cover. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/20/how-toprotect-yourself-and-your-parcel/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/20/how-toprotect-yourself-and-your-parcel/ Fri, 20 June 2014 17:01:49 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/16/personal-parcel-delivery-unit/ There are few things more frustrating than browsing online, finding the shoes/bag/game that you must have right away, and then playing a game of hide and seek with the courier trying to deliver it. Most economy services are unable to offer you a guaranteed day for delivery, and are certainly unable to offer a specific time slot so while we are busy with work and day to day life, couriers are knocking on doors to empty houses trying to catch you. Previously the solution was to leave the parcel with a neighbour, but with stories of lost and stolen parcels, matched with the frustrations of being the only neighbour home with a hallway full of other people parcels, it was time to open the realm. We are now seeing an increasing number of comments in delivery instructions for specific hiding places including in porches, behind plants and even in a wheelie bin! Unfortunately all it takes is a quick online search to see the problems that people are experiencing. Parcels are regularly going missing or being damaged thanks to indiscreet or downright risky locations being chosen. There are even stories of parcels being put into a full wheelie bin which has then collected and emptied before the owner knew it was there! Each year more and more parcels are being delivered thanks to the rise in online shopping and this is a trend that looks to keep going. In an attempt to solve this pain point some couriers are offering drop box services but this isn’t available for all. Other consumers are installing specific parcel delivery units. The iBin is a weatherproof, key code activated parcel delivery box which allows couriers access to collect and/or drop off a parcel. What’s more, there is unique label fixed to the underside of the iBin lid which when scanned is accepted as a signature. Simply add the code to your delivery instructions and you can have your parcel delivered safely and securely, without needing to wait at home. These are long term solutions which involve some investment but if you are having several parcels delivered throughout a year, and have experienced problems with the delivery; it may provide the solution to consider need moving forward. Josh Welensky from The Scotsman summed it up well in his review "The value of this … metal receptacle will surely be proportional to your parcel volume and neighbour friendliness, but for internet shopping addicts like me this is an ideal purchase." What value would you put on the peace of mind that future parcel deliveries will be safe and secure without the need to long days spent playing hide and seek with your selected courier? https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/16/personal-parcel-delivery-unit/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/16/personal-parcel-delivery-unit/ Mon, 16 June 2014 16:58:47 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/12/update-new-local-telephone-number/ Saving you money is our number one priority and today we are going one step further. A key comment that we have heard from our customers is regarding costs, not only of the parcel services we provide but also of our contact number. We are pleased to announce that we have listened to your comments and acted. This is a local number charged at between only 2p and 10p from UK landlines, and often inclusive in your mobile minutes. Our customer service team are available from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Prefer to chat online? No problem, you can still send a message and use our live chat function free of charge. You can find all of our contact details here . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/12/update-new-local-telephone-number/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/12/update-new-local-telephone-number/ Thu, 12 June 2014 16:56:09 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/05/how-to-stay-safe-online/ Last month eBay announced a major cyber-attack on their system and have since forced users to update their passwords. Following on, alarming news from the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) told us that a major cyber-threat was discovered by the FBI, in which it estimated that approximately 15,000 computers may have been hacked in the UK alone, and this number reaches millions when they look worldwide. While the immediate threat has been prevented no one has been arrested and so it is likely that the threat has not passed permanently. This poses the questions: Do I need to do more to protect myself online? The simple answer to this question is yes. The majority of us could do more to protect our systems from online attacks not just from the current cyber-threat but permanently. Barely a week goes by without some sort of cyber-attack being threatened or uncovered so maintaining your online security is fast becoming a constant requirement. How can I protect myself? Do not open emails if you do not know who they are from. Do not open email attachments if you do not trust the sender. If you have any suspicions of an email, even if it looks official, do not open and check with the sender for confirmation Ensure your antivirus software and firewall (and any other installed systems) are up to date Choose strong passwords for all systems you login to How do I write a strong password? The easiest way is to look at the do’s and don’ts of writing a password DO DON’T Use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols Use your own name or nickname   If using a real word, follow it with an additional unrelated word Use your own username or email address  Use both uppercase and lower case letters Use your own phone number or licence plate number When replacing letters with special characters be creative i.e. do not only replace ‘a’ with ‘@’ and ‘s’ with ‘$’ Use personal information e.g. birthdays, children’s names, pets Use a different password for each important place that you log in to Use a combination of personal information e.g. Sarah1976 Never write down your password (especially as a document on your computer) Use common words or numbers e.g. password, 123456, manchester Never share your password with anyone, or allow anyone to watch as you key it in Use unmodified words from the dictionary i.e. without numbers or special characters Change your password periodically in addition to when you suspect you may have been hacked.   When your password is complete it should look like a random collection of letters, numbers and symbols rather than an identifiable word. If you are struggling to remember all of the different complex passwords you can try using a password manager system. A simple online search will bring up dozens of solutions for you to use. If you follow these do’s and don’ts, in addition to being careful with the emails you open and keeping your antivirus software up to date, you are in the best position possible to stay safe online. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/05/how-to-stay-safe-online/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/05/how-to-stay-safe-online/ Thu, 05 June 2014 16:54:01 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/02/getting-your-exporting-business-right/ INTERNATIONAL PARCEL DELIVERY – GETTING YOUR EXPORTING BUSINESS RIGHT Could selecting the right international parcel delivery service mean your business makes the most of the export push in 2014? According to Chancellor George Osborne in his March Budget, Britain needs to be exporting more – and is doubling the funding available to help meet the UK’s trade targets. But what does it mean in terms of “moving the goods” when you upscale your business to meet the demands of customers in other countries? My Parcel Delivery has some useful tips to start you on the way to exporting success!   INTERNATIONAL PARCEL DELIVERY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) Being part of the EU gives UK businesses some advantages when sending goods to people or businesses in other EU member states. In the main, you can trade without barriers and sending parcels to EU countries without the need to complete Customs documentation. This applies to the 27 EU members plus 7 EU territories . However, you must treat EU special territories including the Channel Islands, Canary Islands and overseas territories linked to EU members (e.g., the Falkland Islands) as non-EU destinations.   INTERNATIONAL PARCEL DELIVERY OUTSIDE THE EU Sending or receiving parcels outside the EU may attract tax or duty charges, depending on what you’re sending. Charges are based on the value of the items sent or received, which varies by country. For detailed information on import duties and taxation, HMRC has a useful page to refer to . Booking your parcel with My Parcel Delivery involves completing a Pro Forma Invoice document for Customs purposes. On this you should declare what your item is, its monetary value and if VAT registered or not. This form is then attached to the parcel for Customs in the destination country to inspect on arrival. Without this form, no parcel can be dispatched to a non-EU country.   HOW BIG IS YOUR PARCEL AND WHAT WILL IT COST? To get an accurate quote for delivering your parcel you need to have precise measurements and weight details. International delivery costs are normally calculated by “volumetric weight” which you get by multiplying in centimetres the length x height x width of a parcel and dividing the result by 5,000. However, we can make it easy for you: step 2 of the parcel delivery booking process on the My Parcel Delivery site calculates this for you automatically once you input your parcel’s dimensions. For businesses to determine the actual weight of a package, investing in professional parcel scales is a better option than using bathroom scales! If your parcel exceeds size restrictions it may not fit in a courier company’s sorting machine, which risks it being damaged or returned to sender. Especially heavy items – anything, in fact, more than 31.5kg – require a specialist service such as that provided by Anyvan .   PACKING YOUR PARCEL FOR A FOREIGN ADVENTURE Poor packaging is likely to void any postal compensation claims for damaged or lost items, so it’s essential to get the packaging right. Our detailed packing guidelines will help you to minimise the risk of damage while in transit.   INTERNATIONAL ADDRESSES – GETTING THE ACCENT RIGHT! The biggest reason for international parcels being either undelivered or returned to sender is problems with the addressing on the parcel before it leaves the UK. It’s vital to ensure that you check and include any foreign language accents or symbols that are used when the language is written. If not, you run the risk of the address being unrecognisable in the destination country, which could result in a delay to your delivery. Some countries are better than others at handling address label issues and My Parcel Delivery works closely with the courier services to solve any problems if addresses are queried. However, it’s always better to check and double-check foreign language address spellings before your parcel gets on its way.   INTERNATIONAL COURIER COLLECTION AND DELIVERY When you’ve booked an international delivery, it’s important that you’re available to hand over the parcel to the courier when it’s collected. Courier company DPD provides a one-hour collection window when picking up parcels for EU delivery. At the parcel’s destination most couriers will make two delivery attempts, depending on the company and the country. You can help to avoid a failed delivery by ensuring the destination address is 100% correct, including the full postcode or area code plus a local telephone number for the customer.    WHERE IS MY PARCEL? Sending parcels overseas – and wondering whether they've arrived – should give you no more stress than sending a parcel around the corner. Similar to UK parcel delivery services booked through My Parcel Delivery, your international parcel despatch has a tracking service which monitors the progress of the parcel to its destination where it requires a signature to confirm delivery.   WHAT CAN’T YOU SEND ABROAD? Couriers have a list of prohibited items that they won’t carry and your packages are scanned, so any restricted items will be held and then returned to you. We’ve produced a handy list of prohibited items to help you choose what not to try sending in a parcel. Equally, it’s worth knowing that easily-breakable goods such as china or antiques are transported only on a “no compensation” basis, so think carefully before sending them abroad via a courier service. The world is, literally, your oyster if you get your international parcel delivery right. Just don’t try sending oysters!    If you’re ready to send a parcel, you can click here to book online now. But if you want to ask advice on how to send your parcel and what courier company to choose, get in touch with My Parcel Delivery’s team . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/02/getting-your-exporting-business-right/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/june/02/getting-your-exporting-business-right/ Mon, 02 June 2014 16:49:21 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/may/27/international-parcel-delivery/ ...what you need to know when sending a parcel abroad. Over 95% of the parcels deliveries booked through myParcelDelivery.com are sent within the UK. While this is the case, international parcel delivery is booming as the cost of sending parcels outside the UK is being driven down every day. Now, whether you are sending important documents to a company in Australia , or finger puppets to your niece in France , you can find an affordable service to get your parcels there on time. How to choose the right service for you To find the service that suits your needs simply use our Courier Comparison Service . The instant results will give you plenty of options, from Next Day Delivery when you need your parcel delivered as a priority, to 4+ days when your parcel is not as urgent. But if speed isn’t your only concern we can find the best courier to use depending on what you are sending in your international parcel delivery. Sending a large parcel If your parcel is larger and/or heavier than our couriers can handle you can try looking at our friends over at AnyVan.com . This courier auction site allows you to create a listing for your delivery which drivers can then bid on to win. This way you get the service you want, at a price you are happy with! What you can send International parcel delivery has all the same restrictions as UK parcel delivery, plus a few more thanks to customs laws. These change with each country but include such items as alcoholic drinks and Solvent-based paints, wood varnishes and enamels. Make sure you check before you book your courier. International Bank Holidays Each country has a different set of bank holidays and so there are times when parcel delivery simply isn’t possible. Whatsmore, as is the case in Germany and Spain, not only can international bank holidays vary by country but they can also vary by state or province so it is vital to check when you need a parcel delivered by a certain date. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/may/27/international-parcel-delivery/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/may/27/international-parcel-delivery/ Tue, 27 May 2014 16:38:10 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/may/23/hermes-launches-new-warrington-hub/ Parcel delivery company Hermes have launched their brand new site in Warrington, North West England. With more and more people shopping online and sending parcels every day, Leeds-based Hermes invested £25m in building a purpose-built hub capable of handling over 550,000 parcels every day. This is the single largest investment by Hermes and is an indication of how they see the parcel delivery market growing. Hermes main aim in the building of this hub was to develop their next day delivery service , in addition to contributing to their international expansion plans . The fully automated sortation system was designed specifically to support changes in the way parcels are being sent in terms of volumes and types of items. Guy Winter, the Sales and Marketing Director at Hermes stated that “The built-in flexibility will allow us to meet any changing requirements our clients might have such as later assured collection cut-off times and a higher proportion of next-day delivery.” Hermes, owned by German mail order retail giant Otto Group, delivers approximately 160m parcels a year in the UK through 24 regional depots. Last year they opened new depots in Coventry, Carlisle, West Thurrock and Maidstone, and also expanded their process capacity by 20% at its national hub in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. With the launch of their new Warrington Hub, we predict their service will go from strength to strength.  To find out more about the services Hermes offer, click here . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/may/23/hermes-launches-new-warrington-hub/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/may/23/hermes-launches-new-warrington-hub/ Fri, 23 May 2014 16:33:12 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/may/22/royal-mail-launch-sunday-service-test/ There are few things more frustrating than having your parcel held hostage in a sorting office over the weekend. Hermes and DPD have already realised this frustration and now deliver on a Sunday, while Parcelforce Worldwide announced Sunday services would be available to selected online retailers from next month. Yesterday, the Royal mail followed suit by announcing a pilot scheme to be run later this summer. They aim to benefit from the boom in online shopping and help those who miss their parcel midweek who don’t want to, or indeed can’t, spend their Saturday mornings queuing at their local sorting office. This Royal mail announcement had 2 sides – one focusing on the opening hours of sorting offices, the other on actual parcel deliveries. Sorting offices Approximately 100 sorting offices will open on a Sunday afternoon allowing customers to pick-up their missed parcels at a time more convenient to them. This is around 7% of Britain’s busiest delivery offices. Sunday Deliveries Initially limited to within the M25 motorway, the Royal Mail will also trial delivering parcels between businesses on Sundays and opening its distribution network later at the weekends. This will move parcels through the system faster to increase your chance of receiving your parcel on a Monday when you shop online over the weekend. Only time will tell for the success of this scheme, and the limitations put on it during the pilot, but it is a bold move by the Royal Mail. Chief Executive Moya Greene said that “Through these new Sunday services we are exploring ways to improve our flexibility and provide more options for people to receive items they have ordered online.” While we wait to see what happens, you can still choose Hermes for the UK or DPD for Europe to get your parcel where it needs to be, 7 days a week! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/may/22/royal-mail-launch-sunday-service-test/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/may/22/royal-mail-launch-sunday-service-test/ Thu, 22 May 2014 16:30:55 Siobhan https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/april/17/collectplus-launches-tv-ad-to-raise-awareness-of-drop-off-parcel-services/ When people have a parcel to send, their thoughts usually turn to the Post Office. Either they think couriers are expensive, they believe they have to wait in at home for the collection – or they’ve simply never considered a different way of doing it.   Now CollectPlus have launched their first ever television ad to let people know there are alternatives that are both cheaper and easier. The CollectPlus service allows people to drop-off their parcel at a time convenient to them, usually at a local shop or petrol station, and it’s then delivered in the usual way. Watch the TV ad here .   Here at My Parcel Delivery, we’ve been working with CollectPlus for the past few years to help people access this service, along with many other great courier options, to always provide them with the best choice and value. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/april/17/collectplus-launches-tv-ad-to-raise-awareness-of-drop-off-parcel-services/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/april/17/collectplus-launches-tv-ad-to-raise-awareness-of-drop-off-parcel-services/ Thu, 17 April 2014 09:54:29 Chris https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/april/11/international-parcel-sending-cheaper-and-easier-than-ever-thanks-to-parcel-drop-off/ Sending lightweight parcels to Europe is cheaper and easier than ever before thanks to falling courier charges and the convenience of parcel “drop off” services. Parcel delivery comparison website, My Parcel Delivery , is now able to offer parcel delivery services to Germany, Belgium and Ireland from £9.99, £11.69 and £12.50* respectively – and each with a tracking and guaranteed delivery signature service included. The Drop Off service involves the sender dropping off the parcel at a local, designated drop-off point at their leisure. The parcel is then collected by courier company, Hermes, taken to My Parcel Delivery’s sorting centre and then forwarded by courier, DPD, to its European destination. This avoids the need to stay in all day waiting for the courier to collect your parcel. Nearest parcel drop-off points can be found here . My Parcel Delivery managing director, David Grimes, said: “We pioneered the international drop-off concept in 2013 and are now seeing an increase of about 65% in demand for this very affordable and convenient service which means people can plan their day without needing to wait in for a courier to collect their parcel. “The latest delivery services now put Europe truly on the doorstep for both individuals and businesses needing to dispatch small parcels at a reasonable price along with the ability to track their journey and be sure of safe arrival.” https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/april/11/international-parcel-sending-cheaper-and-easier-than-ever-thanks-to-parcel-drop-off/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/april/11/international-parcel-sending-cheaper-and-easier-than-ever-thanks-to-parcel-drop-off/ Fri, 11 April 2014 09:36:15 Chris https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/march/31/small-businesses-could-incur-50-unnecessary-parcel-delivery-spend-after-royal-mail-price-hike/ Added costs with privatised Royal Mail means UK small businesses need to seek parcel delivery alternatives Small businesses dependent on parcel delivery to UK customers could be spending on average *50% more than necessary on delivery charges in the wake of Royal Mail’s price increases taking effect today ( 31 March 2014 ). In addition, businesses sending parcels overseas via the recently privatised post and parcel company will be paying on average 40% more than necessary. Based on the annual, average number and weight of “next-day” parcels delivered for business customers by parcel comparison site, My Parcel Delivery (19 parcels at 9kg each), the equivalent annual cost for businesses using Royal Mail will be £397.10 from today. But, rival services available to small businesses could achieve like-for-like savings of at least £190**. David Grimes, managing director at My Parcel Delivery , says: “Royal Mail’s monopoly on UK parcel delivery and its ability now to raise prices is good for investors but not so good for the country’s small businesses trying to manage overheads as they recover from the recession.” “Based on the UK and international parcel delivery services and prices we know are available to small businesses, there are savings of at least 36% and as much as 69% to be made sending parcels in the UK and abroad. “Companies like ours can provide these prices because we aggregate volume across our whole customer base, channel it through a single account with the couriers and gain large discounts that we then pass back to our customers who benefit from lower prices and, indeed, heightened customer service. “And I speak from experience – as a former SME owner who stood in Post Office queues waiting to send products to customers – when I say that small businesses can avoid wasting valuable business time by using courier companies that collect from their premises and still cost less than Royal Mail.” “But while businesses can definitely save money on Royal Mail’s prices, it’s not just about getting the cheapest price in parcel delivery. Customer service is more important than ever, which includes being able to track the progress of your parcel and ensure its security by obtaining a signature at its destination.” Example comparative parcel delivery prices from today (31 March 2014) include: Service Destination Weight New Royal Mail Price My Parcel Delivery best price % saving Next day delivery with signature UK 5kg £16.95 £10.79 36% 2-3 day delivery with signature UK 2kg £9.10 £3.78 59% Next day delivery with signature UK 20kg £34.50 £10.79 69% International with tracking and signature New Zealand 3kg £77.65 £45.72 41% Ditto Australia 5kg £92.33 £53.28 42% Ditto USA 3kg £67.09 £43.92 36%   Calculations and sources: *Based on the average saving offered by My Parcel Delivery versus Royal Mail across two different services and three weight categories of parcel delivery in the UK from 31 March 2014. ** Based on new Royal Mail price to send each 9kg parcel on a next day service=£20.90; comparative My Parcel Delivery price=£10.79. ***Based on sending 20 x 9kg “next day” parcels per working day from 31 March 2014 until the end of the 2014-15 financial year (5,120 parcels over 256 days) at £20.90 via Royal Mail (total cost £107,008) and £10.79 via My Parcel Delivery (total cost £55,245). https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/march/31/small-businesses-could-incur-50-unnecessary-parcel-delivery-spend-after-royal-mail-price-hike/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/march/31/small-businesses-could-incur-50-unnecessary-parcel-delivery-spend-after-royal-mail-price-hike/ Mon, 31 March 2014 09:27:26 David https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/march/31/how-queuing-up-for-royal-mail-services-made-me-launch-a-company/ David Grimes – managing director, My Parcel Delivery The latest Royal Mail price rise today – 31 March 2014 – reminds me exactly why I launched a company to provide small business and consumers with access to cheaper parcel delivery and a better service. Back when I was running my first business after university – a promotional merchandise venture – it was totally reliant on sending parcels to customers. As I discovered, that was easier said than done. As a small, start-up operation we didn’t have the necessary volume of parcels to get an account with a courier company. This meant daily trips to the Post Office to send our parcels via Royal Mail. Anyone using the Post Office will probably relate to its many frustrations: either a long commute to the Post Office if you’re in a rural area or finding a place to park nearby if you’re in a town or city centre. And then, there’s the queuing – seemingly endless queuing. I’ve got nothing against the many other poor souls queuing in the Post Office for their pension, driving licences and countless other transactions. But, for a business, time spent queuing is money down the drain. And that could mean up to an hour away from the business every day, just to send a parcel. The national strike action of late 2009 was the final nail in the coffin for my dealings with Royal Mail. We couldn’t send anything to anybody, which crippled the business. But, it was also the genesis of the idea for an online company that would allow individual, small businesses unable to get a courier company account to get access through the joint buying power of many businesses needing parcel collection and delivery. And so, My Parcel Delivery was born the following year. Now, not only can consumers and businesses access the services of the best courier companies at very affordable prices, they can enjoy the best parcel tracking and guaranteed delivery services available, which makes the whole parcel sending process far less stressful. Oh and, by the way, there’s no queuing involved – I wouldn’t have it any other way! With the latest increase in prices as of today, this will have a significant effect on any businesses using Royal Mail services. And for those companies sending multiple parcels on a daily basis, the extra costs could be considerable. On average, businesses using Royal Mail will be paying 50% more on parcel delivery charges than they need to; at worst, they will be paying almost 70% more than necessary. But with Royal Mail being such a dominant player in the market, it’s not unusual for businesses to believe it’s the only option. The good news is this: there are viable alternatives to Royal Mail that are both cheaper and better in terms of the services available; My Parcel Delivery is proud to be one of those alternatives. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/march/31/how-queuing-up-for-royal-mail-services-made-me-launch-a-company/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/march/31/how-queuing-up-for-royal-mail-services-made-me-launch-a-company/ Mon, 31 March 2014 09:16:44 Oliver https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/march/17/can-i-send-live-beesand-other-questions-customers-ask/ How to avoid problems with parcel delivery – what customers want to know Like parcels, problems with delivery come in different shapes and sizes; at My Parcel Delivery , we know a lot about this, as customers ask a wide variety of questions every day about how to handle a delivery issue. Some of these questions come up time and again and it’s worth giving you a quick guide to your options for the most common parcel delivery problems. We also get asked some – let’s say – more bizarre questions about parcel delivery. But more of that later – for now, what are the answers to the most common delivery questions? 1.       “When is my parcel going to be collected?” A regular customer question is about what time a courier company will arrive to collect a parcel. Most of the time, it’s difficult for courier companies to give a definite time in the day, which we realise can be a problem for parcel senders. Unfortunately, the current capability of courier planning and IT systems doesn’t allow them to provide an exact time. If you simply can’t wait in for a courier to come to your address, you can go to them at your convenience! Drop-off services – which mean you can book your delivery and then take your parcel to a choice of dedicated drop-off locations – are available through My Parcel Delivery using companies such as CollectPlus and Hermes Parcel Shop. 2.       “When is my parcel going to be delivered?” Of course, customers want to know when during the day a parcel is going to arrive so they can plan the rest of their day and be sure they won’t miss the delivery van. Courier company, DPD, offers a window in the day – for UK deliveries only – when you can expect the parcel to arrive. Also, City Link has just started to roll out a two-hour delivery window for customers, making it more convenient for customers waiting in for a package. But – at the time of booking – if you can’t guarantee to be in one place to wait for a delivery then there are other options: if you can’t be at home, you can arrange to have the parcel delivered to a neighbour who you know will be at home. Or, you can have the courier take it to your workplace if you’re confident there’s always somebody there to receive it if you’re not. With courier company Hermes, there is a “leave safe” service where the courier will leave the parcel in a safe location at your property. To put your mind at rest, nearly all of the services involve the courier driver getting a signature of delivery at the chosen delivery address. With Hermes, it costs an extra 75 pence for a signature, but it’s worth the modest investment in peace of mind for your parcel. 3.       “What happens if I’m not going to be at home for delivery?” If you arranged a delivery for a particular day but your plans have changed and you can’t be at the delivery address it’s really not a problem. You can change the parcel’s delivery date, even when it is already in transit with the courier. Even better, if you book through My Parcel Delivery we can do the re-arranging for you either via a telephone call or live internet chat . This doesn’t cost you any extra, as long as the delivery address doesn’t change. If you simply forget that you’re expecting a parcel and don’t rearrange delivery, a courier such as City Link will try to deliver twice on consecutive days before the parcel is returned to the courier depot and then back to My Parcel Delivery’s sorting centre several days later if booked through us. From there, you can either rebook your delivery (which does incur an additional cost) or you can collect it from the City Link depot. It’s always easier if you book through My Parcel Delivery, as we’ll let the courier know you’ll be picking up the parcel in person. 4.       “My parcel hasn’t been collected – what happens now?” Why do parcels fail to be collected by a courier company? It might sound obvious, but at a home address it’s mostly because the parcel sender isn’t there for the parcel to be collected. At a business address, it’s possible that the sender hasn’t told the person on reception that a parcel is being collected and when the courier arrives the receptionist thinks there’s nothing for them to pick up! At both locations, a courier can refuse to take something that hasn’t been packaged properly or is a prohibited item. My Parcel Delivery has a useful list of items that are either prohibited or restricted in terms of delivery services and it’s worth checking before you book a delivery. Everything being sent by courier needs to be packaged and we have a list of helpful packaging tips . But businesses should ensure they don’t tape several packages together – these can come apart during transit and risk being lost. Make sure you check and double check the delivery address you put on the package and make sure the reception or security desk at your office or business knows to expect a courier and where the parcel is located. If the courier arrives to find nothing to collect, the sender will have to re-book the service for another day, which will tend to be charged a second time.   5.       “Why wasn’t my parcel delivered?” If a parcel doesn’t arrive at an address, it’s usually because the address on the parcel is wrong or because there’s nobody there to accept the delivery. It’s not uncommon for parcel senders to either mis-type the house number or put in a wrong post code for the delivery. In this case, the parcel gets sent back to the delivery depot. If you booked through My Parcel Delivery, our tracking service will inform you where the parcel is. However, it is possible for some couriers to leave your parcel if they believe it’s safe and secure to do so. Hermes is one company that will do this. To prevent a failed delivery, you have to either: Make sure you’re at home! Select a courier service that gives you a delivery window c.       Stipulate an alternative address where someone can sign for your parcel. Delivering to a neighbour doesn’t cost any extra, but re-directing a parcel to a completely different location, such as your workplace, will. 6.       “Can I send…?” – The top 5 weird and wonderful delivery questions Among the strangest requests My Parcel Delivery has received, people have asked whether they could send: Human remains Live fish A bee hive and live bees Raw meat Frozen/refrigerated food Clearly, the answer to all of these is NO! Once again, check our prohibited and restricted list of items just to make sure – you wouldn’t want to try sending live bees and end up getting “stung” on price! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/march/17/can-i-send-live-beesand-other-questions-customers-ask/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/march/17/can-i-send-live-beesand-other-questions-customers-ask/ Mon, 17 March 2014 09:12:47 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/18/delivering-ebay-sales-opportunities-in-2014/ Selling on eBay is going through some interesting changes for eBay sellers, requiring some new thinking about both UK and international parcel delivery. The recent release of eBay trading results for the final quarter of 2013 revealed changes in eBay users’ behaviour with mobile devices, the number of eBay sellers offering free delivery and the growth in international sales. The good news is that we can help you with some delivery tips to make the most of these eBay trends. Making eBay selling easy with mobile eBay’s figures showed that 40% of users in Q4 2013 were coming from mobile devices – and with the simplicity of mobile technology, it’s not surprising. eBay smartphone apps allow you to take photos and add them to listings, scan a product’s barcode which then automatically populates the product information from eBay’s online catalogue, include additional details such as handling times and returns policy and keep track of items listed. What’s not to like about that? The final part of the jigsaw – eBay’s suggested shipping cost – is something worth reviewing: comparing eBay’s suggested costs with potentially cheaper prices available in the parcel delivery market means that you could end up offering a better range of delivery costs and service options for buyers. This will result in a happier customer and is great for building and protecting your buyer feedback and seller ratings. But that’s not all. There is also an opportunity to make an extra margin on postage and packaging if you identify high quality delivery services but at a cheaper overall price. For example, rather than opting for a Royal Mail Next Day service at £26, you can find a Same Day collection and delivery service for £18: a better service at a price that should please the customer and allow you to make a bit extra on delivery.  Using an online parcel comparison service such as My Parcel Delivery can help you do that . Free postage   tips for eBay sellers More than 55% of eBay sellers are offering free delivery to buyers, according to eBay’s recent results – and there are good reasons for it. Free postage and packing tends to boost conversion rates, while you can ensure it’s a viable option for your businesses by spreading the cost among the overall prices of your products. But what must you be aware of when reeling in buyers with the free delivery hook? Make your free delivery an economy, 3-5 day service if appropriate for the product being dispatched and offer a premium (Next Day) delivery service as an option to buyers at an extra cost. Free delivery on large items needs some understanding of what a large parcel is and what can happen if a seller sends a parcel via a delivery service with limits and possible surcharges if the parcel is too big and heavy. Measuring and weighing the parcel carefully is vitally important to avoid penalty charges or having the oversized item being returned to the sender. Rather than taking chances, it’s better to speak to a parcel delivery specialist adviser and get a comprehensive understanding of the options for delivering your large item . Selling on eBay – international deliveries International sales now account for 61% of total eBay sales – a 10% year-on-year growth. But what does it involve if you’re supplying international customers? It’s not just a case of boxing up a product and sending it off into the sunset! Sellers often need assistance with the processes involved in sending a product overseas and this means having the full details of the person receiving the item, understanding who pays the import duty and taxation, preparing documents declaring whether the product is for private use or sale and being aware of some of the general and particular issues around sending goods to certain countries. For example this year’s host of the World Cup, Brazil, has recently changed its import delivery regulations which means the sender has to know the personal tax number of the buyer in order for the parcel to reach its destination. Turkey disallows the importing of mobile phones and Russia has a cap on the value of products one individual can receive; those are the rules for just three countries – and we are delivering to more than 200 countries! Also, depending on whether you choose to send via air or road will affect whether products such as perfumes or containers such as aerosols will actually be allowed through customs. Once again, getting advice from parcel delivery specialists will smooth the international journey when exporting your products. So, as eBay’s latest figures suggest, both new and experienced eBay sellers should be looking forward to a period of growth – and ensuring the right delivery costs, services and knowledge are in place are essential parts of your e-commerce success story. If you’re ready to send a parcel, you can click here to book online now. But if you want to ask advice on how to send your parcel and what courier company to choose, get in touch with My Parcel Delivery’s team . Thanks to the Channel Advisor Blog for the useful summary of eBay results from the sellers’ perspective . https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/18/delivering-ebay-sales-opportunities-in-2014/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/18/delivering-ebay-sales-opportunities-in-2014/ Tue, 18 February 2014 09:03:26 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/17/selling-on-ebay-how-to-make-the-right-impression/ eBay, the online auction site, is an easy (and profitable!) way to shift those items you’ve got in your home and don’t know what to do with. Remember that one person’s clutter is another person’s treasure! When you sell an item, the buyer can provide feedback and rate you on the eBay site. So if you want to sell more treasures in future, you’ll want to get a good review and increase the chances someone else will want to buy from you. A bit of care taken in the presentation of your item is a simple and effective way to do this. An eBay buyer wants to feel they’ve found a true bargain, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add extra value through thoughtful touches that other eBay sellers might overlook. Protect the contents Most importantly, the item should arrive in one piece and undamaged from the shipping process. Especially with something delicate, extra protection with bubble wrap or packing paper can make a good impression on the buyer. For more advice on how to pack a parcel, please read our Packaging Do’s and Don’ts. Appearances matter Little touches make a big impact. No one wants to receive something in battered or tatty packaging. So even if you’re packing with recycled boxes, bags or bubble wrap, make sure it’s all in tip top condition. We also recommend working on a clean surface, so that your materials and items are not covered in stray bits of carpet fibre, for example. And while it’s crucial to pack items securely, take care not to seal the parcel in so much brown tape that it becomes impossible to open without scissors, risking damage to the item – or the recipient! Make it special Anyone can place something in a Jiffy bag and post it. But what can you do to make your parcel stand out from the others? Wrapping an item in fresh, uncreased tissue paper always seems to go down well. Consider adding a sticker or a bit of ribbon. Colourful boxes or cotton bags for smaller items are also a nice touch. Just an extra bit of TLC can change a buyer’s impression from neutral to positive. One thing you can do that online retailers can’t? Include a thank you note. A handwritten note lends a personalised, caring touch that makes the buyer feel appreciated – and much more likely to give you positive feedback. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/17/selling-on-ebay-how-to-make-the-right-impression/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/17/selling-on-ebay-how-to-make-the-right-impression/ Mon, 17 February 2014 08:59:15 Chris https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/17/four-mother-s-day-opportunities-for-ebay-sellers/ We all know that Mums are special. And on Sunday 30 th March in the UK, millions of children, both young and old, will find a way to show their Mum how much they care on Mother’s Day. If you sell the odd item on eBay, could you capitalise on the 50%+ of the population who now shop online for Mother’s Day gifts? Maybe by thinking creatively with your eBay seller hat on about what you’ve got to sell or what you could make, you could earn enough to treat your own Mum to a really special present (we hear that weekend breaks are an increasingly popular choice!) The first important thing to realise is that you don’t have to sell flowers or chocolates to cash in during this busy time – you may have just the right gift to make someone’s Mother’s Day very special. There is no better time than right now as Google Trends shows that consumers start their Mother’s Day gift search up to two months before the big day. So what could you sell on eBay? 1. Technology TechBargains report that more Mums would like an iPad than flowers. So do you have unwanted tech that would sell well on eBay? Smartphones that are only 6 months old may feel out of date to you but represent a giant leap forward for a Mum stuck with an old Blackberry. 2. Smellies   The hottest gifts for Mums this year are ones that make her feel special and pampered: luxury bath and cosmetics products, beautifully scented candles or fragrances. We always find that Jo Malone is a very safe bet. If you’re one of those people who received a glut of unwanted smellies at Christmas time (they always seem to be raffle prizes with us!), maybe they could find a better home with a deserving Mum out there. 3. Jewellery Vintage jewellery is always in high demand, for those seeking a unique gift not found in the high street. Have a root through your jewellery box and see if you have any unworn or antique jewellery that you no longer wear.  Wrapped up thoughtfully in a velvet bag or tissue paper, these could make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift and come with the added bonus of being especially cheap and easy to deliver – just don’t forget to insure anything valuable. 4. Breakfast in bed kit   Many Mums report that thoughtful actions mean more than expensive presents. So could you capitalise on the online shoppers looking for something different?  How about creating a breakfast in bed kit - the warm comforts of tea, coffee or hot chocolate sold with a small coffee maker, tea infuser or unique mugs can make thoughtful gifts. Consider pairing them together in your online eBay shop, along with pancake mix, small jars of marmalade or jam and you could be a budding Alan Sugar or Philip Green. If there is a glass item within your delivery, do make sure to wrap it very very securely in lots of bubble wrap as couriers will not cover you for damage. It might be worth considering a same day delivery which are safer as the same courier handles your parcel from door to door. Almost anything you’ve been thinking of selling could appeal to the millions of eBay shoppers as a fantastic Mother’s Day gift - fitness equipment, soft furnishings, original artwork. And might this be the time to recycle other unwanted gifts, or sale bargains that don’t look so appealing in the cold light of day? As ever, be sure you package your items with the utmost care and thoughtful touches – maybe red tissue paper secured with a heart-shaped sticker. Delivery is a hugely important part of the process and shouldn’t be overlooked. Get creative – and get selling! https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/17/four-mother-s-day-opportunities-for-ebay-sellers/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/17/four-mother-s-day-opportunities-for-ebay-sellers/ Mon, 17 February 2014 08:55:03 Emma https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/04/how-to-protect-you-ebay-feedback/ Protect your eBay feedback and rating with a 3-step approach to parcel delivery How can an eBay seller avoid a buyer dispute and prevent the possibility of incurring negative eBay Feedback? As eBay is determined to give buyers confidence in shopping on its site, its Money Back Guarantee programme and Resolution Centre mean eBay shoppers with justified disputes will get their money back. But eBay is – as its protection programme states – equally committed to buyers leaving “honest, fair, factual Feedback” to “let other members know about your experience with the seller and help keep eBay a safe place for buying and selling”. And, as the Amazon Genius site summed up nicely in a recent report on an eBay Feedback, scores and ratings glitch, “feedback scores and ratings are the lifeblood to differentiating great sellers from bad”. So, apart from selling great products and providing excellent service, a vital part of building and protecting your eBay business is doing everything in your power to avoid disputes and protect your Feedback and Detailed Seller Ratings (DSR). As one of the leading parcel delivery comparison websites , we know only too well how issues relating to delivery of purchased products can provide problems for eBay sellers. The net result can affect your eBay reputation and cause unwelcome stress and hassle – which you certainly don’t need when busy running an eBay business. A THREE-STEP GUIDE FOR HASSLE-FREE PARCEL DELIVER Protecting yourself against parcel delivery-related problems can be helped with a simple, three-step process: Think about the value and durability of the item you’re sending to the buyer Understand the packaging that works best for different items Know how to choose the best parcel delivery options for the customer PRODUCT VALUE AFFECTS YOUR COURIER CHOICE When thinking about the item, its value needs to influence your choice of parcel delivery methods. A low-cost delivery service option – say a 3-4 day courier service – might be OK for low value items, but next day delivery or even same day courier is a better bet for more costly goods. DURABILITY SHOULD DETERMINE DELIVERY It may seem obvious, but fragile items such as glass, ceramic dinner sets, figurines and ornaments are at much greater risk of arriving in pieces if the eBay seller chooses an economy delivery option that puts the goods in transit for longer. The ideal solution is to send items of this nature on a same day courier service where a dedicated driver will deliver the fragile item straight to the delivery address without stopping. Non-breakable or more durable products such as clothes, CDs and cuddly toys can be dispatched through the economy delivery process with much greater confidence. PACKAGING PERFECTION FOR eBay FEEDBACK PROTECTION Packaging is a game of two halves – it’s about the container you put the product in and how you stop that product moving around and risking breakages once it’s inside. A new box (versus a used box) and intact bubble wrap should be the absolute minimum to protect the sent item. A double-walled box is even better along with foam polystyrene for higher value or more delicate goods. For definitive advice on how to pack a parcel, please read our Packaging Do’s and Don’ts. SELECTING YOUR PARCEL DELIVERY SERVICE Sellers – are you thinking about customer choice? There is a wide variety of delivery methods and it’s worth giving customers a number of options, based on how quickly they want the parcel to arrive and the price they want to pay while ensuring the goods get there in perfect condition. If your buyer doesn’t receive the product they’ve bought, you need a way of tracking the delivery process to find out what’s happened and to resolve the problem. For that, there are certain services – such as parcel tracking – and optional extras including a signature at the point of delivery which can be worth the modest expense to pinpoint what’s happened to a missing parcel. Also, sharing the parcel’s tracking number with the buyer will give the customer an additional feeling of control over the progress of their purchase’s delivery. eBay sellers aren’t necessarily experts in selecting the right parcel delivery service (and there’s no reason why they should be!), so it’s worth picking the brains of experts who can match your delivery demands with the right delivery option before you press the button on your courier booking. Delivery woes can be detrimental to an eBay seller’s business, but our three-step process will certainly help to minimise the risks of a dispute and protect your 100% Feedback rating. If you’re ready to send a parcel, you can click here to book online now. But if you want to ask advice on how to send your parcel and what courier company to choose, get in touch with My Parcel Delivery’s team. https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/04/how-to-protect-you-ebay-feedback/ https://www.myparceldelivery.com/hub/blog/2014/february/04/how-to-protect-you-ebay-feedback/ Tue, 04 February 2014 08:48:25