Anyone sending post through the Royal Mail should always place the stamp in the top-right corner of the front of the envelope or parcel. Failing to do so can delay items or cause them to be rejected, and recipients may face an extra charge starting from £1.50.
Royal Mail's automated sorting machines are programmed to scan that exact area to verify postage. If a stamp is placed anywhere else, the machines cannot read it, causing delays or potentially rejecting the mail.
Check postage before sending
Another important step before sending is to make sure the chosen stamp covers the postage. People can use multiple stamps to cover the cost, but falling short can result in an unexpected extra charge, starting from £1.50.
To know if a stamp or combination of stamps correctly covers the postage fee, you need to check three main things against Royal Mail's current pricing and size guidelines. Measure your envelope or parcel and weigh it to see which category it falls under and ensure it stays within the weight limit.
Decide whether you are sending the item First Class (which typically aims for next working day delivery) or Second Class (two to three working days), as the required postage rates differ. Add up the monetary or class values printed on or indicated by your stamps to ensure they match or exceed the current rate for that size, weight, and delivery speed. You can check current rates and use the official size guides on the Royal Mail Price Finder tool.
What happens if the postage is not valid?
On its website, Royal Mail said: "If you send a letter without the correct postage, we may still attempt to deliver it, but the recipient may be asked to pay the missing amount, along with a surcharge. If the recipient doesn’t pay, the item is returned to the sender (if a return address is included) or held for a limited time."
The amount Royal Mail requests will vary depending on the item to be delivered and should be clearly displayed on a grey slip that is posted through the door of whoever is meant to receive the letter, card or parcel. To cover the correct postage, the recipient will need to pay:
- Letters: £1.50
- Small Parcels: £3.50
- Medium Parcels: £1.50 handling fee plus "underlying missing postage (rounded to the nearest 10p"
Royal Mail adds: "If the recipient chooses not to pay the fee, Royal Mail holds the item for 18 days before attempting to return it to the sender (provided a return address is written on the item)." The quickest way to pay is online. Follow the instructions on the grey card, using a debit or credit card or a PayPal account.
