Royal Mail has issued guidance for anyone sending cash or coupons through the post, with a specific warning against placing coins in envelopes. The advice, published on the company's website, aims to help customers ensure their gifts reach recipients without delay.
Coins Should Never Be Sent in Envelopes
The postal service stated: "Coins should never be sent in envelopes. However, our automated sorting machinery may damage envelopes containing coins, which can lead to a delay in delivery and increase the likelihood of the contents being lost."
Following this rule gives post the best chance of arriving on time. Customers are also advised to package parcels and envelopes carefully, without revealing that money is inside.
Secure Packaging and Special Delivery
Royal Mail explained: "Money should be packaged securely and shouldn't be visible from the outside. Don't indicate anywhere on the packaging that money is enclosed."
For peace of mind, the postal service recommends using its Special Delivery service for valuable items and money. Sharing advice for people sending items to the UK, Royal Mail said: "If you're sending valuables, money or jewellery in the post, you should use Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed."
According to the Royal Mail website, valuables include precious metal manufactured to add value, including ornamental coins; ingots; diamonds and precious stones; watches with cases made wholly or mainly of precious metal; similar articles with intrinsic value; coins and bank notes of any currency that are legal tender at the time of posting; uncrossed postal orders, cheques and dividend warrants payable to bearer; unused postage, revenue stamps, National Insurance stamps, exchequer bills, bills of exchange, promissory notes, credit notes, bonds, bond coupons and other investment certificates; and coupons, vouchers, tickets, tokens, cards, stamps and other documents exchangeable for money, goods or services.
Tracking and Compensation Benefits
With Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, customers get full tracking, photo and signature on delivery, and compensation cover. It can be purchased online or at a Post Office.
The website explains: "When we deliver your item we will collect a signature from the recipient or someone at their address. We will then update our online Track & Trace tool with details of the delivery date and time, providing a scan of the signature that you can view."
