Royal Mail has a specific rule for placing stamps on letters and parcels that, if ignored, can lead to extra charges and delivery delays. The national service requires customers to always put the stamp in the top-right corner of the front of the envelope or parcel.
This positioning is not arbitrary. Royal Mail's automated sorting machines are programmed to scan that precise area to confirm postage has been paid. If a stamp is placed elsewhere, the machines cannot read it, which can delay the item or cause it to be rejected.
Check postage costs before sending
Before sending an item, it is also essential to check that the stamp or stamps cover the correct postage cost. Multiple stamps can be combined to reach the required amount. Falling short may result in an unexpected surcharge starting from £1.50.
To determine whether the postage is sufficient, three key factors should be checked against Royal Mail's current pricing and size guidelines. Measure the envelope or parcel and weigh it to establish its category, ensuring it stays within the permitted weight limit. Decide whether the item is being sent First Class, which usually aims for next working day delivery, or Second Class, which takes two to three working days, as the required costs vary. Then calculate the cost or class values shown on the stamps to ensure they meet the current rate for that size, weight and delivery speed.
Current rates and official size guides can be checked using the Royal Mail Price Finder tool. It is worth double-checking in case prices have changed since the last item was sent.
What happens if postage is invalid
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 sum Royal Mail requests depends on the item being delivered and is shown on a grey slip posted through the door of the intended recipient. To cover the correct postage, the recipient would 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 fastest way to settle the payment is online, following the instructions on the grey card, using a debit or credit card or a PayPal account.
