Royal Mail customers sending letters or cards in coloured envelopes might need to add an extra label to their post. While many people choose colourful envelopes for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, they might not realise that doing so could delay their post or cause problems during delivery.
Address Visibility Is Key
The postal service requires that customers write the send address 'clearly' on the front of their envelope to help ensure everything goes to the right place. The Royal Mail website explains: "It's important that the address shows up against the colour of your envelope."
Customers can still use coloured envelopes, but it is advised to add a white label and write the address in black ink. According to Royal Mail advice, the address should go in the bottom-left corner of the envelope or parcel.
Useful App Features
When sending letters and parcels, customers might find the Royal Mail app helpful. Royal Mail says customers can use its app to track parcels, find drop-off points, and book redeliveries. The postal service said: "We’re always adding great new features and improvements to give the best Royal Mail experience on our app."
Track deliveries: Receive instant push notification updates on progress of your deliveries. Send items: Buy postage in just a few simple steps, we can collect your items and bring the label or you can drop off. Get proof of posting. Tell us when you’ve posted an item and receive a digital certificate.
Delivery Preferences and Drop-Off Points
"Tell us your delivery preferences: Set a Safeplace for your items when you’re not in. Book a redelivery: We’ll automatically attempt delivery again the next working day, or you can book a redelivery on the app."
"Find your nearest drop off points: Find Postboxes, Lockers, Parcel Postboxes and shops (including Royal Mail Shops and Post Office branches)." More information is available on the Royal Mail website.
Online Experience Revamp
Royal Mail has also recently revamped its online experience for customers. In a Facebook update shared earlier this summer, the postal service told customers: "We've made it easier than ever to find and purchase the perfect postage option for your parcels.
"Next time you're sending something, you'll now see the most popular options first. So, if you're in a hurry, you're only a few clicks away from getting your parcel ready to send. Simply tell us the size and weight of your parcel, how quickly you need it to be delivered, and if you need any extras such as tracking, guaranteed delivery, a photo on delivery, or a signature."
"We will then recommend the best postage services for you to choose from. Click on the postage option you want, and add a few extra details before adding to your basket. Easy."
