A Royal Mail postman has revealed a surprisingly simple way to get on a delivery worker's good side and make sure they are more inclined to "look after you" and your parcels.
Reece Perch, a postman who shared the tip on TikTok, said it is not about offering drinks or snacks. Instead, the gesture many people might not think of is asking if the postie needs the toilet.
Why Offering the Toilet Matters
Most postmen or delivery drivers do not have easy access to a toilet because they are out on the road. Reece noted: "If I need the toilet, I have to drive somewhere; I can't just walk to the other side of the office or go to my own bathroom when working from home."
Over the years, he has built great relationships with people along his route, describing them as lovely for letting him use their toilets. "Now I can drive round the corner from someone and go for a wee, because I built that relationship with that person," said Reece.
He went on to say that as posties, they would be offered drinks on a hot day or snacks, but "nine times out of 10," your postman needs the toilet. Reece stated: "They'll be more grateful for that than being offered a drink."
The Impact on Your Parcels
Reece added: "I promise you that postie will begin to love you, and they'll look after you. They'll put off your parcels in the safest places all the time."
According to Royal Mail, if you are not at home when your parcel arrives, there are a few different things that can happen depending on the size of the item and whether it requires a signature. Some parcels simply won't fit through a standard letterbox, meaning the postie may need to hand them over in person. If no one is available to receive the item, Royal Mail will usually make another delivery attempt on the next working day.
However, if the postie is still unable to deliver the item, they will leave a 'Something for you' card explaining what has happened. The parcel will then be returned to a Customer Service Point for collection. Alternatively, recipients can arrange for the item to be redelivered at a more convenient time.
Items Postmen Can't Leave With a Neighbour
Royal Mail notes that certain items cannot be left with a neighbour, including Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed items, items from overseas which require a signature, and items sent using the ID verification service, which must be delivered to the named individual. Also included are items sent using the Age verification service if your neighbour appears to be under 25 and can't provide appropriate ID, items sent using the Do Not Redirect service, and citations sent from the Scottish Courts via Royal Mail Signed For.
