The Post Office has warned customers of the date to "avoid" going into their local branch to send off Christmas gifts this year.
Post Offices last year saw business more than double over the festive period, and are expecting similar footfall levels this Christmas as people rush to send off cards and presents to loved ones. Staff are expecting the busiest day next month to be Monday 12 December , with customers advised to steer clear of their local branch on this date.
The Post Office has issued advice on how best to beat the rush this Christmas, including how to avoid some of the most common mistakes that can lead to delays in getting gifts delivered on time. Here are their top tips - as well as the last posting dates from Royal Mail to make sure you get your presents sent out in plenty of time.
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Top three most common Post Office mistakes:
- Incorrectly wrapped parcels : Deliveries risk being rejected for posting due to their shape, so you should make sure your items are packed as neatly as possible
- Restricted items : The Post Office warns that lots of everyday objects that many "wouldn't think twice about" have restrictions around posting, so double-check that your gifts are safe to send
- Illegible writing : Not being able to make out addresses can lead to deliveries being held up or even ending up in the wrong place, so make sure you write clearly on envelopes and packages
Post Office top tips to beat the Christmas rush:
- Don't wait until you're in a busy Post Office branch to pack your presents
- Make sure that you check which items are restricted to avoid disappointment - the full list is on the Post Office website
- Avoid the lunchtime rush if you can - make the most of the festive longer opening hours instead
- If you're posting gifts abroad, make sure to keep track of the last posting dates so they arrive in time
- Consider getting tracking and insurance on important or pricey gifts for extra peace of mind
Royal Mail's latest posting dates to arrive for Christmas:
- Friday 16 December: Royal Mail Bulk Mail Economy
- Monday 19 December - 2nd Class, 2nd Class Signed For, Royal Mail 48
- Wednesday 21 December - 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail 24, Royal Mail Tracked 48
- Thursday 22 December - Special Delivery Guaranteed, Royal Mail Tracked 24
- Friday 23 December - Special Delivery Guaranteed with Saturday Guarantee
Post Office Customer Experience Director Laura Joseph said: “The lead up to Christmas is often a busy time for all with a long to-do list in preparation for the big day. We all want to make sure our Christmas cards and presents to loved ones arrive in time and our Postmasters across our 11,500 branches can help with that. Over the festive period Postmasters will be supporting communities across the UK and so too can Post Office customers. Once again, Post Office will this year be giving 1p from every over-the-counter cash withdrawal to the Trussell Trust to help fight poverty and hunger this winter.”
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