Recorded delivery is a service offered by the Royal Mail. You pay an extra 72p (as of Feb 2008) for your letter or parcel to be signed for at the other end.
Actual Service
What you actually get is exactly what they state. You get a signature from the recipient when the item is delivered.
It could be argued that you would imagine that the item would be tracked all the way to the other end. This, you do not get. You would need to pay for Special Delivery or use a courier for that service.
What they actually do, is throw the parcel in with the ordinary First Class and Second Class post.
When the item is delivered, a signature is requested. This, however can even be from a neighbour or even from the receiver picking the item up from the Post Office.
This is probably the biggest advantage. You can collect the item from the Post Office which is not possible with couriers. At the moment, there are plenty of Post Offices.
Problems
There are a number of problems with the service.
Insurance
When you send an item in the post, you can ask for a proof of postage from the Post Office. This will insure your item for up to 100 times the price of a First Class stamp (£36).By paying the extra 72p, how much extra insurance do you get? Want to guess? None.
All you are doing is paying them 72p for evidence against your claim. Which they will use against you.
Delivery Time
There is no guarantee on delivery dates. You mearly pay for First or Second Class plus 72p. They aim to delivery First Class by the next day, Second Class within two to three days. Notice the word 'aim', not 'guarantee'.
Overall
This can be a useful service in some cases such as when sending a replacement item to someone or when you send a threatening or important letter to a company.However, most of the time, this is a complete waste of money. Get a Proof of Postage from the Post Office instead: They are free.
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Great review!! I truly hate this company! haha
Thanks, Nick
paulpry118 15.02.2009 15:30
I recently ordered some goods over the internet and the supplier sent them 1st class recorded. It took nearly 2 weeks for me to receive them, it would have been quicker by carrier pigeon.
Feb 15th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
