FAQs

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ABOUT ipostparcels

Who are ipostparcels?

ipostparcels is part of UK Mail Group, the largest independent parcels, mail and logistics services company within the UK, offering innovative delivery solutions both locally and worldwide.

ipostparcels can deliver your parcels in the UK at discounted rates. Use our Quick Quote form for one or multiple parcel deliveries and see just how much you can save.

Why use ipostparcels?

As ipostparcels is part of UK Mail Group, the largest independent parcels, mail and logistics services company within the UK, all ipostparcels delivery drivers are part of the UK Mail network. This means they use the very same network of more than 50 nationwide depots and around 3,000 vehicles to ensure your parcel gets to its intended destination, on time every time. UK Mail is one of the most reliable delivery and logistics companies in the UK today, so you know your parcel is in safe hands.

Why are your prices so cheap?

At ipostparcels you are dealing with the actual company collecting and delivering your order. There is no middle man or broker to pay for introducing you to us as a customer.

Our ipostparcels online booking portal aims to offer the lowest prices possible for customers to send parcels within the UK. We offer our customers a base price from which they can choose to add optional services such as dropping parcels into their local depot or booking multiple parcels in the same order to benefit from extra discounts.

Do I need a printer to use the service?

No, if you choose the ‘Bring me labels’ option on the ‘Get quote and book’ form then our driver will bring your labels when he comes to collect your parcels. Please note there is a small charge for this service and if you select the “Bring me labels” option you will not be able to leave your parcels in a safe place for collection as we require you to be present when the driver arrives. If you want to use the service and are shipping multiple items you must select “Bring me labels” for all the parcels added to the order. Before handing your parcels to our driver please ensure the correct labels are attached as the label contains important information that is used to help the delivery process go as smoothly as possible and is a vital part of the delivery process.

What payment options do you offer?

All ipostparcels credit & debit card payments are processed via a secure service provided by Barclaycard. Through this service we can accept Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Amex and Maestro or you can now choose to pay via Paypal.

Are my credit card details safe and are they stored by you?

For you added security, ipostparcels do not store your credit card details. All online card payments are processed via a service provided by Barclaycard, who are fully compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Standard (PCI DSS). You can access further information about payment card data security from the Barclaycard website. Alternatively you pay via Paypal.

Can you bring my labels for me?

Yes, when you complete the ‘Get quote & book’ form you will be given the option to select the ‘Bring me labels’ option. For a small charge our driver will bring your labels when he comes to collect your parcels. Please note if you select the “Bring me labels” option you will not be able to leave your parcels in a safe place for collection as we require you to be present when the driver arrives. If you want to use the service and are shipping multiple items you must select “Bring me labels” for all the parcels added to the order. Before handing your parcels to our driver please ensure the correct labels are attached as the label contains important information that is used to help the delivery process go as smoothly as possible and is a vital part of the delivery process.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ipostparcels SERVICES?

How do I know what delivery services are available for a given postcode?

There are remote areas in the UK that can’t be sent on a next day service. At the point of booking the delivery services available to that postcode will be shown. If it doesn’t show it means for now we don’t currently offer that service in that area.

For the majority of postcodes within the UK we offer at a surcharge, a next day delivery by 9am, 10.30am, by 12.00 Noon and in selected areas, a Saturday delivery.

Do you offer a door to door delivery service?

Yes. ipostparcels collect and deliver your parcels from door to door be it from your home or a place of work. That’s because we are the actual company collecting and delivering your order, there is no middle man or parcel broker to pay either. You also have the added peace of mind that by placing your order direct with ipostparcels, you won’t be passed from pillar to post if you have any queries with your order or our services.

Can I choose a collection time for my parcel?

Yes, when you complete the ‘Get a quote & book’ form you will be given the option to drop your parcel off at your nearest depot, or to select a convenient time for our driver to collect from your address. We offer FREE all-day collection service or a choice of 3 different time slots – am, pm or a 3 to 4 hour time window when our driver will be in your area (this will vary depending on your collection address). The time slots incur an additional charge, which is clearly shown on the ‘Get a quote & book’ form.

Can I leave my parcel in a ‘safe place’ for collection?

Yes, you can choose the ‘safe place’ option when selecting an option for your collection time. It’s free and can be ideal for busy days when you can’t wait at home. The ‘safe place’ must be at the collection address you have specified and easy for our driver to find (Often a porch or shed is selected as they protect your parcel from the elements and keep it out of sight to passers-by). Remember, we will not be liable for any loss or damage which occurs prior to our driver collecting, or attempting to collect, from your ‘safe place’ and therefore this option should not be chosen for higher value items. If you choose the ‘safe place’ option we will not be able to leave you a collection receipt, but you will be able to track your parcel as normal by logging into the ipostparcels website and clicking on the ‘My account’ tab in the menu. Please see our terms and conditions for more details.

Can I have my parcel collected from either my home or office?

Yes. ipostparcels collect and deliver your parcels from any UK address and provide a door to door parcel delivery service, collecting or delivering to a home or a place of work.

Do you offer any services to let my customer know when their delivery will be made?

During your order select the 'pre-delivery advice' option. Where a signature delivery service has been selected the pre-delivery advice option is a free service.

We will then send your customer a text or email following the collection of the parcel to advise them of the delivery date and where a timed service has been booked when it should be delivered by.

Do you offer any services to let me know that the parcel I have sent has been delivered?

By selecting the ‘post-delivery advice’ option during the order, we will send you a text confirming that the parcel has been delivered.

After approximately 20 minutes of delivery, a date and time of the parcel delivery will be available by logging into the ipostparcels website and clicking on the ‘My account’ tab in the menu. If you booked the option of ‘signature required ‘ or selected a mandatory signature service, an image of the recipients signature will also be available for you to view.

Will I get proof of delivery (POD)?

Where a signatory service has been selected the electronic proof of delivery (POD) showing the signature will be available by logging into the ipostparcels website and clicking on the ‘My account’ tab in the menu.

Information on pre-delivery to the delivery address will be provided for all orders providing that contact details have been entered at the time of booking.

What are the conditions or restrictions of the ipostparcels service?

Please read our full terms and conditions which you can access here.

Do you offer an overnight parcel delivery service?

Yes, the parcel will be collected from you and then moved through our network overnight for delivery the next working day including Saturdays if you have booked for delivery that day.

There are remote areas in the UK that can’t be sent on an overnight parcel delivery service. At the point of booking the delivery services available to that postcode will be shown.

Do you offer a business courier service?

Yes. If you want a collection tomorrow for delivery the following day (although we don’t collect on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank holidays or deliver on Sundays or Bank holidays) just complete the online Quote & book form.

What service options are available?

ipostparcels offers Next day delivery which can be booked to be delivered between 8a.m. and 6p.m. Monday to Friday. You can select delivery times or upgrade to Saturday delivery if your parcel is more urgent. You can select delivery before 9am, 10.30am or Noon. You can also request pre and post delivery advice notifications by email or SMS text. A proof of delivery (POD) is available with all bookings where a signature has been requested and this can be viewed approximately 20 minutes after the delivery has been completed. Just log in to view the full delivery details.

What type of next day delivery services do you offer?

ipostparcels offers Next day delivery which can be booked to be delivered between 8a.m. and 6p.m. Monday to Friday. You can select delivery times or upgrade to Saturday delivery if your parcel is more urgent. You can select delivery before 9am, 10.30am or Noon.

You can request pre and post delivery advice notifications by email or SMS text and you can choose to increase the liability value should anything unexpected happen to your parcel. The standard liability is £25, which is normally adequate for most items but if in doubt it’s worth selecting the right value level for extra peace of mind. Just select the right value from the ‘Extended liability’ options on the Quote & book page.

A proof of delivery (POD) is available with all bookings where a signature has been requested and this can be viewed approximately 20 minutes after the delivery has been completed. Just log in to view the full delivery details.

Can I use ipostparcels as an eBay auction collection and delivery service?

Yes. ipostparcels offers discounts for multiple consignments and is ideal for market place traders such as Powersellers or any member seller on eBay. With all orders you have the option to select delivery before 9am, 10.30am or Noon. You can also request pre and post delivery advice notifications by email or SMS text. The pre advice delivery is sent to your customer informing them that their delivery is on its way and when to expect it. If the delivery day is not convenient they even have the option to rearrange it via SMS if you have included their mobile phone number at the time of booking. Its great customer service and helps with positive seller feedback for eBay customers. A proof of delivery (POD) is available with all bookings where a signature has been requested, so again this can help with missing parcel disputes.

I’m a regular eBay seller, is there a quicker way to ship my items?

Yes, ipostparcels offers eBay sellers a quick and easy way to ship their sold items. Simply follow a few short steps to link your ipostparcels account to your eBay account and you’ll be able to instantly populate the ‘quote and book’ form with any of your sold items. And if you’re concerned about security, don’t worry, as eBay don’t share your password or account details with us. Whether you are already registered with ipostparcels, or new to our website linking to your eBay account is just a few clicks away.

How do I unlink my eBay and ipostparcel account?

Once you have linked your ipostparcels account to your eBay account the link will appear every time you login to ipostparcels. You can choose to remove the link at any time by going to the ‘My Account’ tab and clicking on ‘Maintain profile’ or by editing your account preferences in eBay.

What goods am I not permitted to send through ipostparcels?

There are a number of types of goods that are not permitted to be sent through the ipostparcels service. These are Breakable goods, Valuable goods, Dangerous goods, Restricted goods and certain other types of goods that are either perishable or potentially more likely to cause damage to other consignments during the transit process. It is the policy of ipostparcels not to carry perishable items, food (excluding dried food and cereals), liquids (including alcoholic beverages), paint and inks (excluding printer cartridges) plants, prescription drugs and medicines.

"Breakable and valuable goods"

The ipostparcels service is not suitable for the carriage of breakable or valuable goods, and we do not carry dangerous goods or restricted goods. It is therefore your responsibility to ensure that your items do not contain anything which could be termed as such. If your parcel contains anything which could fall into the above categories, any cover provided by us (either standard or extended liability) may be invalidated, and if your parcel causes damage to the parcels of other senders, we may recover the costs of repairing such damage from you.

For your convenience, we have set out brief descriptions of what we mean by breakable, valuable, dangerous or restricted goods below but you should always read our terms and conditions before sending your parcel.

Although all items are technically breakable, there are some that are much more fragile to transport than others. "Breakable goods" include glass, china, ceramics, pottery, stoneware, fossils, works of art and televisions whose screen size exceeds 37 inches.

"Valuable goods" means any valuable goods such as bullion, cashiers or travellers cheques, currency, money orders, negotiable instruments in bearer form, credit or debit cards, important documents (including passports, tenders, share and option certificates) stamps, antiques, unprotected furniture, precious stones or metals, artwork, jewellery or valuable items of wear (including occasional wear, designer items (including clothing, watches, shoes and handbags).

"Dangerous goods" is anything considered hazardous such as acids, chemicals and certain other substances. These are specified by National and International legislation, guidance and rules. To read more about what is regarded as "Dangerous goods" a list is detailed in the United Nations Recommendations on the transport of Dangerous goods "UNRTDG" www.un.org

"Restricted goods" are those not permitted by National or International law, rule or regulation. These include firearms, weapons, explosives and munitions (including but not limited to replicas, imitations and blank firing pistols), animals, animal parts, livestock, insects, tobacco or tobacco products, and any items the carriage of which could be breaking laws or rules in any country over which the consignment travels.

Can I send parcels to a PO Box address through ipostparcels?

No, sorry we are unable to deliver to PO Box addresses.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR ORDER

Postcode not recognised?

The ipostparcels postcode system is very sophisticated, however on occasion, postcodes change or new addresses are added to the system due to new property developments.

If you are unsure about your postcode please validate your postcode before booking with ipostparcels to avoid any problems with your order.

What is the weight limit and the maximum parcel size for the ipostparcels service?

The maximum weight for an individual parcel is 25kg.

For Extra Large (XL) or Odd Size parcels the maximum dimensions are as follows:

  • 75cm x 75cm x 75cm
  • 120cm x 50cm x 50cm
  • 150cm x 35cm x 35cm

Do not send oversized or overweight parcels as any oversized or overweight items could potentially be delayed within the delivery network and may attract a surcharge fee.

How do I work out what size category my parcel is?

There are 5 size categories, each with maximum weight and dimensions;-

  • Packet - up to 1kg, A4/C4 padded envelope maximum dimension – 23x33cm
  • Small - up to 5kg, no single dimension exceeds 35cm
  • Medium - up to 10kg, no single dimension exceeds 45cm
  • Large - up to 15kg, no single dimension exceeds 60cm
  • XL/Odd Size - over 15kg and under 25kg, either max – 75x75x75cm or 120x50x50cm or 150x35x35cm

The size category is based on the dead weight of the parcel. The maximum weight which can be sent is 25kg. So to calculate what size parcel you have and what to select on ipostparcels.com: Get quote & book form, just weigh your parcel and ensure the measurements do not exceed the maximum sizes.

What happens if I send a parcel over 25kg in weight?

Take extra care when weighing your parcel; don’t guess the weight as if it is wrong you will be liable to any surcharge on additional weight above the details of your booking.

ipostparcels reserve the right to hold an overweight parcel at a depot and contact the sender to agree additional payment or to arrange the customer to collect or make a payment of the return delivery at a fair market cost. Any unpaid surcharges exceeding 14 days of date of invoice will automatically be passed over to our debt collection department.

What documentation will your collection driver give me?

The collection driver will provide a copy of the booking manifest at the time of collection.

Please ensure this is obtained and kept safe, as this is the only proof of collection and will be required in the event of any claim.

How can I help to maximise a smooth delivery?

All ipostparcels services require a label which you must print off before the completion of your order.

The label must be fixed to the parcel in a prominent position on the upmost surface and must be fixed flat and not wrapped around a parcel. Tape all four sides of the label, ensuring you don’t obstruct any of the printed delivery information printed on the label. View our packaging guidelines to help minimise the risk of any damage to your parcel.

Ensure that you have provided a full delivery address and contact telephone number for your customer or parcel recipient.

How can I monitor the status of my package or parcel through the delivery journey?

Your parcel will be issued with a unique tracking number which is issued to you during the order confirmation. The tracking number will also be shown on the booking manifest which the collection driver will leave with you.

All our parcels are tracked throughout their journey and can be viewed online following the collection of your parcel.

You can take control by accessing this information at ipostparcels.com at any time of the day or night.

How can I add another parcel to my order?

Once your order has been confirmed it is not possible to make any amendments. However you can create another booking, just use the Quote & book page.

If you then wish to cancel your order this must be done 24hrs before the date collection by using the form available in the Contact Us page.

I want to cancel or amend my order, how can I do this?

Once your order has been confirmed it is not possible to make any amendments.

If you then wish to cancel your order this must be done 24hrs before the collection date (Monday to Friday only) by using the form available in the Contact us page. Select Order query as your enquiry subject and provide your consignment number.

What happens if I send more parcels than my order is booked for?

The collection driver will only collect the parcels shown on the booking manifest.

A label must be fixed to all parcels. The label is printed off by you before completion of your order to ensure your order cannot be processed without this.

The label must be fixed to the parcel in a prominent position on the upmost surface and must be fixed flat and not wrapped around a parcel.

ipostparcels will not be held liable for any parcel sent through our network which was not declared or correctly labelled.

How do I best package my parcels?

To ensure that your parcels are delivered as smoothly as possible please take note of the packaging guidelines shown to help prevent damage in transit. Basically it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

  1. Wrap each item inside the parcel individually;
  2. Protect the contents with a strong container;
  3. Seal the container with strong tape.

Packaging guidelines

Packaging your items well will help to protect them from damage in transit:

1

Individually wrap each item going in the parcel.

Gift wrapped packages

Tip: Bubblewrap and tape protect fragile items if wrapped tightly before placing in a box or container.

2

A strong outer container or box will help protect the contents.

A strong outer container or box

Tip: Use polystyrene fill or crumpled newspaper to fill up any extra space in the box to reduce movement.

3

Use strong tape to seal the container or box and make it secure.

Strong tape to seal the container or box

Tip: Seal along the openings of the box or container and all the way around any seams, ideally using strong tape of 40-50mm wide.

Don’t forget to securely attach the address label on the upmost outside of the box or container.

Every care is taken to ensure your parcels are handled correctly, however standard transit knocks do occur on the back of moving vehicles and on the conveyer belt system, therefore internal protection and a strong box is mandatory in order to be covered for damage on our services.

We strongly suggest polystyrene protection for heavier items.

Will a package still be collected or delivered if there is no-one in at the address?

We would strongly recommend that you are there when our driver calls to collect your parcel. The driver will check the parcels before accepting them, so if there are any problems they can be much more easily resolved if you are there to assist.

When booking please ensure that you enter the most appropriate collection address. In some cases this may be your work address.

Alternatively you can select to drop your parcel off at the local UK Mail depot. This can be done at your convenience on the day you have booked the collection for and will save you money. To ensure that your parcels are processed promptly and do not incur delays, please ensure that you take your parcels to the depot between 9am - 6pm. Please note a small number of depots close at 5pm so please check the opening times to ensure you don’t have a wasted journey. Check the opening times.

Please do not take your parcels to a depot unless you have selected this option when booking as a driver will already be assigned to collect from your collection address.

Unless you have selected a signature delivery service, the parcel will be left without a signature at the delivery address where you have indicated as a ‘safe place’ or with a neighbour if you have stipulated one at the time of order. Details of where the parcel has been left can be viewed by logging into the ipostparcels website and clicking on the ‘My account’ tab in the menu.

If there is nowhere appropriate to leave, or you have requested a signature delivery service and there is no-one at the delivery address, the driver will leave a courtesy card for the recipient showing the contact details for them to re-arrange the delivery date or to collect from the delivery depot.

It’s important that you do check your online tracking for delivery information because a parcel will only be held for 5 working days before it is returned to the sender. This will incur an additional charge.

When will the driver arrive to collect my parcels?

When you complete the ‘Get a quote & book’ form you will be given the option to drop your parcel off at your nearest depot, or to select a convenient time for our driver to collect from your address.

We offer FREE all-day collection service (where the driver will arrive between 8am and 6pm) or a choice of 3 different time slots – am, pm or a 3 to 4 hour time window when our driver will be in your area (this will vary depending on your collection address). The time slots incur an additional charge, which is clearly shown on the ‘Get a quote & book’ form.

What happens if my parcel is late?

Sometimes a parcel may be late for any number of reasons, the address may be difficult to find, a signature may have been requested or a safe place to leave the parcel was not available or indicated. Occasionally it may not have been packaged adequately and this can cause delays if the parcel opens but this is unusual. If a parcel or consignment is not delivered on time (subject to our terms and conditions), excluding any reason beyond our control, we will deliver it as soon as possible using the fastest service option available with any resulting upgrade cost absorbed by ipostparcels.

The delivery time selected by you is an indication of the time we will try our best to deliver your parcel or consignment by and is not a guarantee of the time the parcel or consignment will actually be delivered. Although we will try our best to deliver by your selected service time, delays are sometimes unavoidable. If a parcel or consignment is not delivered on time, our only responsibility for the delay will be compensated to you by either; (a) we will deliver your parcel or consignment as soon as possible using the fastest service option available with any resulting upgrade cost absorbed by ipostparcels, for example if you select our standard next day service and your parcel is delayed we will upgrade your parcel at our expense to be delivered by the following working day by 9am; or (b) we will credit your account with the difference between the cost of the service booked by you and the cost of the service actually used to deliver the parcel or the consignment, for example if you have selected the next day by 12pm service, but your parcel is in fact delivered the following day we will credit your account with the difference you would have paid had you selected our 2 day service. We operate a credit policy, however you may request a refund which may take up to 14 days to process.

If you have selected our standard next day delivery service, we will complete the service as soon as reasonably possible. Standard delivery times are between 9am to 7pm on the relevant day. If you select a timed delivery service we will do our best to deliver your parcel or consignment within 60 minutes after the timed service description.

For further details please see our full terms and conditions.

CLAIMS & REFUNDS

What compensation cover is available on parcels?

Technically it’s termed 'Liability cover' and basically means if your parcel is damaged or lost because of our act or failure to act, ipostparcels are liable either up to the standard liability included to the value of £25 per consignment or the relevant higher value if you selected our extended liability option. For full details please read our terms and conditions.

What details do I need to provide to submit a claim?

For damaged goods, you will need to provide a photograph and a written declaration by you that the consignment was damaged and any credit note issued. You will also need to be able to provide proof of the cost value of the item/s you are claiming for.

What is the time scale to submit a claim for loss or damage?

You must notify us of any damage or loss to a consignment within the following timeframes;-

5 working days of the date of delivery if the proof of delivery is signed stating that the consignment has been received in good condition.

10 working days of the date of delivery (or the due date for delivery if the whole consignment has been lost).

Once you have notified us of any damage or loss within the time frames above you will need to submit a written claim. You can notify us of any loss or damage query here. Just select the claims or refunds enquiry type, tell us much as possible about your claim or refund enquiry making sure you include the consignment reference it relates to.

For full details of the ipostparcels loss or damage policy, please see our terms and conditions.

Should I retain the damaged item that I wish to claim for?

Yes, we may wish to inspect the damaged item. Please retain the parcel whilst any claim is being investigated or processed. You will be advised when it is no longer required, if you are in any doubt please let us know here.

How do I request a refund?

If you have a query about a credit card transaction or in relation to your online account balance, please let us know by completing our contact us form. Select the Claims or Refunds enquiry type and tell us as much as you can about your query, including the consignment number. We will investigate your query thoroughly and be back in touch as soon as possible.

Please be aware that promotional offers can only be redeemed at the time of order and cannot be refunded after you have confirmed and placed your order.

You can read our full terms and conditions here, which further explains the service level we aim to provide and in the event of anything going wrong, where our responsibility starts and ends. If you have any specific question about using the ipostparcels service, just ask and we will do our best to answer them as quickly as possible.

Do you offer refunds if my parcel is late or delayed?

The delivery time selected by you is an indication of the time we will try our best to deliver your parcel or consignment by and is not a guarantee of the time the parcel or consignment will actually be delivered. Although we will try our best to deliver by your selected service time, delays are sometimes unavoidable. If a parcel or consignment is not delivered on time, our only responsibility for the delay will be compensated to you by either; (a) we will deliver your parcel or consignment as soon as possible using the fastest service option available with any resulting upgrade cost absorbed by ipostparcels, for example if you select our standard next day service and your parcel is delayed we will upgrade your parcel at our expense to be delivered by the following working day by 9am; or (b) we will credit your account with the difference between the cost of the service booked by you and the cost of the service actually used to deliver the parcel or the consignment, for example if you have selected the next day by 12pm service, but your parcel is in fact delivered the following day we will credit your account with the difference you would have paid had you selected our 2 day service. We operate a credit policy, however you may request a refund which may take up to 14 days to process.

If you have selected our standard next day delivery service, we will complete the service as soon as reasonably possible. Standard delivery times are between 9am to 7pm on the relevant day. If you select a timed delivery service we will do our best to deliver your parcel or consignment within 60 minutes after the timed service description.

For further details please see our full terms and conditions.

How can I query my charges or credit balance?

All transactions will show on your credit card statement as UK MAIL LTD. If you have any queries about your credit card charge, please let us know. Select the Help and support enquiry type on our contact us form and we will investigate your query and be back in touch as soon as possible.

Please be aware that promotional offers can only be redeemed at the time of order and cannot be refunded after you have confirmed and placed your order.

COMMENTS, COMPLAINTS, AND FEEDBACK

How do I contact you?

If you have a question that our FAQs pages don’t answer or just want to provide some feedback to us, good or bad, please email our Customer Care Centre using the contact us form.

If it’s about a recent booking please make sure you include your consignment reference so we can identify you more easily helping us to respond to you quickly.

Or you can write to us at;-

Customer Care Centre
ipostparcels
UK Mail
Express House
Wolseley Drive
Heartlands
Birmingham
B8 2SQ