What is the cheapest way to send a parcel?

Keeping the cost of postage down is a major priority for consumers and companies alike. Although prices are predetermined, there are still lots of tricks and workarounds you can use to keep costs as low as possible. Here are our top tips for the cheapest ways to send your parcels.
 
Keep it light and small
 
The size and weight of your parcel is still one of the most influential factors affecting the shipping cost, so keeping both of these as low as is feasible is the best way to go to minimise the cost.
 
Weight and size can both be affected by the packaging you choose. Obviously protecting your item properly from possible bumps in its journey is necessary but being a little frugal with the padding may also be prudent - depending, of course, on the contents. Make sure your box is only a little bigger than the item and use a lightweight material such as bubble wrap or tissue to prevent it from moving. Re-using packaging materials is a great tip; although it won't affect the postage cost it will keep down your overall costs and is much better for the environment.
 
Slow it down
 
Being organised and allowing plenty of time for your package to get to its destination is a great way to keep the price down. Although ipostparcels is the cheapest in the UK for next day collection and delivery, faster deliveries will of course cost a little more. Planning a delivery in plenty of time will save money as a parcel can go normal delivery rather than express if it isn't needed right away.
 
Send in bulk
 
Often, the more you send the more you can save. With ipostparcels, sending two or more parcels together will save you a further £1, so it really does pay to send in bulk where possible. You can also save money by taking advantage of our depots - by dropping your parcel off instead of having it collected you can save £1.25 off the price.
 
International packages
 
Keeping rates down on international packages means following many of the guidelines above; international parcel shipping costs are calculated by the volumetric weight of the parcel. This is its length x width x height in centimetres (cm), divided by 5000.
 
The ipostparcels booking system will help you calculate this automatically. If the volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight of your parcel, then the former will be used to calculate shipping cost. This means it pays to keep the weight and size of your parcel down, particularly when sending internationally.
 
Being savvy with your package and following these tips will help you send your parcel the cheapest way possible.

 

Also see our related content...

Sending parcels to the UK

Sending parcels Internationally

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* £2.49 from price based on a next day XS parcel size with a UK depot drop off and UK depot collection service. Delivery to British Isles, The Highlands, Ireland, Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland operate on a 1-3 day delivery service and can incur further costs. £8.74 price based on a parcel weight of up to 25kg (50cm x 50cm x 50cm) on a UK depot drop off and economy delivery service to Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg or Austria. All prices quoted on content pages (outside of the quick quote and booking form) will be based on the depot drop off discounted price for UK deliveries and on a 0.5kg parcel with dimensions of 10cm x 10cm x 10cm for all international air countries. The size and weight of your parcel affects the price you’ll pay so it’s important to weigh and measure your parcel correctly to ensure your parcel arrives on time without any delays. Use our quick quote for all pricing options.
The £1 saving on every additional consignment sent in a UK order is exclusive to home collection orders only - this discount will not be added in addition to the depot drop off discount or depot collection discount. † If you do not select the "signature required" delivery option, UKMail will not be liable should your items be subsequently lost or damaged after the delivery (see clause 5.2.2 of the Terms & Conditions). We define a "Parcel" as a package with dimensions up to 80cm x 80cm x 80cm or up to 120cm x 50cm x 50cm or up to 140cm x 35cm x 35cm. **’Was’ pricing based on the previous fixed collection and signature price for XS and collection price for small. ‘Now from’ pricing based on the new prices for XS and Small with the depot drop off discount applied.

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