Royal Mail, is there a reasonable alternative?

Question

I regularly post small parcels and letters around the UK. I have tried Royal Mail's normal post, Special Delivery and recorded Delivery but they still keep losing my mail. When I try to complain or claim compensation they are so obstructive and they make it so difficult that it's pointless carrying on with the complaint. Postwatch appear to be aware of the problems but powerless to solve them. Has anyone found an alternative service to post small letters around the UK at a reasonable price (I've tried Couriers, they are too expensive for small letters.)

Answer 1

There is not at present unfortunately. I too have suffered like you and it's so annoying that you can't do a damn thing about it.
I lost a package about 18 months ago, went through all the channels like you do and so far - a big fat nothing. Someone probabaly pinched it.

Answer 2

I am very surprised to read your account of service by Royal Mail. Not that I want to defend them, because things do go missing occasionally and this is normally down to theft in the system.
Royal Mail have, for some time now, employed people from the dole to deliver mail. I know that bags of letters have been dumped and that individuals found wanting have been dismissed. Perhaps it is right to say 'If you employ monkeys expect to pay in peanuts'.
There is a procedure for claiming against Royal Mail for loss or delay.
You should complete a Loss Form (used to be P58) I think and in respect of Recorded Delivery, there is a top compensation of a small sum. With Special Delivery, if you have covered the item for its full value, you will get that refund.
Very often though, customers who post items do not ask for the service they really need so claims for compensation are often refused.

You are right in saying that there is no cheaper alternative, at present. You may have noticed that the new carriers like TNT will accept post but when it comes to delivery, the Royal Mail does the final job.

Phoning about your problems is often futile. Use the right procedures and all sorts of things are triggered that I cannot mention. (I am bound by the Official Secrets Act)

Answer 3

Nope they've still got the monopoly I guess you must have a robbing bunch of postmen working at your sorting office as I never see anything go missing

Answer 4

I told you already, use carrier pigeon, but make sure there are no eagles or hawks around.

It is a barbaric world we live in.

If you want to make sure they don't lose you parcel send it by special delivery.