Royal Mail’s Delivery Options for Small Business Owners: The Ultimate Guide

As a small business owner, you manage a long list of endless tasks and critical decisions; even something as routine as selecting the right courier can make a difference to your bottom line.

We’ve created this guide as part of our Courier Guide series. Our goal is to assist small business owners navigate through the major delivery services available in the UK.

In this exploration, we spotlight Royal Mail – a courier service that aids small businesses in delivering their goods not only across the UK, but also throughout Europe and indeed the world. By the time you finish reading, you should have a clear understanding of whether Royal Mail caters to your business needs and which of their services would be most beneficial for your customers.

How big is your box?

Shipping rolled or cylinder-shaped parcels? Make sure:

• Length + (2x diameter) = 104cm or less
• Greatest dimension = 90cm or less.

Good news! Our cardboard boxes and large letter postal boxes fit in these dimensions.

How fast do you want it delivered?

Tomorrow by 1pm – UK Guaranteed

UK Guaranteed’s price is determined by weight and value, not by size.

Tracked In 24-48 hours

*Includes compensation up to £150

Need a Signature?

Search for: Tracked with Signature

*Includes compensation up to £150.

Need to verify the recipient’s age?

Search for: Tracked with Age Verification

48 hours with proof of delivery – Signed For

Note: All prices include compensation up to £50.

2 Working Days – 1st Class and 2nd Class

Includes compensation up to £20

How big is your box?

Letters and Large Letters are the same size for both domestic and international delivery.

For Small Parcels:

• Height + Width + Depth = 90 cm.
• No single side longer than 60cm
• No heavier than 2kg

For Medium Parcels:

• Length: 61cm
• Width: 64cm
• Depth: 46cm
• No heavier than 20kg

Tubes and Rolls:

• Length:  61cm
• Width: 46cm
• Depth: 46cm
• No heavier than 2kg

Where are you shipping it to?

Royal Mail’s Shipping Zones Explained

Europe Zone 1

Europe Zone 2

Europe Zone 3

World Zone 1

World Zone 2

World Zone 3

All parcels and letters include compensation up to £50.

Add £2.50 for an extra £200 compensation coverage.

Letter

Weight up to and including 100g – £7.20

Large Letter

Small Parcel

International Standard

International Tracked

International Tracked & Signed

Medium Parcel – International Tracked & Signed Heavier

All parcels and letters include compensation up to £50.

Add £2.50 for an extra £250 compensation coverage.

Letter

Weight up to and including 100g – £7.20

Large Letter

Small Parcel

Medium Parcel

All parcels and letters include compensation up to £50.

Add £2.50 for an extra £250 compensation coverage.

Letter

Weight up to and including 100g – £7.20

Large Letter

Small Parcel

Medium Parcel

All parcels and letters include compensation up to £50.

Add £2.50 for an extra £250 compensation coverage.

Letter

Weight up to and including 100g – £7.20

Large Letter

International Signed is not available for World Zone 3 (The USA).

Small Parcel

Medium Parcel

If your delivery service includes tracking, you can use Royal Mail’s dedicated service to track your item.  Here’s how:

1. Visit https://www.royalmail.com/track-your-item
2. Enter your reference number (this is provided after you purchase your delivery)
3. Click Track your delivery

If found, Royal Mail will tell you it’s current location with an estimated date for delivery.

Preparing your Royal Mail parcel accurately is of paramount importance to ensure efficient and safe delivery. There are a few key factors to consider when you’re packaging your items.

Step 1: Choose the right box

The box should be in good condition, large enough to hold the item with adequate space for protective cushioning material, yet compact enough to avoid unnecessary postage costs.

Step 2: Protect your item

Use appropriate cushioning material like bubble wrap, foam inserts, or crumpled newspaper to encase your items and protect them from damage during transit.

Step 3: Seal your package

Make sure you’ve sealed all flaps and seams securely using a strong parcel tape. This not only prevents your parcel from opening during shipment but also provides additional strength to the package.

Note: Always remember to remove or cover old labels if you’re re-using a box to avoid confusion.

Step 4: Attach your postage label

Once your parcel is packaged and ready to go, don’t forget to attach the correct postage label. Make sure the delivery address and return address are clear and legible to ensure your parcel reaches its correct destination.