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SIR – I do wonder about the people running Royal Mail, and what business acumen they demonstrated to secure their roles (“Royal Mail adds Christmas and net zero surcharge to deliveries”, report, September 15).
The company is clearly struggling amid the headwinds created by electronic communications and inflation. Sadly, however, this new plan, which will affect businesses and risk increasing costs to their customers, is not the answer. It will further deter use of the service and worsen the situation. Basic economics suggest that Royal Mail should, if anything, reduce its prices over Christmas. This would at least encourage people to use it. Failing that, a fundamental restructure is required.
Andrew Johnstone
Hitchin, Hertfordshire
SIR – At a time when Royal Mail has so many competitors, meaning it needs to make itself as attractive as possible to customers, it is striking how poor the service has been when we have relied on it recently. I offer three examples.
1. Amazon is usually very good at ensuring that parcels arrive on the day promised. When it used Royal Mail, however, a parcel expected on a Sunday was delivered on a Monday.
2. On a separate occasion when Amazon used Royal Mail, I tracked the item and could see that it was out for delivery. Mid-afternoon, and without explanation, Royal Mail moved delivery to the next day.
3. Last Friday my wife, who is blind, sent off for repair a key piece of electronic equipment that she uses to translate messages and emails on her phone into Braille. As it is so important, she paid for special next-day delivery (by 1 pm). It was not delivered until the following Tuesday. When we complained we got a generic response that did not even deal with the subject of the complaint.
This no longer seems like a company even trying to meet customers’ needs.
Jeff Featherstone
Halifax, West Yorkshire
SIR – Last year, given the absurdly expensive price of sending Christmas cards, I bought one card, photographed it and sent it by email to all my friends and relations with appropriate personal felicitations (Letters, September 13).
They were delighted, and I expect to receive many cards this year sent using the same method.
Sandy Pratt
Storrington, West Sussex
SIR – For many years my wife has telephoned friends in lieu of Christmas cards.
With a long list this requires time and patience, but it is so rewarding to note the brightening responses. We donate the cost of cards and postage to a charity. Recently it has been the Red Cross Ukraine appeal.
Raymond Jones
Modbury, Devon
SIR – Over the past few years our village Scout movement has developed a slick Christmas card collection and delivery system.
For a small fee they will ensure safe delivery of Yuletide greetings to Churchdown’s large population of just under 11,000.
Dave Alsop
Churchdown, Gloucester
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