Post Office postmaster warns to avoid simple mistake when posting an item

Post Office customers are being urged to familiarise themselves with the rules when sending items Tony Fleming, postmaster at Thorne Post Office in Doncaster, has noticed a common confusion among customers regarding parcel tracking.

He said: “A common mistake people make is thinking that we are able to track items sent via standard mail when in fact only Tracked or Special Delivery services offer that level of visibility, via Royal Mail.” Yet there’s good news for those looking to keep tabs on their parcels, as the Post Office has recently broadened its tracking options.

Mr Fleming said: “Our new Multi Carrier offering has changed the landscape here though with both EVRI and DPD offering tracking as standard.” In a move to modernise services, the Post Office introduced a new feature in 2023, allowing customers to send parcels through DPD and Evri at select locations.

Banking services at the Post Office

This addition provides more choices for customers, enabling them to select the courier service that best fits their needs. Mr Fleming highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of the Post Office – its range of banking services. He pointed out: “In recent times as local banks have closed customers have become aware that cash deposits and withdrawals and balance enquires can be made over the counter for most UK banks.

“But most are unaware that the Post Office offers a comprehensive range of straightforward and competitive savings accounts for customers via our agreement with One Family and Bank of Ireland.” For instance, there’s a Post Office Online ISA offering a 4.05% rate with the easy-access version of the account for the first 12 months, after which the rate reverts to 1.15%.

You can also choose a fixed-rate ISA with options including 3.85% for one year or 3.7% for two years. Branch banking services you can use include withdrawing cash at the counter or at a cash machine, depositing cash or cheques, and checking your account balance.

Ross Borkett, banking director at the Post Office, said the cash access is still really important for their customers. He said: “People from all walks of life use our cash and banking services – from small business owners to a growing number of people who use cash as a way to budget.

“It is also vital for the millions of people who struggle to get online or simply want to use in person counter services to have the reassurance of a face-to-face transaction.” Post Office research found that people commonly use cash for smaller daily payments such as purchases in shops or kiosks, and when buying food and drinks in cafés and pubs.

The findings also revealed that people frequently use cash for making gifts or tipping, as well as when donating to charitable causes. Mr Borkett said: “These kinds of purchases are often easily manageable in cash, especially for those who like to stay on top of their spending. Nearly a quarter of people (23%) we surveyed also use cash to help with budgeting and saving.”