12.26 insufficient postage royal mail

The frustration of receiving an "insufficient postage" notice from Royal Mail!

Don't worry, I'm here to help you understand what it means and what you can do about it.

What does "insufficient postage" mean?

"Insufficient postage" is a notice issued by Royal Mail when the postage paid on a letter or parcel is not enough to cover the cost of delivery. This can happen when the sender fails to affix the correct amount of postage or when the item is too large or heavy for the postage paid.

Why did I receive this notice?

There are several reasons why you might receive an "insufficient postage" notice:

  1. Incorrect postage: You may have used a stamp or printed a postage label with an incorrect amount of postage.
  2. Item too large or heavy: The item you sent may be too large or heavy for the postage paid, which can result in additional charges.
  3. Special handling required: The item may require special handling, such as signature on delivery or insurance, which can incur additional costs.

What can I do about it?

To resolve the issue, you'll need to pay the additional postage required to cover the cost of delivery. Here are your options:

  1. Pay the additional postage: You can pay the additional postage required by visiting your local post office or by contacting Royal Mail's customer service team.
  2. Redeclare the item: If you're unable to pay the additional postage, you may be able to redeclare the item with the correct postage. This may involve readdressing the item and reapplying the correct postage.
  3. Return the item to the sender: If the item is undeliverable due to insufficient postage, it may be returned to the sender. You can contact the sender to arrange for them to pay the additional postage or to resend the item with the correct postage.

Preventing insufficient postage in the future

To avoid receiving an "insufficient postage" notice in the future, make sure to:

  1. Use the correct postage: Always use the correct postage for the item you're sending, taking into account its size, weight, and destination.
  2. Check the Royal Mail website: Use Royal Mail's website to calculate the correct postage for your item.
  3. Use a postage calculator: Use a postage calculator or a shipping software to ensure you're using the correct postage.