How does royal mail special delivery work

Royal Mail Special Delivery is a premium postal service offered by Royal Mail, the UK's national postal service. It provides a tracked and insured delivery service for valuable or time-sensitive items. Here's how it works:

Key Features:

  1. Tracking: Each item is tracked from dispatch to delivery, allowing you to monitor the progress of your parcel online.
  2. Insured: Your item is insured against loss, damage, or theft, up to a value of £500 (or £2,500 for larger items).
  3. Signature on Delivery: The recipient must sign for the item upon delivery, providing proof of delivery.
  4. Next-Day Delivery: Special Delivery is typically delivered by 1pm the next working day (Monday to Friday) for items sent before 3pm.
  5. Saturday Delivery: Additional charges apply for Saturday delivery.

How to Send a Special Delivery Item:

  1. Packaging: Ensure your item is properly packaged and sealed to prevent damage during transit.
  2. Label: Attach a Special Delivery label to your item, which can be purchased online or at a post office.
  3. Post Office: Take your item to a Royal Mail post office or a designated Special Delivery drop-off point.
  4. Payment: Pay for the service using a credit or debit card, or cash at a post office.

Costs:

The cost of Special Delivery varies depending on the weight and size of your item, as well as the destination. Here are some approximate costs:

Additional Services:

  1. Special Delivery Next Day by 9am: Guaranteed delivery by 9am the next working day for an additional £10.35.
  2. Special Delivery Next Day by 12pm: Guaranteed delivery by 12pm the next working day for an additional £5.35.
  3. Special Delivery Saturday: Additional charges apply for Saturday delivery.

What Happens if My Item is Lost or Damaged:

If your item is lost or damaged, you can claim compensation through Royal Mail's compensation scheme. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the value of your item and the circumstances of the loss or damage.

Overall, Royal Mail Special Delivery provides a reliable and secure way to send valuable or time-sensitive items, with tracking, insurance, and signature on delivery.