If you’re not careful, sending presents all over the world to your loved ones this Christmas could end up costing you a fortune, perhaps even more than the gift itself! That’s why it’s important to be organised because prices can often go up the closer to Christmas we get. You’ll also need to do your research, so you know that your gift will get there cheaply but safely. Here are some handy tips as to how you can do this:
Choose an Online Company
Usually, you might take all of your parcels down to the Post Office because it’s just down the road, but shopping online for a shipping quotation could save you as much as 75%! That’s because there are a variety of online firms, including InXpress, who are offering cheaper deliveries through some of the bigger courier firms you’ll have heard of.
Because these are arranged through a middleman, the cost can come down considerably. And you may find that they’ll also pick up from your office or home, so you needn’t venture out in the cold to post your parcels either! Furthermore, if you’re sending a parcel abroad, they might even take care of the customs for you, keeping the costs down even more.
What to Consider
Just like when you send any parcel, there are some things that you’ll need to consider. This includes making sure that the weight and dimensions you’ve provided are exact because if your parcel is found to be heavier or larger than you said, you could incur a surcharge.
You’ll also want to check the terms and conditions to see what insurance you’re offered. In most cases, only a certain amount of insurance will be provided (e.g. £20). However, you’ll also have the option to upgrade it to a higher amount if the insurance doesn’t cover the value of your parcel’s contents. If the gift is valuable, it’s worth paying a little bit extra to make sure you’re covered in the event of loss or damage. Don’t forget to check if your item’s covered for damage too, as some shippers won’t cover fragile things like cameras, and will only offer compensation if it’s lost.
Some couriers also have certain forbidden items that they won’t deliver, so make sure your gift’s not on this list. In some cases, you might want to leave your parcel open so the courier can check it before they take it.
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