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Downsizer Forum Index -> Small Business Questions, Ideas and Advice

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powerjen

Joined: 23 Jan 2013
Posts: 44
Location: Argyll & Bute

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 13 2:18 pm Post subject:

Nell. courier companies are extremely funny about sending out anything which is 'liquid'. I am not sure if body butters would be classed as that but certainly liquid soap, serums and body washes are.

Most won't carry items that are 'liquid', but Hermes do, plus they're much cheaper than couriers. Even if you register as a customer with a courier - DPD, City Link etc etc the prices were still prohibitive for me. Places like Parcel2go etc are good as they act as the customer on your behalf so you get the best deals through them, but again it's not much good if you're sending something 'liquid' through them as they won't accept the parcel.

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 13 9:09 pm Post subject:
You can send liquids no problem. And, use parcel2go. You can get ten percent off their prices, and there's no need to register as a business. I'm eternally confused why people find couriers hard work. It's the simplest web site to use, you print off the label and thy collect from your door, and if you want it delivered next day, you can do so.

Nell Merionwen

Joined: 02 Jun 2008
Posts: 16300
Location: Beautiful Derbyshire

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 13 9:11 pm Post subject:

Nick wrote:

You can send liquids no problem. And, use parcel2go. You can get ten percent off their prices, and there's no need to register as a business.

I'm eternally confused why people find couriers hard work. It's the simplest web site to use, you print off the label and thy collect from your door, and if you want it delivered next day, you can do so.

Thank you x

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 13 9:14 pm Post subject:
For liquids, just make sure they're very well wrapped, and label them 'cosmetics'.

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 13 9:29 pm Post subject:
Our courier says as long as you don't pack liquids in a bucket, that's fine.

sueshells

Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 690
Location: North Bucks

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 13 11:21 pm Post subject:

Also check out Collect+ which is a courier service whereby if you are sending parcels you can drop them off at a local collection point - usually located in a village corner shop or similar. Prices are very reasonable with up to 2kgs costing �3.99, up to 5kgs is �4.99, up to 10kgs is �6.99.

https://www.collectplus.co.uk/

You have to be lucky enough to have a nearby collection point - mine is 6 miles away which isn't much good for an odd parcel but if I was regularly sending a dozen or so it would be worth the trip.

powerjen

Joined: 23 Jan 2013
Posts: 44
Location: Argyll & Bute

Posted: Sun Mar 03, 13 10:10 am Post subject:

Hi, if you check out parcel2gos website when you click on accepting their ts and cs on confirming your parcel booking it does ask that you have checked their prohibited items list (or words to that effect) which includes liquids on every type of courier you try to send with.

It is up to each individual if they choose to say that they are sending cosmetics (even though they are still liquids which are prohibited), but personally I'm not happy to - just in case a parcel for whatever reason bursts or leaks causes damage which they may try claim from you. I wrap everything very well etc etc and have never had problem with anything I've sent.

I personally don't see the point in having to do this anyway as I still find if you're sending out lighter goods such as toiletries big couriers just can't compete with royal mail prices unless you use Hermes, which are cheap, pick up from your place of work or home and don't care what you send with them. It just takes the equivalent of 2nd class post rather than 1st.

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Sun Mar 03, 13 10:22 am Post subject:
hermes are on parcel2go, and also ban liquids.

powerjen

Joined: 23 Jan 2013
Posts: 44
Location: Argyll & Bute

Posted: Mon Mar 04, 13 7:10 am Post subject:

If you go on Hermes's own website and book from there myhermes.co.uk then they don't ban liquids. It is parcel2go who state that those are their prohibited items and it is a standard list that most couriers use. As Rob has said in the past there is the odd other courier company that do allow liquids but these have all been too expensive for me to use compared to Hermes as I only send lower weight items.

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Mon Mar 04, 13 8:18 am Post subject:
Exactly. So, you can tie yourself up in trying to follow rules that contradict themselves, or you can apply common sense, and crack on with stuff.

nats

Joined: 12 Jun 2007
Posts: 2374
Location: Swindon but not a Swindonian

Posted: Tue Mar 05, 13 1:13 am Post subject:

As a customer............ couriers are only good if you are going to be in all day. When I order meat from Rob I have to plan to be in ALL DAY, and it normally tries to come when I'm out on the school run. With Royal Mail the collection point is close and easy. For me any way. I would choose to pay more for a parcel delivered by RM than any courier. Honestly. And I have done in the past too. I don't mind for things like a whole pig - that takes planning and that's how it goes, but I would mind for a jar of body butter or a plague rat or 3. Is it worth having an option where people can add a couple of quid to pay for it to go RM rather than courier??

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Tue Mar 05, 13 8:36 am Post subject:

nats wrote:

Is it worth having an option where people can add a couple of quid to pay for it to go RM rather than courier??

I agree. I'd say that having a choice is always better than having no choice.

sally_in_wales
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 06 Mar 2005
Posts: 20809
Location: sunny wales

Posted: Tue Mar 05, 13 8:52 am Post subject:

Mine I think will stay with RM in all liklihood. I'm not sure at the moment that its actually a saving to the customer send the smaller 'average' package by any other route when you also factor in likely dleivery options. Big parcels may be a different matter though.

I'm hoping to find the time and brainpower to switch my shop to another platform this year, and I'll definately be looking at postal option flexibility.

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 13 9:28 am Post subject:
I've just received this in my inbox; 10 Ways to Slash Your Postage & Shipping Costs

sunnybankvines

Joined: 30 Oct 2009
Posts: 62

Posted: Tue Mar 26, 13 11:53 am Post subject:
an epetition against the new pricing - suggesting the overall measurements of the parcel should operate - not individual dimensions. This is how the international packets work ... https://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/46737 worth adding our voice to this too .. ( if it makes any difference!)

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