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post office To help people ensure their gifts arrive in time for the big day, we have released our final dates for Christmas posting.
some 67% Britain A survey by the Post Office found that Christmas cards and gifts were received in the post after 25 December.
Most of the previous international posting dates have passed but some carriers may still offer Christmas delivery to select countries until December 15.
Postmasters are urging the public to send early to avoid becoming part of the 17% of people who have left it too late in previous years.
Last date for posting gifts and cards for those willing to pay for Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guarantee DPD Sleep – which guarantees next day delivery or your money back – is December 23rd.
Postmaster Arif Matdar said: “After 15 years as a postmaster, I’ve seen it all when it comes to sending over the holidays, and a little preparation really helps everything run smoothly, so here are my top tips for ensuring precious gifts arrive on time.
“When you are posting a parcel, we will always ask what is inside as we need to find out if it is safe to post and make sure your item can be sent to its destination. For example, perfume can be sent within the UK but not overseas.
“We’ll also check the price, how quickly you want it delivered and what tracking you want which helps us recommend the best delivery option.”
Mr Matadar urged consumers to pack parcels securely to ensure they are safe and to write addresses as clearly as possible, including returns.
If shipping overseas, details about the contents must be provided to ensure correct customs information conforms to international regulations.
Post Office offers delivery options from other carriers Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide, with options for Avery and DPD in selected branches.
Candice Ohandjanian, director of mail and parcels at the Post Office, said: “We are at the time of year when celebrations are in full swing, but we still have important things to do from buying last minute gifts.
“We know customers want to make the most of the festive season – not wait at home for delivery. That’s why our convenient pick up and drop off service remains a favourite, especially during this busy period.
“By choosing their local Post Office branch as the delivery address, customers can receive parcels at a time that suits them, with the assurance that we will keep everything safe. This is part of our commitment to being a one-stop shop for all your posting and parcel needs this festive season.”
The last posting dates are:
Last Royal Mail Second Class: Wednesday 17 December Last Parcelforce Express48 date: Friday 19 December Last Royal Mail Track48 date: Friday 19 December Last Avery Standard date: Friday 19 December Last Royal Mail 1st Class date: Saturday 20 December Last DPD 2 Day date: Saturday 20 December Last Parcelforce Express24 date: Monday 22 December Last Royal Mail Track24 date: Monday December 22 Last Avery Next Day date: Monday 22 December Last DPD Next day date: Monday 22 December (some postcode exceptions) Royal Mail Special Delivery Guarantee: Tuesday 23 December DPD Gold: Tuesday 23 December
