Posting - RM, courier, etc

goinggreynow

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Morning all
I currently have a lens advertised on that well known auction site and am contemplating putting an ad here as well.
In the past, the lenses I've sold (not many by the way) have always gone RM Special Delivery if worth more than £50 or so.
However, given current industrial disputes, etc, I'm contemplating using a courier.
Yesterday, I had a look at the T&Cs for one of the largest/known couriers operating in the UK and at insurance/compensation limits.
I soon found myself on a page listing all prohibited items - all 178 of them.
Cameras and lenses are on the prohibited list! (assuming I read it correctly)
Compensation limits don't even come into it.
What the heck is someone supposed to do these days when selling an item of camera equipment?
 
I'd just use RM.
We use them to ship our orders and while there have been delays of a few days, nothing has gone missing yet.

Special deliveries are being prioritised even on strike days and you have the compensation should it go missing.

They are on strike on Friday this week and then next Wednesday and Thursday.

We've contemplated switching to a courier for our deliveries but with the T&C's, surcharges for here, surcharges for there we've decided to stick with RM for now and hope they sort their s*** out.
 
Last edited:
I'd just use RM.
We use them to ship our orders and while there have been delays of a few days, nothing has gone missing yet.

Special deliveries are being prioritised even on strike days and you have the compensation should it go missing.

They are on strike on Friday this week and then next Wednesday and Thursday.

We've contemplated switching to a courier for our deliveries but with the T&C's, surcharges for here, surcharges for there we've decided to stick with RM for now and hope they sort they're s*** out.
Thanks.
RM has always been my preferred option.
I suppose the other thing to do is to warn buyers of possible delays outside of my control.
 
One thing is that on Royal Mails prohibited list is batteries whether inside an item or not - that is a very iffy one as so many items use batteries these days
That's wrong, Sorry. You can ship batteries as long as they are fitted inside the device and you affix the correct Hazmat labels.
 
I had RM collect a parcel, 45x20x30, just under 2kgs, delivered to Mersea Island. It took four days but for £4.45 I was well happy!
 
If you look at the following link you will see batteries ARE referred to >>Batteries including those sent with/without or connected to an electronic device

Please read beyond the headlines



Alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air and zinc chloride batteries sent without equipment / devices >>
(Including D, C, 9V, AA, AAA and AAAA alkaline batteries)

International & UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
  • Must be new and sent unopened in their original retail packaging, surrounded with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap
  • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.



Lithium ion / polymer batteries or cells - sent with equipment / devices >>
(for example rechargeable batteries / cells found in portable electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, iPads, camcorders, cordless power tools etc. Includes mains powered battery chargers but excludes battery packs)

  • International - Not allowed in the mail
  • UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
    • Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.
    • The number of batteries or cells allowed in each package must not exceed the appropriate number to power the equipment plus 2 spares.
    • The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. Note: this relates to batteries only and excludes the weight of the equipment / device
    • Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery.
    • Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
    • Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
    • Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
    • Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
    • The consignment must be accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains lithium ion cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for additional information.
    • Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packaging’s that completely enclose the cell or battery.
    • Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit.
    • The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
    • Lithium Battery Mark must be applied.
    • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
    • These items must be presented at and can only be sent via a Post Office® counter

Lithium ion / polymer batteries - contained in / connected to equipment / devices >>
(for example rechargeable batteries/cells found in portable electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, iPads, camcorders, cordless power tools etc.)

International & UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
  • Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.
  • Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in or connected to equipment/devices.
  • The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.
  • Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery.
  • Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
  • Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
  • Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
  • Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
  • Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.
  • The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
  • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium metal / alloy batteries or cells - sent with equipment / devices >>
(for example non-rechargeable batteries commonly used in electronic equipment/devices such as cameras, smoke detectors etc.)

  • International - Not allowed in the mail
  • UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
    • Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.
    • The number of batteries or cells allowed in each package must not exceed the appropriate number to power the equipment plus 2 spares.
    • The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.
    • The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery.
    • Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
    • Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
    • Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
    • Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
    • The consignment must be accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains lithium ion cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for additional information.
    • Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packaging’s that completely enclose the cell or battery.
    • Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit.
    • The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
    • Lithium Battery Mark must be applied.
    • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
    • These items must be presented at and can only be sent via a Post Office® counter
Lithium metal / alloy batteries or cells - contained in / connected to equipment / devices >>
(for example non-rechargeable batteries commonly used in electronic equipment/devices such as cameras, smoke detectors etc.)

International & UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
  • Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.
  • Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in or connected to equipment/devices.
  • The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.
  • The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery.
  • Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
  • Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
  • Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
  • Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
  • Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.
  • The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
  • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
 
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Please read beyond the headlines



Alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air and zinc chloride batteries sent without equipment / devices >>
(Including D, C, 9V, AA, AAA and AAAA alkaline batteries)

International & UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
  • Must be new and sent unopened in their original retail packaging, surrounded with cushioning material e.g. bubble wrap
  • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.



Lithium ion / polymer batteries or cells - sent with equipment / devices >>
(for example rechargeable batteries / cells found in portable electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, iPads, camcorders, cordless power tools etc. Includes mains powered battery chargers but excludes battery packs)

  • International - Not allowed in the mail
  • UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
    • Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.
    • The number of batteries or cells allowed in each package must not exceed the appropriate number to power the equipment plus 2 spares.
    • The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. Note: this relates to batteries only and excludes the weight of the equipment / device
    • Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery.
    • Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
    • Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
    • Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
    • Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
    • The consignment must be accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains lithium ion cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for additional information.
    • Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packaging’s that completely enclose the cell or battery.
    • Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit.
    • The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
    • Lithium Battery Mark must be applied.
    • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
    • These items must be presented at and can only be sent via a Post Office® counter

Lithium ion / polymer batteries - contained in / connected to equipment / devices >>
(for example rechargeable batteries/cells found in portable electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, iPads, camcorders, cordless power tools etc.)

International & UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
  • Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.
  • Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in or connected to equipment/devices.
  • The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.
  • Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery.
  • Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
  • Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
  • Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
  • Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
  • Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.
  • The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
  • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Lithium metal / alloy batteries or cells - sent with equipment / devices >>
(for example non-rechargeable batteries commonly used in electronic equipment/devices such as cameras, smoke detectors etc.)

  • International - Not allowed in the mail
  • UK - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
    • Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.
    • The number of batteries or cells allowed in each package must not exceed the appropriate number to power the equipment plus 2 spares.
    • The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.
    • The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery.
    • Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
    • Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
    • Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
    • Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
    • The consignment must be accompanied with a document with an indication that the package contains lithium ion cells or batteries; that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary; and also a telephone number for additional information.
    • Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packaging’s that completely enclose the cell or battery.
    • Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit.
    • The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
    • Lithium Battery Mark must be applied.
    • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
    • These items must be presented at and can only be sent via a Post Office® counter
Lithium metal / alloy batteries or cells - contained in / connected to equipment / devices >>
(for example non-rechargeable batteries commonly used in electronic equipment/devices such as cameras, smoke detectors etc.)

International & UK destinations - Allowed in the mail, with restrictions and packaging guidelines below:
  • Damaged or recalled batteries or cells are not allowed.
  • Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in or connected to equipment/devices.
  • The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package.
  • The lithium content must not be more than 1g per cell or 2g per battery.
  • Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3.
  • Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.
  • Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
  • Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities.
  • Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.
  • The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.
  • The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Ok you have made your point - but I question of Royal Mail as to why they expect Personal Customers to have to keep ploughing down through multiple menus to check something - why do they not simplify it and put it in the headlines of the links
 
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A small parcel of film sent 1st class RM on Friday afternoon in Nottinghamshire was delivered in the Highlands on Monday morning. Unfortunately, RM not prioritising letter post just now, but parcels/packages seem to be OK.
 
At the moment I’m finding parcelforce 24 or 48 far better than the normal RM services , as for supposed tracking all you get from RM we will update once delivery has been attempted . Total waste of time . .

As for the strike action it may or may not be justified but a slimmed down service is going to be the end result .
 
. .

As for the strike action it may or may not be justified but a slimmed down service is going to be the end result .
That unfortunately is going to be the end result.
Many people have already switched to courier, especially on ebay, and after finding out it is easier, not all of them will switch back again.
 
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