Recorded delivery has become increasingly popular in Britain as a way to send letters and parcels safely, with less risk of losing them in the post. Of course, before recorded delivery you could only send mail by first or second-class, with the former the quickest method.
It’s worth pointing out that neither first-class, second-class or recorded delivery post is tracked. These are standard postal services. For normal first and second-class mail, you can simply pop these into the post box and they’ll find their way to the recipient (in up to 10 days for second-class post).
Difference Between Recorded Delivery & Normal Post
The major difference with recorded first and second-class post is that a). It’s covered up to £50 and b). You have proof of post. It’s important to clarify that recorded delivery is not tracked. Instead, all that’s required is a signature on delivery to prove the post has reached its destination.
However, for can be just an extra 68p (recorded delivery compared to first-class post), proof of delivery is well worth the added cost. For those who make a living by selling items on websites such as eBay, this can be a crucial part of the business. After all, there’ll always be customers who’ll say they never received the parcel or letter – recorded delivery prevents this and proves your case.
Even if the customer is truthful, you’ll have proof of postage and can then claim compensation up to £32 from the postal service.
Who should choose recorded delivery?
- eBay sellers and online businesses
For those who sell online, your business will live or die by your postage. As such, it’s important to have as few disputes with customers as possible, especially when there’s the risk of receiving negative feedback. Recorded delivery offers proof of postage and helps to resolve disagreements.
- Customers returning parcels
If you have ordered something online that’s not to your taste or has been wrongly advertised, it’s best to return it recorded delivery. This will ensure it gets back to the company you bought from and you retain proof of delivery.
- Sending an important gift or letter
If you are sending an important gift or letter and want it to reach the recipient on the next working day, recorded delivery is a great option. Not only will you be covered up to £50 for the contents of your delivery, but you’ll also receive a notification when it has been signed for – providing peace of mind it has arrived in time.
Recorded Delivery Overview
If you’ve read the above the chances are you’ll have found plenty of reasons to choose recorded delivery. Although the service isn’t tracked, you can still enjoy peace of mind with a signed-for service and proof of delivery.
Essentially, by opting for recorded delivery:
- Retain proof of postage when paying for the delivery
- Have your post delivered on the next working day (including Saturday)
- Prices can start from as little as £1.72
- You can send letters and parcels
- Receive compensation for your postage up to £50
- Confirmation by text or email when the item is delivered.
FAQs
Difference Between Recorded Delivery & Normal Post
Which is better, registered post or recorded delivery? ›
What is the difference between registered post and recorded delivery? Both terms are interchanged, as they are one in the same. Registered post is also known as recorded delivery, both provide the same service: to send items (letters, parcels, pallets etc) safely and securely.
What is the most secure mailing option? ›
Registered Mail™
Registered Mail is the most secure method the Postal Service offers. Registered Mail is designed to provide added protection for Valuable Mail. Only matter prepaid with First-Class Mail rates may be Registered. A value must be declared for insurance coverage ranging from $ .
Which is safer recorded delivery or special delivery? ›
Recorded delivery is one of the safest ways to send important or valuable items, like jewellery, golf clubs, and mobile phones. Sometimes called 'signed for delivery' or 'signature tracking', this delivery method requires the recipient to sign for the item on receipt.
What's the difference between signed delivery and recorded delivery? ›
Recorded delivery, or signed for delivery as it's often called, is where the courier will collect a signature from the recipient as proof of delivery. This means you can be safe in the knowledge that your parcel has reached its intended destination without any issues and has arrived in good condition.
How much does it cost to send registered post? ›
The cost of every Registered Post label is $4.85. A box containing 50 prepaid Registered Post labels costs $203.70 only, which is a cost-saving deal. For better security, you can avail of the below optional extras for a fee: Delivery Confirmation: $2.95 (the Post office returns the recipient's signature to you)
Which is safer registered or Certified Mail? ›
Registered Mail provides a higher level of security through the delivery process. This service includes locked safes, sealed containers, and a verifiable chain of custody by USPS employees. In contrast, Certified Mail is handled like regular mail. Registered Mail includes insurance up to $50,000 in value.
What is the safest way to mail a package? ›
Registered Mail®: USPS's most secure shipping service—items are processed by hand, handled separately and securely, and signed for along every step of its journey.
What is the best mailing option? ›
Priority Mail® is our bestselling mail service. Domestic deliveries arrive in 1-3 business days4 depending on where your package starts and where it's going. Tracking and insurance are included, shipping boxes and envelopes are free, and with Priority Mail Flat Rate®, you don't need to weigh shipments 70 lbs and under.
How to send a package securely? ›
Fill out containers with cushioning material like bubble-wrap or polystyrene chips (available from most Post Office® branches). Write a return address on the item. Put a contact name, address and telephone number inside. Seal securely with nylon or vinyl tape along all edges and openings.
Parcel cover:
In the case where a signed-for parcel is lost during transit, recorded delivery enables you to easily claim back the loss in funds via insurance as you have proof that the parcel left your warehouse.
What is the benefit of recorded delivery? ›
Recorded delivery offers several benefits for both senders and recipients, including:
- Proof of postage and delivery – this ensures that the item has been successfully sent and received.
- Tracking – this enables both the sender and recipient to monitor the progress of the item during transit.
If you are sending an important gift or letter and want it to reach the recipient on the next working day, recorded delivery is a great option.
How much does it cost to send recorded delivery? ›
Pricing
| Max weight | Price |
|---|
| 250g | £4.60 |
| 500g | £5.20 |
| 750g | £5.20 |
| Compensation Includes compensation cover up to £20 Compensation for valuables, such as money and jewellery, is not available on this service. Use Special Delivery Guaranteed if you're sending valuable items |
1 more rowTracked Delivery
With signed for delivery, it only shows where a parcel is once it has been signed for, there is no visibility en route. Whereas with parcel tracking you can view where the package is and its delivery progress along the way.
Can I put special delivery in a post box? ›
Signed For and Special Delivery items cannot be posted into a franking or standard post box as the barcode needs to be recorded by Royal Mail when entering the postal system. The tracking barcode can be scanned at a Post Office or by the Royal Mail when they collect your post.
What is the best way to send Registered Mail? ›
Registered Mail
- Complete PS Form 3806.
- Attach barcoded Label 200, Registered Mail, to the mailpiece.
- If using PC Postage or privately printed 4" x 6" labels, also apply Label 200-N, Registered Mail (no barcode).
- Present it to any Post Office, or to a rural carrier on a rural route. ...
- Pay the applicable extra service fee.
The cost of Registered Mail® is based upon the declared value of your shipment with rates at $16.80 and up and up. You can use Registered Mail with Priority Mail®, Collect-on-Delivery, USPS Tracking® (packages only), Restricted Delivery, Return Receipt, and Signature Confirmation™ (packages only).
Is recorded delivery proof of postage? ›
You have proof of post. It's important to clarify that recorded delivery is not tracked. Instead, all that's required is a signature on delivery to prove the post has reached its destination.
