Postage checklist

Sending out your goods by post is one way that small businesses can start to ship goods, but you need to make sure that you have some of the basics right.

Many of these are also applicable once you start using a shipping company or start sending in bulk, so what are the top bits of advice from Royal Mail on sending goods to your customers by post?

Clear addressing

You must make sure that you address the mail fully and clearly – ideally with a printed label in the following format:

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If you are sending an item to an address outside the UK, the country name must come last and in CAPITAL letters. The Post Office recommends you write your address on the back of all mail that you send so it can be returned to you if there’s a problem delivering it. Do not centre or stagger your lines.

If you are sending by Airmail please use an Airmail sticker.

And remember to always include the postcode, which can be verified using Royal Mail’s Postcode Finder Tool.

Return address

While its explicitly stated that you should put a return address on all international mail, it is also worth including a return address on any of your letters and packets so that we can return it to you if it can’t be delivered.

Envelopes & packing

Make sure that the goods are packaged in an appropriately sized envelope or box to allow for protective packaging material and are packed tightly to avoid too much unnecessary movement.

Also make sure it is securely taped up. Many recipients – me included – complain about having to hack through many layers of tape to open a package, but its worth it to keep the goods safe.

When using dark coloured or red envelopes use a white label to display the address.  This helps the sorting machinery read the address quickly and accurately.  Also avoid using very small or square envelopes to send cards and letters.

Cash and valuables

If you need to send money or valuables through the post within the UK you will need to use something trackable so that you know where it is and that it has arrived. This can add an extra cost to the process, which you may or may not want to pass on to the customer.

It is worth looking at Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guaranteed service which also features a handy price tracker.

Pay the correct tariff

Check that you’re using the correct tariff when sending mail both in the UK and to overseas destinations. If sending an item to the Republic of Ireland, use international postage rates. Underpayment can cause delays to delivery.

Check current prices online with Royal Mail or your shipping company

Check you can actually send the goods

Not all items can be shipped – especially overseas – where there are all manner of restrictions, rules and laws. The likes of Aerosols and other potentially explosive items are often prohibited by carriers so make sure you know if – and how – you can ship your goods before you start trading.

Most carriers offer some form of online checking service or list of restricted or prohibited items.