Consumers across the UK hoping to avoid the seasonal rush have been given a heads up by the Post Office, as its new data revealed the peak posting day in the run up to Christmas.
Post Office are anticipating Monday 12 December to be the day when branches are busiest as consumers hurry to send off cards, gifts and parcels as the UK gears up for Christmas.
In 2021, the two weeks ahead of Christmas saw Post Offices more than double their trading activity and Post Office are expecting a similar pattern this year – so customers are advised to plan ahead and post early.
The news is a timely reminder for consumers across the UK with Christmas posting on their to do list as recent research conducted by Post Office revealed that looking like an effort hasn’t been made was the biggest concern if cards and gifts don’t arrive before Christmas Day.
Furthermore, the the research highlighted that more than one in ten have had a parcel rejected, Post Office are reminding consumers that knowing how to make Christmas parcels easily accepted in branch is key to a smooth trip in branch.
The most common reasons for being caught out were shown to be trying to send parcels containing batteries, parcels not being wrapped correctly and illegible writing.
With the Communication Workers Union having announced strike action in the run-up to Christmas, Post Office warned of potential delays in delivering items. Post Office branches will continue to operate as normal throughout these periods but are recommending that customers visit branches and send off deliveries earlier than planned.
Laura Joseph, Post Office customer experience director, said: “The lead up to Christmas is often a busy time for all with a long to-do list in preparation for the big day. We all want to make sure our Christmas cards and presents to loved ones arrive in time and our Postmasters across our 11,500 branches can help with that.”
In November, Post Office announced the latest parcel pick-up and drop-off partnership with Evri, it is the fourth contract that the Post Office has secured with a big carrier since ending its exclusive parcel handling relationship with Royal Mail in March 2021. Post Office has recently struck deals with Amazon, DPD, DHL Express, for Click and Collect services.
