Cheap Parcel Delivery Use the web to cut courier costs

Desperate to send a last-minute package or parcel to friends? If it weights more than 1kg, it's possible to save an absolute packet (sorry) by using a discount web courier service instead of the Royal Mail - and even have the goods collected from your house.

When should I use a courier service?

Most of us instinctively link the need to mail anything with a trip to the Post Office. Yet for the price-conscious, the internet's changed all that. The bar's been lowered on courier service prices, so they're now accessible to all.

Use these quick tips to help decide when a web courier service works for you:

• Are you sending something weighing more than 1kg?

  Royal Mail's generally still cheapest for sending cards, letters and small parcels under 1kg (use its Price Finder), though check the dimensions carefully. The price soon jumps up for heavier parcels - anything over 2kg costs over £13, and that's without tracking. Yet you can buy a 3-5 day service which includes this for under £6. See the best buys below.

• Do you need it there fast?

  Courier services are speedy, and many offer same-day collection if you book early enough. So for urgent deliveries, couriers may be the most economical option.

What are 'discount courier services'?

This is a hidden way for you to access big courier firms like DHL or UPS, but only pay the amount that large companies do. It works via middlemen, who bulk buy postage slots from big delivery agencies, then sell them to the public.

You can usually book a pick-up for the next day, depending on how early you email the postage form. But same-day pick-up is often available, provided you meet the daily cut-off time, which is usually before (or around) midday, though it can be later.

The cheapest place to buy these discounted mail services used to be via online auction site eBay*, but now many of the top sellers have their own websites. Remember you'll generally be dealing with the middleman company, not the courier itself.

How big can my parcel be?

Couriers calculate costs based on the size and weight of items. However, discount courier companies tend to offer flat-rate prices based around DHL and Parcelforce's standard maximum dimensions. As a rough guide, these are are generally about:

Max length 150 cm, max weight 30kg.

Of course, it varies depending on the company, so check first as some may offer larger sizes. If your parcel outguns these measurements, you may have to use a specialist courier. Some services also go by volume. To calculate the volume of your parcel in cubic metres, it's width times length, times height (all in centimetres), divided by 1,000,000. See best buys for options.

Get your packaging right

This isn't just for cosmetic purposes. Poor packing may void postal insurance and compensation claims, so package goods properly. You never know how much they'll be thrown around in transit, so take the following precautions:

• 

  Measurements
  
  Be sure to measure and weigh your parcel accurately when getting a quote. If the package is bigger or heavier than stated, you may have to pay a surcharge.
  
  Plus if it exceeds size restrictions, it may not fit in the courier company's sorting machines and could be damaged, or even returned to you.
  
  If you try sending something over 31.5kg it may not be accepted, as safety guidelines mean goods of this weight should be carried by at least two people. This means you may need a specialist service - these may be offered, but will generally cost more.
  
  Note for international shipments: International delivery costs can sometimes be calculated based on 'volumetric weight'. To work out the volumetric weight of your package, the calculations are usually length times height, times width (all in centimetres), divided by 5,000. This gives you the volumetric weight in kilograms.

• Banned and 'no compensation' items
  
  Couriers generally have a list of 'forbidden' items that they won't deliver, so they may inspect your items on collection. Because of this, it's sensible to leave the top of your packing box open until it's been inspected.
  
  Easily-breakable items such as china or antiques are generally only carried by economy courier services on a 'no compensation' basis. So if they're valuable, look elsewhere.

• Packing materials

  All good packing requires is a bit of common sense. Wrap delicate items tightly in bubble wrap. Grab free cardboard boxes from supermarkets.
  
  If you run out of bubble wrap or the item isn't very delicate, pad with screwed up newspaper. Some even recommend using popped popcorn (buy kernels in bulk, cook the popcorn without oil and let it cool). Yet if you're sending internationally, watch out as some countries have tight controls on importing food, so always check this before you package this way.
  
  If you live near a large post office, look inside for packing materials; forumites have reported special delivery plastic post bags may be available for free. The Royal Mail website also has useful tips on how to package items safely and securely.

• Delivery forms
  
  Courier services make you fill in a booking form for each box you send. These can generally be completed online, or downloaded from the web and printed out. If the form isn't filled in properly, compensation claims may be invalidated.

  For international shipments only: To send any items overseas you'll need to fill in a more detailed form for tax purposes. It's fairly straightforward, but if you don't fill it out accurately you risk delaying your package in customs, so be careful.

• Collection and delivery times
  
  This sounds obvious, but make sure you're going to be in for the whole of the day if you can. If you miss it, it's likely you'll have to repay - and that just isn't MoneySaving! Most couriers will attempt delivery about three times at the destination address before returning items to the sender, but always double-check.

Do I need insurance?

Since you're getting the equivalent of the courier company's full price service, you naturally get the same protection, which can be about £50 per item. It varies though, so always check.

Additional cover is generally available for a small surcharge, and if you've any concern you won't be covered enough, it may be worth adding. Always check any policy exclusions before you buy to ensure your item's covered.

For example, you may be able to cover your item up to £250 for an extra £5, and up to £500 for £10. If you've asked for it, make sure it's included on the order confirmation or you may not be covered.

Warning! Check before you send

Make sure you read these key warnings before you buy:

1. If parcels go missing, you've few rights

While you're likely to be using big courier firms, this doesn't mean it's impossible that your parcel could go missing. The fact you've done it through a discounter shouldn't increase the chance of this.

Always think twice before sending irreplaceable items anyway (and consider insurance).

If the worst happens, it can be bureaucratically more difficult as you should first go to the middleman - the discounter. The company should give you a claim form from the main carrier. It's up to them to deal with any enquiries, and sometimes these are understaffed so be sure to chase things up. Weigh this up before deciding what to do.

2. What if these companies go bust?

If one of these middleman companies goes bust after you've placed an order, it's likely to have little impact as long as your order has already been referred to the main courier (this usually happens a couple of hours after you've placed it).

However, should your parcel not arrive or be damaged in transit, sadly it may be impossible to make a claim for compensation, as these have to go through the account holder.

As with all parcel delivery services, unexpected problems can arise so it's about finding the best balance between lowest price and established reputation that you're comfortable with.

This system hasn't been tried and tested, so we can't guarantee it works this way - please let us know how you've got on in the forum discussion.

3. What about the service?

There's no problem with the delivery service - well, no more than if you'd used the big company direct that is. This is because you're getting the same service as you'd get if you went direct.

However, there's some negative feedback from MoneySavers (see the forum discussion) as some discount courier services can be slow to respond to enquiries and sort out compensation claims. Usually this isn't for want of trying; they're small operations and find it tough staying on top of things at busy times.

Therefore it's a question of balance between price and service. This is a decision you need to make, depending on what you're sending.

4. Always check who the delivery company is

Finally, make sure you only go with a delivery company you've heard of and are happy to use. If there's only a few pennies difference, it may be better to go with the established company with a reputation than a totally unknown name.

If you have delivery problems and are forced to take extra time off work for redelivery, it's possible to get compensation.
See the Failed Delivery? Fight Back guide for more.

Best buys: UK delivery

Though we've given best buys below as a guide, always check who your deliverer is for yourself before buying and make sure you're happy with the company first.

Here are the top deals based on price, and also forum feedback. Prices include VAT and are based on a 30cm x 30cm x 30cm parcel - prices can fluctuate so always check. If you find any issues, or services no longer available, please email brokenlink@moneysavingexpert.com.

Crucially, make sure you've read ALL of the key warnings before using any company.

• Items under 5kg: From £5.40 (3-5 days)

  For a basic 3-5 day service, MyHermes costs £5.40 for items between 2-5kg. If you've a lighter parcel, it's £3.30 for items up to 1kg, and £4.20 for 1-2kg items.

  It's owned by Hermes UK, whose network delivers for online retailers including Next Directory, Debenhams and QVC. Do note feedback's mixed - please let us know how you've got on in the forum discussion.

• Up to 10kg: From £7.02 (3-5 days)

  With generally good feedback, Interparcel charges £7.02 for a 10kg parcel via Hermes UK Economy in 3-5 days.
  
  

• Up to 30kg: From £12.59 (1-2 days)

  If you've a bigger parcel, again, Interparcel charges £12.59 for a 30kg parcel, delivered via UPS in 1-2 days. Alternatively, another option is P4D* via Parcelforce at £13.19 for a 30kg parcel, with 48-hour delivery.
  

• Over 30kg?
  Let the couriers bid for your custom.

  Several sites are handy for arranging cheap delivery of larger items. Anyvan*, uShip and Shiply allow couriers and deliverers to bid for your custom, which can mean good deals on moving big parcels.
  
  These services work the same way; they allow couriers and larger-scale hauliers to sell spare capacity in their vans and lorries. This means extra efficiency and cash for them, and a cheaper, greener service for you.

  While Anyvan doesn't charge any fees to users, uShip and Shiply do so always make sure you factor these in before you accept a bid; see uShip's fees and Shiply's fees.

  Anyvan and uShip generally have good feedback from forumites but Shiply's feedback is mixed. Please share your experiences in the Cheap Parcel Delivery discussion.

• Paypal Royal Mail service
  
  The main selling point of eBay's Royal Mail postage is convenience rather than price; if you've a printer at home you can print postage labels straight from your Paypal payment page, paying conveniently by Paypal.
  
  For items that'll fit in a post box it works brilliantly, as you can just print, stick and post. See more info.
  

Collect+ also offers cheap parcel delivery which can undercut the best buys in this guide by a few pence, though rather than having the parcel collected, you drop it off at a local shop that's registered with the service. Forumites who've used it report being impressed with its prices, which start from about £3.99 for up to 2kg.

Please don't see its inclusion here as a recommendation. It's worth noting the company behind it, Yodel, has poor feedback. While some forumites use it, others report problems. See the MSE News story Yodel delivery delays, and if you've used it, please feed back.

It's also possible to shave a few pence off the price with MyHermes if you're prepared to drop off your parcel at its parcel shops, check its site for prices. Other carriers sometimes also offer cheaper prices if you can drop off your parcel at the depot, so do check.

Best Buys: International delivery

Though we've given best buys below as a guide, always check who your deliverer is for yourself before buying and make sure you're happy with the company first.

The cost to send parcels internationally depends on the destination. With international postage, Royal Mail's generally cheapest for small packages, but gets expensive for items over 2kg.

The following services are usually the cheapest, or among them. We've used examples of delivery costs based on a 30cm x 30cm x 30cm parcel, though these can vary depending on size and destination and prices fluctuate rapidly, so always check. Ensure you've read the key warnings before sending this way.

It's worth noting that if you're sending or receiving parcels from overseas, you may have to pay extra tax or duty charges, depending on what you're sending. So always check this first - find more info on the HMRC website.

• Cheapest Europe delivery:
  Berlin. 2-4 days, 10 kg

  For a Berlin-bound parcel, Worldwide Parcel Services* comes in at £19.19 for DHL Euro Economy Service in 2-4 days.
  
  Then Pharos Parcel is £21.41 in 1-5 working days with UPS, while P4D* is £22.63 via Express Service in 3 days. Alternatively, Interparcel is £22.80 via UPS in 2-5 days.

• Cheapest Worldwide Delivery:
  New York. 2-5 days, 10 kg

  For a New York parcel, Worldwide Parcel Services* is £29.99 via DHL Air Express Service in 2-5 days, while Transglobal Express is £36.43 via UPS Express Saver in 2 days.
  
  Then Pharos Parcel is £39.59 via UPS Express Saver in 2-4 working days. Alternatively, P4D* comes in at £43.36 via Express Service in 3 days.

If you use any of these, please let other MoneySavers know how it goes in the forum discussion.

The size of the saving
Service type	Mainstream courier (1)	Web broker	Saving
UK delivery	£16	£7 (2)	£9
EU delivery	£54	£19 (3)	£35
Worldwide delivery	£85	£37 (3)	£48
Prices correct as of 4 April 2013 (rounded to nearest £1). Based on 10kg 30cm x 30cm x 30cm package. 1. Parcelforce web quote 2. Interparcel 3. Worldwide Parcel Services