With the British stamp currently at all-time high and over 59 million items delivered a day, questions have been asked whether mail postage will maintain its popularity across the UK. The Royal Mail has recently declined the idea that a first class postage stamp will increase to the price of £1 within the space of three years. This idea of increase as well as privatisation could have the potential to have a dramatic effect on the future of Royal Mail as well as the popularity of the red post boxes which stretch our British streetscapes.
Throughout 2012 the Royal Mail explained that the UK remained one of the cheapest countries in Europe to send a letter. In fact the BBC found that that the UK is actually one of the most expensive countries to send a standard A4 document however this depends upon a variety of calculations. By converting the price of a postage stamp into dollars a first class stamp is in fact the fifth most expensive in Europe.
From the survey conducted by the BBC it was found that the most expensive postal charges were found in Peru. The average letter costs three Peruvian Soles which for many is the equivalent of an entire meal.
Source: BBC
In the UK parcels were once a frustration for the customer as well as the Royal Mail. If a package was considered to be undeliverable a calling card was put through the door and the owner would travel to the sorting office days later. Following trials in 2012 across many cities in the UK, regulations were changed and goods can be accepted by a neighbour.
The development of the email and internet accessibility has had an enormous impact on the technology industry and in turn this had led to the dominance of online communication. This reliance in online technology has led to the Royal Mail losing approximately £1 million over a period of four years.
Source: BBC
Internet shopping is more popular than ever and with the average UK consumer spending £1,083 a year online there is certainly a need to embrace this form of online browsing. With many retailers promoting discounted delivery costs or often free delivery this enticement puts pressure on the parcel and mail industry. Almost a billion parcels were delivered by the end of 2012 and this growth goes hand in hand with many small enterprises such as independent online clothing stores who demand a constant delivery service. Tracking letters and parcels has become far more accessible with online updates. Text messaging services allow time notifications which are useful for both the business and the receiver.
Exterior mailboxes have become a popular option to store your mail safely. Although they are unable to store large delivery parcels they have a whole variety of benefits. It is easier than ever for fraudsters to access your personal details by viewing personal letters or via an online connection.
A locked exterior mailbox is an obvious deterrent to any hopeful fraudster. Home security is always imperative when it comes to mail delivery and there are many cases of packages left astray or simply going missing at the sorting office.
