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Printing postage from online - anyone do this?

15 replies

DrDolittlesParrot · 09/01/2021 00:36

I really don't want to go to the post office at the moment, it's always really busy. I know I can print postage online and the parcel I have will fit in the post box.

So how does it work? What do you print on? Does it have to be stickers? Is it reasonably simple? I'm worried that I'll pay and then not be able to print it I guess.

Anything else I need to know?

OP posts:
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minipie · 09/01/2021 00:45

Sure, I’ve done it. Make sure you measure the parcel and weigh it so as to get the right postage, it’s all pretty clear how to do this on the website. I printed the postage label on normal paper and then sellotaped that to the parcel. One thing, the label came out really big for some reason when I printed, but still worked fine.

By the way, the post office will also now collect parcels from your door, for a small fe (75p I think) on top of the postage. In case you have any that don’t fit in the post box.

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Bloodybridget · 09/01/2021 00:46

DP does it, seems quite straightforward. Make sure you enter the correct weight. Print on ordinary paper and use sellotape. It prints a label with the recipient's name address, sender's address, weight, amount paid, and also a certificate of posting. You have to post it within a few days of printing.

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sunnysidegold · 09/01/2021 01:41

I did this at Christmas when I thought I'd have to isolate. It was a little awkward weighing on my kitchen scales but I balanced the parcel on a glass so I could see the display. It was pretty handy, I just printed on paper and cut the label out. It puts the address onto it too.

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ByeGermsByeWorries · 09/01/2021 02:02

I do this often now. You can get them to collect it from you or your safe place as well which is helpful if you don't want to or can't get out.

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Januarydontbecool · 09/01/2021 02:20

I agree with the helpful advice above. It’s really simple and you even can pay by PayPal.

Also, another time if you have a bigger parcel which won’t fit in a normal postbox you might be able to take it to a special parcel post box if there’s one near you.

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Mollymalone123 · 09/01/2021 02:30

I use the Royal Mail online postage all the time and it’s cheaper on some weights/sizes than going into post office to do it.also if package is small enough u can just pop it in any postbox. So far no issues at all with this system

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GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 09/01/2021 07:30

Royal Mail Click and Drop - I’ve used it a lot lately.
You need a printer, scales for weighing, and glue to stick the label on, but it’s very quick and easy.
Anything small enough can be dropped in a letter box, or you can take it to one of the parcel-drop boxes, or just hand it in at the PO.

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Nearlytherenext · 09/01/2021 07:47

As above. Its very easy the royal mail website talks you through it.

I have a question myself though. When you select 'Signed for delivery' do you still have to take it to the post office?

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SnugglySnerd · 09/01/2021 07:51

Yes I do this a lot. The only problem I've had was when I sent a friend's birthday card and the label was slightly bigger than the envelope!
I print onto normal paper and stick on with sellotape. It is very easy, saves queueing in the PO and I think is slightly cheaper.

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JustDanceAddict · 09/01/2021 08:05

I’ve done it. You need scales and a tape measure and a printer / just normal paper. Use glue/sellotape and scissors if you need them.

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ragged · 09/01/2021 08:11

I don't see how one can get tracking (signed for etc) without a physical visit.

My local post office is quiet nowadays. Especially around 2pm.

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wowfudge · 09/01/2021 08:15

@Nearlytherenext

As above. Its very easy the royal mail website talks you through it.

I have a question myself though. When you select 'Signed for delivery' do you still have to take it to the post office?

Yes - but you can just drop things in.
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TeacupDrama · 09/01/2021 08:23

If you are printing a label for smaller parcel before printing just go to preferences and select 80 % or whatever so label is right size or select to print as 6 x 4 label you can still print on normal paper and glue or sellotape it on

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SnugglySnerd · 09/01/2021 08:25

@TeacupDrama

If you are printing a label for smaller parcel before printing just go to preferences and select 80 % or whatever so label is right size or select to print as 6 x 4 label you can still print on normal paper and glue or sellotape it on

This is useful, thank you!
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User478 · 09/01/2021 08:48

I use click and drop all the time, I vastly prefer being able to see my options and decide which I want rather than "SECONDORFIRST" being bellowed at me with no price options.

Our post office are really sniffy about taking things they "don't get paid for" (who knew they were paid per item?!) and won't stamp proof of posting forms or take parcels or Amazon returns -obviously I complained through their online form and got a general thanks for your feedback. I don't go in anymore.
The doorstep collection is really good and you get lowlevel tracking with every parcel as it tells you which delivery hub it is taken to.

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