To think it’s no wonder the post office is struggling?

[MakeItRain26]

This is boring but it’s really irritating me. I ordered a gift online. Courier was Parcelforce. DH was in all day - courier didn’t even ring the doorbell before sending a text to say they couldn’t deliver. No slip through the door either.

Rang them to complain. Was told the courier would be sent back around. Never turned up.

Rang them to complain again - was told it was tough and if I wanted it tomorrow I would need to pay £12 - £12!!! - collect it from the depot, or wait until Monday.

Their delivery times are 7-6 m-f, or 9-12 on a Saturday.

It all just seems insane in this day and age - Amazon, Yodel, Evri etc all deliver between 6 and 10 every day and will leave your parcel on your doorstep or in a nominated safe place.

AIBU to think they need to get with the times? And don’t even get me started on the cost of stamps!

Parcelforce isn't the same as the Post Office. To be honest I don't find any of the parcel delivery companies reliable, they all seem to have poor reviews, what you describe regularly happens with Evri near me, for example.

Does the Post Office own Parcelforce?

@MidnightPatrol I’m pretty sure they are the same company…maybe they aren’t. I’m going to check now in case my rage is with the wrong people

Oh I was right that’s validating

Parcelforce Worldwide is a trading name of the Royal Mail, which is a subsidiary of International Distribution Services, and is organised within the UK Parcels, International and Letters division of the group.

@YellowRollercoaster Evri is always a bit crap I agree but at least you can get it for free the next day rather than pay £12 or wait 3 days for another chance

The Post Office is different from Royal Mail.

Royal Mail and the Post Office are separate companies.

@MidnightPatrol are they? What’s the difference? This country is stupid 🤦🏻‍♀️

To be fair, Royal Mail are struggling.

Although ironically, ParcelForce makes a profit.

@DangerMouseAndPenfoldx probably because they charge you £12 to have something delivered on a Saturday 😂

Not quite.

Royal Mail and Post Office are now 2 separate companies.

They separated back in 2012. They are no longer connected.
Royal Mail is now a public company
The Post Office is still owned by the Government.

I know people use "Royal Mail" and "Post Office" interchangeably, but they are not the same anymore.

So, your real complaint is with the Royal Mail.
The Post Office wont care.

(I've been watching too much of the Post Office Scandal Inquiry 😁)

Yeah £12 is ridiculous considering they lied about trying to deliver it in the first place. It would be an easy thing for their customer service team to waive in this instance. I didn't realise there is no option to arrange them to leave it on your doorstep or safe place, can you get it rerouted to a shop or anything? These companies are so frustrating!

@YellowRollercoaster I could have it delivered to someone else’s house 😂 it’s no wonder people just order stuff on Amazon

Post office is the counter service.
Royal Mail is delivery service.
They are two different businesses.

OP, YABU because they are not the same company. As pps have already pointed out, Royal Mail and Post Office were separated over 10 years ago….it might not be sensible, but it’s true!

Never knew they were the same group! Thanks for that. Yes The post office won't survive if they don't keep up. They're in no way as flexible or efficient as other courier services.

Yeah but royal mail and the post office are separate companies.