Sending parcels by courier instead of Royal Mail - anyone do this?

[everythingisginandroses]

We usually do a couple of pre-Christmas visits to family (we're in the middle of the country, our families are at opposite ends), but not this year...

I was wondering if any of you use/have used couriers to pick up parcels for delivery, rather than lugging them down to the post office yourself? If so, would you recommend this? Is it much more expensive than Royal Mail? Should I not do this due to couriers' poor working conditions?

TIA

My sister couriered stuff back to me that we accidentally left in Cornwall in the summer. I think it was £15 or so for a couple of boxes. I was surprised it was so little. That was Hermes

Use the website parcel2go
It's a comparison site for couriers. Really simple to use, just make sure you are correct about size and weight of package, or they fine you! You can either drop at a local shop or have the courier come to you....

And they were collected from her.

Parcel2go is a good comparison site. For larger parcels it is usually cheaper.

I did a Hermes delivery today for two parcels. Collect from home tomorrow. Also added cover insurance and signed delivery, cost £11. Well worth it.

Thank you - I have just checked the Interparcel website (found it whilst browsing an old Good Housekeeping Christmas special and a lightbulb came on!) It looks a fair bit cheaper than RM... I might need to invest in some proper electronic scales to weigh the parcels, though!

My family used to use Hermes, until the lost a parcel and then refused an insurance claim as they found it - damaged and wet - 2 days after the insurance grace period.

My folks now swear by DHL; and I've just booked collection for an oversized item with Parcelforce .

I always use them. They are far cheaper than RM. Look online for a courier price comparison site and then choose what you need.