Small business owners

[Sweetwindinmyhead]

Hello,

looking at starting something of my own selling some stuff through a website/ online shop. Very new to this and wondering what you would do for shipping if I’m only selling one item a week [im a pessimist] Are there any companies you have used that you could recommend please for shipping?

My husband uses Royal Mail & Parcel Force in 99% of cases as they have competitive prices. I know lots of people complain about RM, but they don't really lose parcels, at least from his experience. Evri is the worst, he also had few damaged parcels returned with DPD.

Thank you. I looked into RM and they seem to be reliable when they are not striking. I will start with RM and see what they are able to provide in terms of returns as that’s what I am worried about.

Which is the best service can depend on the weight, value and sometimes the size of what you're selling.

Also whether the item is fragile, time sensitive/perishable or difficult to replace could be a factor, especially if you consider whether to pay for full insurance or choose to self insure, in that, you send all parcels uninsured, and just refund/replace if something is lost. This can work out more cost effective in many circumstances.

I don't think the op asked for your web design service?

Hello, I gave had a small online snacks bines for the past 13 years.we have used every courier going and royal mail and parcel force are the most reliable fofous.if a parcel gets lost or damaged our account manager immediately sorts out of refund for us.

Sorry for so many typos, I'm using my phone!

As a customer I like deliveries by Royal Mail or via methods where I can go to a local place to collect - such as the automated lockers. Not many small businesses seem to give the locker option, anyone know why... maybe the network is not large enough yet.

Thank you all for your insights. Think Royal Mail are the way to go except for when they are on strike.