Experience of ParcelForce? Should I try to insist on RM signed for?

[ShmooBooMoo]

I ordered a jacket from The White Company on Friday (oos now on website and seemingly only available in one store in Scotland - I'm in England). I got an answer machine message from store to tell me that ParcelForce would collect from them on Monday and get the jacket to me by Wed.

Other companies I've used use DPD which I've only had great experience with. I googled ParcelForce and the trust pilot site has negative feedback at 80%! I don't want this item to go astray as it's seemingly the last one!

I called the store today to ask if they would send RM recorded instead, expressing my concerns and seeing as the item has not yet been sent. Spoke to the girl who took the order and she said she'd have to speak to her manager tomorrow as collection with PF had been set up, they are contracted to them (and they would refund if the jacket doesn't turn up...NOT the point as I want the jacket and won't be able to get another if PF messes up. I have read RM and PF are linked but then read that's not true.

I have to call TWC store back tomorrow and don't know what to do if the manager insists PF is the only way. I'm pretty sure the last time I ordered direct from a TWC store (but not this branch) they used RM 48 or something.

I said I don't want the parcel left with a neighbour and RM would be easier for me as the depot is round the corner if I miss them (PF don't give a time slot!)....so, anyone any experience of ParcelForce or been able to convince a TWC store to send via RM recorded/ signed for?

Any experiences?

Thanks!

I've never had an issue with Parcelforce - they've been great, but I might have been lucky!

I would say that if you receive bad service you'll tell the world, and good service you take as expected, so I always assume internet reviews are biased.

Parcelforce is the parcel side of Royal Mail. I've never had any issue with them.

I think you're stressing unnecessarily.

Parcel force is just part of Royal mail, I think.

Always fine for me. Stop stressing.

Think you are stressing un-necessarily.

Parcelforce and RM signed for are both royal mail group. Different depots, and speeds both reliable.

A few years ago used to work for parcelforce on the data side. All delivery companies screw up but pf gets more publicity.

Not saying perfect, but good back up processes if something goes wrong.

I've had good experiences with them.
If you miss a delivery, you can arrange to collect from a local Post Office - much more convenient than most couriers.

Thanks everyone.
It's good to know others have had okay experiences (Carpejugulum: I think you're right!)
Thanks again, ladies!