The best way to send a parcel to Germany from the UK depends on what you are sending, how quickly you want it to get there and how much it is worth. If you’re sending something small that’s not too valuable then using standard delivery might be fine. However, if you’re sending something big or think your package might get lost in transit then consider using an insured courier service instead.
When choosing between these two options, here are some things to consider:
* How long do you need the parcel to take?
Cheap parcel delivery typically takes 1-10 working days depending on where in the country it is being sent to. For example, parcels sent within mainland Britain usually arrive within 3-5 working days whereas those sent to the Channel Islands can take up to 10 working days.
* How much is your parcel worth?
Parcel to France sent with a courier service will be covered by insurance for up to £2,000 and typically cost around 50p-£3 per £100 of value. So if you’re sending something that’s worth more than £2,000 it might be wise to split up the contents into separate parcels instead. On the other hand, standard delivery costs nothing unless you want your recipient to sign for it (in which case there is a fee). If your item is worth more than £750 then they may keep hold of it until they receive payment for it before letting it go.
* Is your parcel fragile or heavy?
Weighing up to 30kg, courier services are typically the best option if your parcel is big or fragile. This way you can ensure it’s handled carefully and protected from damage. If something does happen, the courier will have to sort out a claim for an insurance company so they need to know about any special requirements you have before sending off your parcel too!
If your item is small then standard delivery might be fine but it’s worth checking what size of item counts as ‘large’ first because some couriers won’t cover anything larger than 1 cubic metre. Cheap parcel delivery tends to go via the post which isn’t always reliable whereas couriers use their own network of vans. Couriers also pick up parcels directly from your address which can be convenient if you don’t want to give them your postcode.
If you’re planning on sending anything valuable then it’s a good idea to include a few words of explanation. For example, if the item is very old then say so or if there are fragile parts that need attention then mention it in your parcel description. It might sound obvious but typos can lead to parcels being mis-handled too so take extra care when preparing your package.
You can send anything up to the weight limit with courier services but standard delivery is limited by size and shape. If you want your item taken by a carrier it must be free, flat packed or rolled, under 60cm long and less than 25kg. All this means is that if you try sending something round it won’t fit through any doors! You may also be charged extra for sending something big or heavy if you do try it.
When sending an item with courier services, remember to include all the information about your parcel that they might need – who it’s going to, where, how much it is worth and what condition it’s in. If you want them to collect from you then include your postcode on the label too so they know where to come . Courier companies will also appreciate a contact number just in case they have any more questions or concerns about taking your parcel.
Standard delivery services will try to deliver between 9am and 6pm whereas couriers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you don’t think your item will be collected or delivered on time then it might be best to send it with a courier service instead – particularly if you’re sending something that’s worth quite a lot of money! Courier companies also won’t leave parcels outside if no-one is in to sign for them.
When preparing your parcel, carefully consider how it should be packed as the courier company has the right to refuse any package that isn’t correctly prepared. Remember they have to follow strict guidelines so anything not taped down properly or wrapped up tightly enough could lead to damage being caused by shifting around during transit. Remember to mark fragile items clearly too because couriers need to make allowances for this. Less is more when it comes to packing – stick with brown paper and string plus a cheery, handwritten label!
Your recipient might be at home when courier services try delivering your parcel but they can’t always sign for it immediately. If it’s urgent then you should include a note saying so or give them a contact number that they can call if there are any problems. Standard delivery services are likely to leave your item with neighbours because someone needs to sign for it so check where you could leave your parcel if this happens. If the item is particularly important then put ‘please call before opening’ on the front of the package and send it by express delivery instead.
If you want to send a valuable item then courier services are your best bet because they have a reputation for being very secure. Standard delivery doesn’t offer anywhere near the same level of protection so try not to rely on this method. Courier companies also have insurance which means that if something does get broken or lost then you’ll be reimbursed – standard mail is by no means guaranteed!
Remember that if you want the courier company to collect from your address, it needs to be able to get at least two metres wide by two metres high and seven meters long! Make sure you clear any obstacles beforehand otherwise there’s a risk they won’t be able to take your package away. If in doubt check with them first!