Royal Mail has increased the charge for collecting parcels from customers’ homes, with the fee rising from 30p to 50p per parcel. The latest increase comes after recent rises in parcel and stamp prices, adding another cost for people who regularly send packages from home.
Home Parcel Collection Fee Rises Again
The home collection fee applies when customers arrange for Royal Mail to collect parcels from their address through the company’s website. The charge was previously 30p per parcel after being reintroduced last year.
Royal Mail had reduced the fee from 72p to zero in March 2021 as part of an effort to encourage greater use of the collection service. The charge returned last year and has now risen by another 20p.
Small Businesses And eBay Sellers Face Higher Costs
The collection service is particularly relevant to small businesses and eBay sellers who send parcels regularly. When the fee was reintroduced, some customers criticised the additional charge, describing it as unnecessary.
The 50p fee is added to the normal postage price when a home collection is booked through Royal Mail’s website. Customers can avoid the charge by taking parcels to a Post Office, postbox or parcel locker.
Royal Mail Parcel Prices Have Also Increased
The latest collection fee rise follows an increase in Royal Mail’s parcel prices in October. For 1st class parcels, the price rose from £15.45 to £16.90, an increase of £1.45. For 2nd class parcels, the price increased from £13.15 to £14.20, adding £1.05 to the cost.
The changes mean customers who regularly send larger parcels are facing higher postage costs alongside the new collection charge.
Stamp Prices Also Rose This Year
Royal Mail increased the price of stamps in April. A 1st class stamp rose by 10p to £1.80, while a 2nd class stamp increased by 4p to 91p. The increases come as Royal Mail continues to deal with pressure on its postal network and delivery performance.
Ofcom has also considered extending a price cap on 2nd class mail for another year while Royal Mail works to address delivery targets.
Customers Can Avoid The Collection Charge
People who want to avoid the additional 50p can still send parcels without paying the home collection fee.
Royal Mail has a large network of locations where parcels can be dropped off, including: Around 30,000 parcel points; Around 3,300 parcel lockers; Around 8,500 Royal Mail Shops; Around 11,500 Post Office branches; Around 1,200 customer service points; Around 5,500 parcel postboxes and around 115,000 postboxes for suitable small parcels
Royal Mail said its parcel prices start at £1.55 for parcels that fit through a letterbox. For customers who regularly send parcels, dropping them off rather than arranging a doorstep collection is now the simplest way to avoid the additional 50p fee.
