Recorded Delivery

[medsecslave]

I posted a letter by first class recorded delivery on Tuesday and it still hasn't arrived by today (Saturday). I spoke to an extremely unhelpful lady at the Royal Mail who just kept repeating "it's in the system". She also said first class does not mean next day and it could take up to seven days to arrive? I've never heard that one before!! Their website says first class is usually a next day delivery - nothing about seven days. The problem is I was sending a postal order for concert tickets won on ebay and the concert is next Wednesday. Is there anything I can do here? Thanks.

[joko]

they may have put a card through and your friend hasnt noticed it

thats just happened to me - they often don't even attempt to deliver, just put a card through.

i have seen postman who haven't even got the parcel with them just put a card through.

they are supposed to try again the next day but most don't

[fo3nix]

Recorded selivery is, as the unhelpful lady said, something that is not guaranteed next-day. Gone are the days when first class meant next day. There are no guarantees.

If you want next day delivery, then special delivery is the way to go.

As for your package, well I'd think it would be arriving soon. A package of mine once took 8 days havint said that...

[Ethel]

I small parcel that I sent 1st class recorded took 14 days to arrive.

Where it went on it's holidays is anyones guess.

Royal Mail does not consider 1st or 2nd class to be missing until at least 15 days.

[grannyg]

You can track and trace a recorded item on the Royal Mail website you just have to enter the reference number which is on your recorded delivery docket.
You do need to register on the site to get this information.
It is also a good site to find postcodes.
GG

[Postdog]

"They don't even attempt to deliver, they just put a card through"

Sorry, but any postman will tell you if it's a choice between getting rid of it, or writing out a card at the step and then doing more paperwork when you get back, you WILL attempt to get rid of it.

And no, we are not supposed to try again next day either. You have one chance only - if you are out, then you can ask for it to be redelivered when you know you will be in (day, not a time) but that's all.

[Grunty]

I've recently received several items by Initial City Link. I don't know how much it cost, but they will guarantee next day delivery. Their web site will tell you where your package is. Their automated telephone service will accept instructions on what to do with the package if you are out when they call. My only grumble is that that telephone number is not on the web site, so you have to go home to find the number on the card.

[Lonnie]

Sorry for adding to your worries, but it doesn't even mean it'll get there, I've had, this year, two recorded delivery letters not arrive, and one package, also, a recorded delivery package arrive, but it had been opened,

Like you, I got no joy from them either, but having said all that, it is still possible you PO will arrive in time.

[joko]

postdog perhaps it just my area then but i have at least 3-4 times known them to not attempt it

i was in a car outside my front door, the posty stopped and pulled out a PRE-WRITTEN card and posted it. he didn't even seem to have any parcels wth him. i would have got out but it was a driving lesson.

my instructor also told me he had witnessed a posty stop and write a card at the door, only for me to come out of the door minutes later

i have also been standing right by the front door, on the inside, and seen cards be pushed through the letterbox, with clearly no attempt to knock.

but i am glad that you are a conscientious and good posty - i guess i just got a few duds (my local paper has had letters of complaint too)

[mr_pointment]

http://www.postwatch.co.uk/complaints.asp

[medsecslave]

I've never had any complaints with my own post and can post a letter at 7 pm and it will arrive up north the next morning which is why I'm convinced this letter is lost unless a recorded delivery item is treated differently. I tried asking Mrs Jobsworth if they had tried to deliver the letter but she was SO rude and kept talking over me just saying it's in the system. If it doesn't arrive by Tuesday I won't be able to go to the concert and if it arrives after that I won't be able to make a claim so that's my money wasted plus the train fares which are already booked. To make matters worse, the ebayer isn't replying to my emails so it looks like I can look forward to negative feedback as well.

[tellboy]

Have you thought of the very likely possibility that the Ebayer got your Postal Order the very next day ?

[tellboy]

Further to above answer. I often get recorded delivery just pushed through the door and not signed for.

[joko]

trouble with postal orders it you have no way of tracking them.

people don't like to send cheques because they are personal but a least you can tell if they have been cashed and lose nothing of they go missing.

you give a stranger your details everytime you use a card or cheque in a shop so what difference is ebay?

you don't have to write the card number on the back - that is just something shops do so that if the cheque bounces they have some backup but the ebayer has your address (which the shop doesn't) anyway which is more personal.

[medsecslave]

I would normally send a cheque but it would have taken too long to clear - the concert being this Wednesday and he didn't offer paypal. I've phoned his house and he's away for the weekend so hopefully I'll be able to get hold of him tomorrow .......... (fingers crossed).

[arwen610]

It is easier to pay for guarenteed next day delivery, you can choose between morning or afternoon it costs more but if you are desperate for something to get there on time it is the best way.