THE CHEAPEST WAY
TO SEND A PARCEL

What is the cheapest way to send a parcel?

There are many tricks, tips, and workarounds you can use to keep costs as low as possible.

Keeping the cost of postage down is a major priority for consumers and companies alike. Although prices are predetermined, there are still lots of tricks and ways to ensure that you have the cheapest way to send a parcel. Here are our top tips for the best way to send a parcel cheaply.

Keep it light and small

The size and weight of your parcel is still one of the most influential factors affecting the shipping cost, so keeping both of these as low as is feasible is the best way to go to minimise the cost. In some instances, the cheapest way to send a large parcel is to send multiple smaller parcels instead.

Weight and size can both be affected by the packaging you choose. Obviously protecting your item properly from possible bumps in its journey is necessary but being frugal with any proctective padding may also be prudent - depending, of course, on the contents. Make sure your box is only a little bigger than the item and using a lightweight material such as bubble wrap or tissue to prevent it from moving is one of the best ways to send a parcel. Re-using packaging materials is a great tip; although it won't affect the postage cost it will keep down your overall costs and is much better for the environment.

How to Package Your Parcel – inside and out

Always keep foods in their original packaging to avoid any confusion. Removing manufacturers' packaging can make it more difficult to determine the contents, so keep it wherever possible.

It’s important to protect your items properly, so avoid only wrapping in paper and instead opt for a sturdy and roomy box. Then, once all your items are inside, fill any gaps with newspaper, filling chips or other packaging materials to keep internal movement to a minimum. Using items like newspaper can reduce costs, helping to keep to the cheapest way to send a package. This should help to ensure your food makes it through its journey intact.

Slow it down

Being organised and allowing plenty of time for your package to get to its destination is a great way to keep the price down. Faster deliveries cost a little more so plan your delivery in plenty of time. If it isn't needed right away you can save money by sending using a normal service rather than an express service.

Often, the cheapest way to send a parcel is to not send it at an expedited speed. In some instances, it is necessary, but planning ahead can help you to save on delivery fees.

Send parcels in bulk

Often, the more you send the more you can save. Sending two or more parcels together will save you money on some UK services, so it really does pay to send parcels in bulk where possible. You can also save money when you drop off and save at any one of our 3,500 ServicePoints or 50+ depots.

International packages

Keeping rates down on international packages means following many of the guidelines above; international parcel shipping costs are calculated by the volumetric weight of the parcel. This is its length x width x height in centimetres (cm), divided by 4000.

Our booking system will help you calculate this automatically. If the volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight of your parcel, then the former will be used to calculate shipping cost. This means the cheapest way to ship overseas is to keep the weight and size of your parcel down.

Being savvy with your package and following these tips will help you send your parcel the cheapest way possible.