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Royal Mail postage costs: a confusion-busting guide

Since April 2013, any parcel or package sent in the UK has to be measured and weighed before postage costs are calculated. Previously, items were classified on the basis of weight alone, but Royal Mail introduced a new set of prices that they believed were more in line with the actual cost of handling and delivering items, taking into account the fact that some larger, lighter items need to be delivered by van.

The changes led to some initial confusion amongst consumers used to the old posting measures, whilst subsequent changes merely muddied the waters further. In October 2013, Royal Mail introduced a second small parcel size to allow people to post either wide, shallow parcels (max 45cm x 35cm x 8cm) or narrow, deep parcels (max 35cm x 25cm x 16cm) as a small parcel.

Thankfully, these two 'small' sizes were replaced by a single small parcel, which combines the larger dimensions of the previous versions (max 45cm x 35cm x 16cm). This forms part of a more straightforward pricing structure, which we summarise for you below.

The following guidelines should help you calculate your postage and avoid unexpected delivery costs. Please note that prices are subject to change (see 'Royal Mail postage costs' table for the latest prices) but, until further notice, the classification of parcels remains as follows.

Royal Mail size and weight allowances for UK post

All parcels to be posted are classified as either small, medium or large - based on both their weight and dimensions - and the cost of postage calculated accordingly.

Format	Max. length	Max. width	Max. thickness	Max. weight	Examples
Letter	24cm	16.5cm	0.5cm	100g	Standard letter, greeting card, postcard
Large letter	35.3cm	25cm	2.5cm	750g	Small books, magazines, CDs & DVDs (in cases)
Small parcel	45cm	35cm	16cm	2kg	Books, clothing, DVD box sets, toys and gifts
Medium parcel	61cm	46cm	46cm	20kg	Larger items of clothing, footwear, household appliances

Royal Mail postage costs

Royal Mail UK Standard delivery costs for parcels sent within the UK from 31 March 2016:

		1st Class	2nd Class
Size	Weight up to and including	Price	Price
Letter	100g	64p	55p
Large Letter	100g	96p	75p
	250g	£1.27	£1.20
	500g	£1.71	£1.54
	750g	£2.46	£2.09
Small Parcel	1kg	£3.35	£2.85
	2kg	£5.50	£2.85
Medium Parcel	1kg	£5.70	£4.95
	2kg	£8.95	£4.95
	5kg	£15.85	£13.75
	10kg	£21.90	£20.25
	20kg	£33.40	£28.55
Includes compensation up to		£20.00	£20.00

Common views on mailing bags

Details about   5 Poly Envelopes Mailers Blue Mailing Bags 6.7" x 6"_170 x 160+40mm

Blue mailing bags are a practical selection for lightweight e-commerce products when the aim is to keep safe the contents without adding the cost and bulk of a carton. A small polythene suppliers mailer takes up very small space in storage, which assists retain select-face areas tidy and lets packing staff transport quickly at the dispatch bench. Soft products, garments, accessories and paperwork sit well in this format because it is manufactured for low-bulk parcels rather than rigid loads. The main disadvantage comes from poor gauge selection or a weak seal, since either can lead to splits or a scruffy-looking consignment. Used with the proper product fit, the bag retains dispatch simple and efficient.

Plastic envelopes solve a normal dispatch problem because they resist tearing far better than plain paper sacks or weak outer wraps. In a busy packing area, a bag that splits on a conveyor or in a cage can expose stock to dirt, scuffing, and missing items before it even leaves the building. A decent poly mailer also assists retain lighter products together without adding much weight, which matters when secondary packing has to stay efficient. The material selection, gauge, and seal quality all affect how well the envelope survives handling through sorting, loading, and last delivery. A tougher mailer normally means less complaints and less waste from damaged consignments.

Details about   Wholesale Colours Mailers Shipping Envelopes Self Sealing Plastic Mailing Bags

Plastic mailing bags work optimal when the film gauge and seal quality match the job, not only the price point. A light bag may see tidy on the packing line, nevertheless it can split at the fold, tear at the corner, or open if the adhesive strip loses grip amid handling. That is a nuisance in dispatch and an even bigger problem once parcels are stacked, chuted, or left to rub against other consignment. Good bag selection also assists packing speed, because a clean self-seal retains the line moving without additional tape. The proper mailing bag saves rework and cuts the chance of handling damage later.

Briefcase Style Courier Bags

Briefcase-style courier bags are a better selection when a consignment requirements to retain its shape and arrive with a tidy stop rather than being crushed into a thin mailing sack. The laminated nylon outer gives the bag more resistance to scuffing, light moisture and rough handling, which matters when parcels are moving across a busy dispatch bench or in and out of vehicles. A size like 14W x 11H x 3D leaves enough room for documents, samples or compact products without flattening them. That additional structure makes the handover see more controlled and reduces the chance of damage to awkward contents.

polythene suppliers mailers need to behave properly on the packing line as well as meet the stated gauge. A film may appear acceptable on a specification sheet and still feed awkwardly, stretch unevenly or wrinkle around the seal, which slows output and creates avoidable rejects. The resin blend, thickness and slip level all play a part in how the web transports through the equipment. If the material has enough body to stay controlled without resisting the machine, filling remains proper and the finished pack comes off cleaner.

Mail Order Bags – Available Products:

Mail order bags need to be judged on how they behave all the method through packing, not only on whether they grasp the products. A bag that sees fine on paper can still slow a line if it catches on a bench edge, clings in a chute or tears when bundles are being loaded for dispatch. Film gauge consistency matters because thin patches turn into weak spots once the bag is flexed and lifted. A clean seal line also has to match proper melt quality, or the fault will display up later in handling. Reliable bags retain the packing dash moving and reduce avoidable rework.

Grey Mailing Bags Strong Poly Postal Postage Post Mail Self Seal All Sizes Cheap Grey Mailing - £151.99

A mailing bag has to match the product as well as the despatch process, otherwise it creates problems at the packing bench and later in transit. A light grey polythene suppliers mailer works well for non-fragile products because it folds flat, stores neatly, and seals fast enough to retain the line moving. Gauge selection makes a proper contrast here: also thin and the film can split on sharp corners or awkward folds, also heavy and material is wasted while postage can creep up. Good specification avoids weak seals, sloppy fit, and unnecessary labour, so the package leaves the depot in better shape.

Printed mailing bags should be specified for how they dash on the packing line, not only for the artwork carrying them. A light film gauge may see tidy enough, nevertheless once cartons, folded garments or sharp corners proceed inside, the weak points are normally the seams and stressed folds, where splits tend to beginning. Going thicker can assist with puncture resistance, yet a bag that feels also stiff can slow closing and make sealing less tidy, which soon shows up as waste on the floor. Good print means small if the bag fails in use, so the proper balance of gauge and seal quality retains throughput proper and rejects down.

Best transparent plastic mailers hot offers The Winners!

Clear plastic mailers should be specified for the method they handle on the packing bench, not only for a tidy appearance. A thin film can see presentable in a carton, yet still tear at the opening when parcels are filled quickly or when a sharp edge scrapes the seam. Once puncture resistance is poor, the damage normally appears later, after bags have been dropped into tote bins or pressed against harder cases on a fast-moving line. A better grade retains the mouth open properly and lets operatours work without stopping to rescue split packs.

6.5″ x 9″ Pink Mailing Bags – 165 x 230 mm

Pink mailing bags suit light parcels because the film gives basic protection without adding needless weight to the consignment. That matters when postage is calculated tightly and a carton would add cost without giving much additional benefit. The polythene suppliers retains out rain, grime, and handling scuffs, so clothing, paper products, and small accessories can reach the client in decent condition. A self-seal strip also speeds up the packing bench, which assists when order volume rises and operatours need to retain moving. When the bag is matched to the product size, the result is a cleaner despatch process and less wasted material.

Post it!

Polybags has loads of options for mailing bags in a range that includes lightweight polythene mailers, Mailtuf for heavy duty mailing, Mailbudget for economic 'Peel n' Seal' style envelopes and opaque Tamper Evident mailers to protect the contents and ensure it is only opened by the right person.

As featured on Polybags.co.uk the glossy blue mailorder bag is a top selling strong lightweight bag available in a range of popular sizes which is great for internet or mail order businesses.

Mailing Bags

Mailing bags come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and sizes and can be made from a wide variety of materials that include paper, plastic, vinyl and canvas, as well as others. They are designed according to the different types of products that need to be posted. Mailing bags have many functions that also go above and beyond just safely transporting your package. These additional functions range from protection of the product from weather or punctures to getting out a sales and promotional message. Plastic, or polythene mailing bags are becoming quite a popular choice in today's business world as well as a popular mailing bag choice for personal mailing needs as well. This is due to the wide variety of choices on the market today in the types of available polythene mailing bags with a wide range of sizes and colours. Their additional features also appeal to many different customers for a wide range of uses, both business and personal.

There are so many choices for polythene mailers available on the market today that you should be able to find the right product to meet your particular needs. Plastic mail order bags can be clear or coloured and come in a wide range of sizes from smaller than an envelope to quite large. They can also be high or low density polythene, flat, ziplock or zipper mail bags, gusseted, reinforced and cushioned. Some are also made with laminated paper.

• Read more about Polybags mailing bags
• News on plastic mailers

Clear plastic mail bags

Clear plastic mail bags work great for sending magazines, brochures, newsletters or any other type of mailing in which it may be to your advantage to use clear packaging. Usually these clear plastic mailers are highly tamper resistant and come with a self seal. You can attach address labels or you can also use their write on panels for addressing your packaging. Perhaps the type of mailing you do on a regular basis is a bit more confidential or you mail a different type of product in which clear plastic mail bags will not work for you. There are so many other options available in colored plastic mailing bags for you to choose from as well that you're sure to find the right product for your needs.

Custom-printed polythene mailing bags

Along with the various types available today, they can also be pre-printed. You can have your return address or a personalized message designed on your polythene bags. This can also be a great marketing tool as you can add a company logo or slogan and promotional messages that will be highly visible as you package travels to its destination. These custom-printed polythene mailing bags can be printed in large quantities on just about any type of plastic mail order bag you may need. Plastic mailing bags can also be made to look highly professional and very attractive to your customer base, no matter what type of polythene mailer you use. Sometimes businesses also use custom printed plastic mail bags as business and corporate gifts to employees or other businesses as the message can be personalized in any fashion needed for any occasion.

Coloured mailing bags - bring your parcels to life!

Nothing cheers you up more in the morning than when the postman delivers a lovely parcel - except when that parcel is bold, vivid and brightly coloured! You too can bring a smile to your customers' faces and make your mail stand out from the rest with Polybag's fantastic range of coloured mailing bags.

Available in a range of colours including baby pink - perfect for packaging baby presents and other gifts - and eco green - ideal for sending eco-friendly goods or home and garden products.

The classic glossy blue mailer gives your deliveries that slick, professional look, or you could choose vibrant purple to really stand out from the crowd. If you want another colour, no problem - just ask and it will be made just for you.

Life's too short to stick with shades of grey. Pick your colour, order your mailing bags and bring your parcels to life!

Get a box of Santa's favourite sacks for FREE!

We've teamed up with www.polybags.co.uk, our parent site, to give you fabulous Christmas offer! Place any online order for mailing products or any other packaging products with us or Polybags and get a free box of 200 Premier Quality Heavy Duty Bin Bags! Order must be for £60 or more (excluding VAT and any Delivery). Standard UK delivery is free with no minimum order for most of the UK!

Get 20% off black mail sacks this Christmas!

We've teamed up with our parent website Polybags.co.uk - the UK's number one polythene packaging manufacturer - for a fantastic Christmas offer! You can get 20% off black security mail sacks on all orders over £75. That's 20% off the smart and secure black polythene mailers that provide content confidentiality and great bag strength.

You can claim the offer right now at Polybags.co.uk - simply apply the voucher XMASMAIL16 and then choose your mail sacks. The discount will be automatically applied to your basket once the order reaches £75. Limited time offer. Strictly one voucher per customer.

Royal Mail's last posting dates for Christmas 2016

If you are sending a card or present to a loved one this Christmas, or if you need to get a delivery to a customer before Santa gets there himself, the Royal Mail's last Christmas posting dates are an important addition to your calendar.

The table below lists the all-important dates for regular UK services and international services (formerly Airmail). For further information visit royalmail.com/greetings.

UK Services

Tue 20 December	2nd Class (including 'Signed For' mail)
Wed 21 December	1st Class (including 'Signed For' mail)
Thu 22 December	Special Delivery (guaranteed delivery on Fri 23 December)
Fri 23 December	Special Delivery Saturday (guaranteed delivery on Christmas Eve)

International Standard (formerly Airmail), Tracking and Signature Services

Sat 3 December	Africa, Middle East
Wed 7 December	Cyprus, Asia, Far East, Eastern Europe
Thu 8 December	Caribbean, Central & South America
Sat 10 December	Greece, Australia, New Zealand
Wed 14 December	Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland
Thu 15 December	Canada, Finland, Sweden, USA
Fri 16 December	Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland
Sat 17 December	Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg