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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

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Clear plastic mailers need to be specified for packing behaviour as much as appearance. A light gauge may see fine on paper, nevertheless it can split at the opening when filled fast, particularly if the contents have sharp corners or rough edges. Poor puncture resistance also shows up later, when parcels are dropped into tote bins or pressed against firmer cartons amid sorting. Film that is also slick can slide across the bench and upset the packer's rhythm, while a tacky surface can make mailers cling together and waste time. A balanced film retains the line moving and lowers the risk of damage before dispatch.

Pink mailing bags make sense where speed and sorting matter above disguise, because the colour gives instant visual separation at the packing bench. That saves time when alternative product lines, returns or promotional runs are moving through the same dispatch area, and it reduces the chance of the gross pack being pulled into the gross order. The bags themselves still need to perform like proper mailing packaging, so a superb LDPE film should offer enough puncture resistance and stretch without adding unnecessary weight to the consignment. A clean peel-and-seal strip also cuts out tape handling and retains the closing line consistent. In a busy operation, that mix of fast identification and proper closure retains the bench moving.

10 Plastic Envelopes Mailers Blue Mailing Bags 8" X 8.5" 200 X 220 50mm

Blue mailing bags in the 200 x 220 + 50 mm size work optimal when the film is chosen for handling rather than sees. That small format suits dense select-face storage and fast packing of flat stock, nevertheless only if the polythene suppliers has even gauge control and enough toughness around the flap and seal. Poor film will split at the fold or scuff through in sortation, while a sound mono-material bag retains tare weight low and makes dispatch easier to manage. The blue colour can assist stock control on a busy line, nevertheless the proper value sits in proper production and less rejects at the bench.

A transparent plastic envelope with a hook-and-loop closure suits documents that need to stay visible, dry and reasonably secure while moving through stores, offices or a despatch bay. The transparent face saves time at picking and checking, because the contents can be identified without opening the pack, while the flexible plastic gives better resistance to light scuffing than paper. The closure is faster than a zipper or full flap when staff are handling dozens of items, nevertheless it still relies on superb alignment and a clean fastening strip for a proper grasp. That makes it a practical selection for short-term document control and secondary packing.

Plastic mailing bags still have a place when the job is purely about keeping a shipment dry, light and easy to handle, nevertheless they are not the proper reply for all dispatch. A bag can reduce pack time and take less storage space than a carton, yet it offers small protection against crush damage and can make mixed consignments see untidy on the van or conveyour. In a warehouse, that means the decision sits between speed and product security, not only simple convenience. For items that need a cleaner presentation or better stacking, a recyclable board outer normally gives a steadier result at the packing bench and in transit.

Details about   2000 Poly Mailer Courier Bags Mailing Satchel Post Shipping Self Seal 255

Courier bags need the proper balance of size, strength and seal quality if parcels are to reach their destination without fuss. A 255 x 330 mm poly mailer suits lightweight products that still need decent protection from rain, dirt and handling damage, particularly where secondary packing would only add cost and bulk. The self-seal strip speeds the packing line and retains the closure tidy, nevertheless only if the film gauge and adhesive grasp together below pressure in transit. Too thin a bag splits at the corners, while also big a one wastes material and makes the consignment see untidy. A sensible spec retains dispatch moving and reduces complaints at the other stop.

A gusseted kraft mailer is a better fit than polythene suppliers mailers when fat stock requirements to transport through despatch without losing control on the packing line. The paper build stays stiffer on the bench, so it is easier to feed, open, and shape around the contents without the bag collapsing or sticking together like softer film often does. That assists operatours retain a proper rhythm when the work is coming thick and fast, and it reduces the small delays that build up into a messy shift. The result is cleaner packing, less handling snags, and a pack that behaves more predictably at the station.

Grey polythene suppliers mail order bags need the proper gauge for the packing task, not a one-spec-fits-all come that causes trouble later. A lighter bag can cut material use and leave more room at select-face, nevertheless only if it still has enough tear resistance for the knocks of handling, the additional wrap sometimes added inside the pack, and the sharp edges found on cartons or shelving. When the film is controlled properly, the seals grasp better and split seams are less likely, which matters amid fast despatch when several consignments are being built at once. That sort of spec control retains packing proper without wasting material on unnecessary thickness.

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

Mailing bags need to balance low weight with enough toughness to survive the rough treatment of products-out, because a bag that is also thin can split on conveyours, corners, or sorting machinery. A sensible film gauge and a well-chosen polymer blend give puncture resistance without adding pointless tare weight, which matters when thousands of small parcels are moving through a mail room. The seal strip also has to cope with dusty benches, cool storage, and fast packing, since a weak corner lift can turn into damaged stock or a client complaint. When the size is matched closely to the contents, there is less wasted space, better pallet stability, and cleaner handling through dispatch.

Custom Printed Mailing Bags Tailored To Your Brand

Printed mailing bags need to be chosen for how they handle on the packing line, not only for how they see in a finished photo. A sharp print means small if the bag splits at the seal, stretches unevenly below load, or scuffs before it reaches dispatch. The polythene suppliers has to give enough film strength for fast packing while still accepting ink cleanly enough to retain branding readable after sorting and transit. When the gauge is controlled properly, the bag runs reliably, seals more cleanly and avoids the sort of weak spots that lead to complaints and rework.

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!

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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