Choosing Postage at Checkout

When you reach checkout, a seller may offer more than one way to send your order. The cheapest option is not always the best one, and the most expensive is not always needed. Knowing what each choice really means helps you pick the right one without overthinking it.

Standard post

Standard post is the simplest and usually the cheapest. It works well for small, light items that would be easy to replace. The trade off is that there is no way to follow the parcel, so if it is delayed you can only wait.

Tracked post

Tracked post gives you a reference number so you can see where your parcel is. It costs a little more, but it takes away a lot of worry. For anything you would be upset to lose, or anything sent from abroad, it is usually worth it.

Signed for post

Signed for post means someone has to sign when it arrives. That gives the strongest proof of delivery, but it also means the parcel may be taken back to a depot if nobody is home. Choose it only if you know you will be in, or can collect easily.

Check your address

Whichever option you choose, read your delivery address once more before you pay. A missing flat number or an old postcode is the most common reason a parcel goes astray, and it is the one thing a seller cannot fix for you.

Ask if you are unsure

If the options are not clear, send the seller a short message before ordering. Most are happy to explain how they send things and how long it usually takes. A quick question now saves a lot of waiting and wondering later.