Anyone who sends mail at Post Office given alert about common mistake | Personal Finance | Finance

People sending packages and other items at the Post Office have been encouraged to make sure they understand how the rules apply to their post.

Postmaster Tony Fleming, who works at Thorne Post Office in Doncaster, said people often misunderstand how tracking works.

He explained: “A common mistake people make is thinking that we are able to track items sent via standard mail when in fact only Tracked or Special Delivery services offer that level of visibility, via Royal Mail.”

However, there have also been some recent expansions to the services available to customers when it comes to tracking their items.

Mr Fleming said: “Our new Multi Carrier offering has changed the landscape here though with both EVRI and DPD offering tracking as standard.”

The Post Office launched in 2023 a service allowing you to buy parcel postage to send items via DPD and Evri, at certain branches.

This means customers can choose to send an item via either of the couriers, as well as choosing from existing services, so you can opt for the delivery carrier that best suits what you need.

Mr Fleming said that many people often don’t realise the range of banking services that you can now access at the Post Office.

He explained: “In recent times as local banks have closed customers have become aware that cash deposits and withdrawals and balance enquires can be made over the counter for most UK banks.

“But most are unaware that the Post Office offers a comprehensive range of straightforward and competitive savings accounts for customers via our agreement with One Family and Bank of Ireland.”

For example, the Post Office has an Online ISA currently paying 4.05% for an easy access account for 12 months, after which the rate drops to 1.15%. You can also opt for a fixed rate ISA including 3.85% for one year and 3.7% for a two-year term.

Bank services you can access in branch include taking out cash at the counter or at a cash machine, depositing cash or cheques, or checking your account balance.

Ross Borkett, banking director at Post Office, said that cash services continue to be important for customers. He said: “People from all walks of life use our cash and banking services – from small business owners to a growing number of people who use cash as a way to budget.

“It is also vital for the millions of people who struggle to get online or simply want to use in person counter services to have the reassurance of a face-to-face transaction.”

Post Office research found people most often use cash for small, everyday transactions such as paying for items in shops or at kiosks, as well as for paying for food and drinks in cafés and pubs.

They also found people often use cash when giving a gift or tip or when making a donation to a charity. Mr Borkett said: “These kinds of purchases are often easily manageable in cash, especially for those who like to stay on top of their spending. Nearly a quarter of people (23%) we surveyed also use cash to help with budgeting and saving.”