Post Office predict peak posting day ahead of Christmas

• Monday 12 December predicated as the busiest day in Post Office branches
• 28% of Brits are worried they’ll be seen as not making an effort if gifts and cards arrive late
• Post Office share top tips to ensure Brits are well prepared ahead of posting to avoid Christmas disappointment

Consumers across the UK hoping to avoid the seasonal rush are in luck as new Post Office data shared today has revealed the peak posting day in the run up to Christmas.

Post Office are anticipating Monday 12 December to be the day when branches are busiest as Brits hurry to send off cards, gifts and parcels and the nation gears up for Christmas.

In 2021, the two weeks ahead of Christmas saw Post Offices more than double their trading activity and Post Office are expecting a similar pattern this year so customers are advised to plan ahead and post early.

The news is a timely reminder for consumers across the UK with Christmas posting on their to do list as recent research conducted by Post Office revealed that looking like an effort hasn’t been made was the biggest concern if cards and gifts don’t arrive before Christmas Day.

What Brits decide to post may look different this December. One in six are planning on making homemade gifts this year according to the survey, with the number one reason being to save money.

The poll of 2005 adults also highlighted the role that cash will play this Christmas with concerns about the cost-of-living front of mind for consumers.

Four in ten plan to use cash to purchase Christmas gifts this year, of these, two thirds will do so to manage budgets and keep track of spending whilst over a quarter are set to gift cash.

A record £801 million in cash was withdrawn at Post Office counters over the festive period last year, with that figure expected to be surpassed this year.

With the research showing that more than one in ten have had a parcel rejected, Post Office are reminding consumers that knowing how to make Christmas parcels easily accepted in branch is key to a smooth trip in branch.

The most common reasons for being caught out were shown to be trying to send parcels containing batteries, parcels not being wrapped correctly and illegible writing.

Further research from Post Office focusing on the long-standing love affair of Brits and queues showed that we might not be as patient a nation as once believed. Although 10% would be willing to wait in a queue for an hour or more, the average time Brits are willing to wait in a queue was shown to be 24 minutes.

Customers visiting Post Offices needn’t worry as the average wait time in branch is just 2 minutes and 36 seconds with over 94%[1]of our customers finding that wait acceptable.

With the Communication Workers Union having announced strike action in the run-up to Christmas, Post Office are warning of potential delays in delivering items. Post Office branches will continue to operate as normal throughout these periods but are recommending that customers visit branches and send off deliveries earlier than planned.

In anticipation of the busy days ahead, Laura Joseph, Post Office Customer Experience Director has shared top tips to customers and communities ahead of posting this Christmas:

1. Don’t wait until you’re in a busy branch to pack items. Think ahead and save time by getting your parcels post-ready at home. Parcels with strings or bows on the outside don’t travel well so make sure you have sturdy outer packaging on your parcel.

2. Be sure to check the restricted items to avoid disappointment. There are certain items such as alcohol, nail polish and perfume which many people don’t realise have restrictions on how much and where they can be posted, with different rules for posting within the UK and abroad.

3. Get extra peace of mind with tracking and insurance. Using tracked and signed-for services can help you follow your parcel’s journey and for cash and high value goods it’s always worth taking up the insurance which comes with services like Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed.

4. Avoid the lunchtime rush. Make the most of longer opening hours by visiting branches early in the day or the evening. We’re open on the weekend too – 4,000 branches are open on Sundays.

5. If posting abroad, ensure to keep track of last posting dates – pick up a leaflet in branch or visit our Christmas Hub online. Filling out online customs forms beforehand is a great way to save time.

Laura Joseph added: “The lead up to Christmas is often a busy time for all with a long to-do list in preparation for the big day. We all want to make sure our Christmas cards and presents to loved ones arrive in time and our Postmasters across our 11,500 branches can help with that.

“Over the festive period Postmasters will be supporting communities across the UK and so too can Post Office customers. Once again, Post Office will this year be giving 1p from every over-the-counter cash withdrawal to the Trussell Trust to help fight poverty and hunger this winter.”