The price of posting things gets more expensive year on year. However for the first time in a number of years, first class stamp prices and postage rates is increasing twice within 12 months. Rather than the usual price hike being around March or April time, the increase will come into effect from January 1st 2021.
Why The Price Rise?
2020 has been a tricky year for everyone, companies included. This is partly the reason for the early increase. The Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Mail was quoted as saying, “Like other companies, 2020 has been a challenging year for Royal Mail. Our people have worked tirelessly to keep the UK connected throughout the pandemic and associated restrictions. These price increases will help us continue to deliver and sustain the universal service in challenging circumstances.”
Did you know that Royal Mail has to deliver to every UK address six days a week? These prices will also have doubled the price we pay, compared to 2010. As Royal Mail increases their prices, you’ll likely see other courier companies following suit.
What Are The New Postage Rates?
The hike of postage rates is the biggest in almost a decade. First class stamp price will rise from 76p to 85p with second class rising by a penny to 66p. There will be increases across the board with large letter prices being impacted as well. Second class large letter stamps will now cost 96p (up from 88p) and first class stamp prices in the large letter category will go from £1.15 to £1.29.
These prices are applicable to letters weighing 100g or less with the sizes of 24cm x 16.5cm x 5mm. Large letter stamps can also be used on items up to 100g measuring 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm. If your items weigh more or are larger, you’ll have to pay more and look at different options. You can do this in any Post Office, directly on the Royal Mail website or via a courier company.
How To Beat The Cost Of First Class Stamp Prices Rising
One of the best ways to beat the hike is by buying your stamps this month. As I use a lot of stamps for my eCommerce business, I usually buy them before the price hike. With this being the largest hike since I started that business, I have bought more ahead of the increase.
Ask yourself whether you need first class, or will second class be ok? If you get yourself that little bit more organised you can get things posted earlier and then use second class post. When you compare those postage rates to the first class stamp prices, you’ll save 19p on a letter and 33p on a large letter. Those savings add up!
If you’re sending parcels, check for better deals. Royal Mail isn’t usually the cheapest. There are other discounted web couriers who will do the same service for much less. If you’re buying gifts from the internet to then send onto a loved one, get them sent straight to the person instead. It’ll work out cheaper and you can always ask the recipient’s partner or parent to intercept the present until their birthday or Christmas Day, for example.
The money you can save on first class stamp prices and postage rates can soon add up. Be clever and get organised with your stamps!
