Cheapest Way to Send a Parcel: UK Ultimate Guide

The UK’s booming eCommerce market is third largest in the world and expected to reach over £212 Billion in 2024 and explode to over £567 Billion by 2029! While this is a huge opportunity for successful online stores looking for growth, profitable shipping can be complex.

Efficiently managing shipping logistics can be crucial for small to medium-sized eCommerce businesses. Especially if you are aiming to reduce costs while maintaining customer satisfaction.

This quick guide focuses on identifying cost-effective strategies for eCommerce shipping, ensuring that business owners can meet growing customer expectations demanding lower prices and faster deliveries.

Explore the essentials of shipping within the UK, from selecting the best shipping options to understanding the hidden costs that can impact your bottom line.

Cheapest Shipping in the UK

Shipping to customers throughout the US? You might be expecting expensive shipping costs and slow delivery times, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case. To break down the cheapest shipping rates available, in this example, we are going to ship a range of packages across the UK.

We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare prenegotiated rates from 250 plus couriers:

• Weight of package: 1KG
• Box Dimensions: 20cm x 25cm x 6cm
• Contents for customs forms: Accessory (no-battery)

To help you analyze the cheapest international shipping options available, we have ranked a range of services for sending a package, based on the estimated prices from over 250 global couriers. While also focusing on the estimated number of business days it takes to arrive at the shipping address, plus the type and quality of tracking available.

Cheapest Domestic Shipping

• Origin: London
• Destination: Edinburgh

Cheapest International Shipping

• Origin: London
• Destination: New York

Delivery Service

There are countless delivery service providers in the UK, each with varying rates and service levels. For small businesses, finding a delivery service that aligns with your budget while meeting customer expectations is key. Here’s a breakdown of delivery services and their benefits:

• Evri (formerly Hermes): Great for affordable deliveries with basic tracking and multiple drop-off points.
• UPS: Known for reliable delivery services and excellent tracking, ideal for eCommerce businesses looking to offer a premium experience.
• DPD: Offers a well-rounded service with next-day options and good customer support, making it a popular choice for UK-based businesses.
• Parcelforce: Offers flexible services for large parcels and next-day delivery, though it tends to be more expensive than other options.

By choosing the right delivery service, you can save money on shipping while ensuring that parcels reach customers in a timely manner.

Packaging Materials

The right packaging materials not only protect your goods but can also help reduce shipping costs. Using lightweight materials like bubble wrap or padded envelopes can lower the weight of your parcel, saving you money on shipping fees.

Additionally, reusing boxes or purchasing them in bulk can significantly reduce your packaging costs. If your item weighs less than 1kg, it’s worth investing in sturdy but lightweight packaging to ensure that you don’t pay extra for unnecessary weight.

When sending delicate items, make sure to include protective materials, such as foam or air pillows, to prevent damage during transit. Many couriers, including Royal Mail and DPD, offer free or discounted packaging supplies, which can help small businesses save money.

Customer Service Team

No matter how reliable your delivery service is, issues can sometimes arise. Having a good customer service team behind your shipping provider can make a world of difference. Whether it's a missing parcel, tracking issues, or delays, excellent customer service ensures your business can quickly resolve issues and maintain a positive customer experience.

Look for couriers with strong reputations for customer service, such as UPS or DPD, which are known for their responsive and helpful support teams. A reliable customer service team can save you time and stress, helping you focus on growing your business rather than handling delivery issues.

Summary

Finding the cheapest way to send parcels doesn’t have to be a headache for UK eCommerce businesses. By comparing parcel delivery services, using the right packaging materials, and leveraging tools like Easyship to find the best prices, you can save money while still delivering excellent service to your customers.

Remember, the key is to balance cost, delivery time, and reliability. Whether you’re shipping small packages across town or large parcels internationally, there’s always a cheaper way to send while maintaining high standards for your customers.

Find the Cheapest Way to Send a Package with Easyship

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250+ couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers
• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to send a package in the UK?

The cheapest way to send a package in the UK depends on factors such as parcel size, weight, delivery speed, and the need for tracking. Evri (formerly Hermes) offers one of the most affordable courier service options for small parcels, starting at £3.42 for 2–3 working days. For faster delivery, you can opt for Evri’s next-day service for £5.48, which still provides cheap parcel delivery for urgent packages.

For heavier items, such as a large parcel, UPS Standard® provides a parcel service with full tracking at £5.99, making it ideal for businesses sending multiple packages. If you’re shipping internationally, Easyship allows you to compare over 250 courier services and find the best price for both domestic and international delivery.

Is Evri cheaper than DPD?

Yes, Evri is generally cheaper than DPD, especially for standard delivery. Evri’s parcel service starts at £3.42 for 2–3 working days, while DPD’s next-day delivery begins at £8.96, offering more comprehensive tracking and customer support for the extra cost. If you're looking to deliver the parcel cheaply and can afford a longer delivery time, Evri is the more budget-friendly option.

However, DPD is a preferred choice for time-sensitive shipments due to its reliable tracking and fast delivery service. This can be important if you're sending a large parcel or need the package delivered to a work address or international location. Both are a comparable service and offer strong options, but Evri is more cost-effective for non-urgent parcels.

What packaging should I use to reduce extra costs?

Using lightweight packaging materials such as bubble wrap or padded envelopes can help reduce the weight of your parcel, ensuring that you don't pay any extra costs for unnecessary weight. Additionally, purchasing packaging supplies in bulk or reusing boxes can save you money on postage. If you're sending a large parcel, ensure it's packed securely to avoid damage and the need for replacements.

If you're shipping internationally, it's important to check for prohibited items with your chosen courier to avoid penalties or returned packages. Couriers such as Royal Mail, UPS, and DPD offer free cover for certain items, which helps protect your parcel during transit.

What should I consider for international deliveries?

For international delivery, cost and delivery time are important factors. UPS Express Saver® and FedEx Cross Border offer competitive rates with quick delivery, though they may cost more than Evri for UK domestic shipments. When shipping internationally, always check for prohibited items and additional customs charges that could lead to extra costs.

To save money, use a platform like Easyship to compare courier services and find the best price based on the destination, package weight, and shipping speed. This ensures you're getting the most value for your parcel delivery.

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