Are you wondering whether to use Royal Mail or Hermes for sending your parcels? It’s a common question, and the answer depends on various factors. In this article, we will compare the two popular delivery services and help you decide which one is better for your needs.
Delivery Costs
One of the most important factors to consider while choosing a delivery service is the cost. Royal Mail and Hermes have different pricing structures, so let’s take a closer look at them:
Royal Mail: The cost of sending a parcel with Royal Mail depends on its size, weight, and destination. You can choose from various delivery options, such as 1st Class, 2nd Class, Signed For, and Special Delivery Guaranteed. According to their website, the prices start from £3.20 for a small parcel (up to 1kg) sent via 2nd Class.
Hermes: Unlike Royal Mail, Hermes charges a flat rate for each parcel based on its size rather than its weight. They offer various delivery options as well – Standard Delivery (3-5 days), Next Day Delivery (1 day), and Weekend Delivery (Saturday or Sunday). According to their website, the prices start from £2.90 for a small parcel (up to 1kg) sent via Standard Delivery.
Delivery Speed
Another important factor is how quickly your parcel will arrive at its destination. Let’s compare the delivery speeds of Royal Mail and Hermes:
Royal Mail: The delivery speed depends on the service you choose. For example, 1st Class parcels are usually delivered within 1-2 working days while 2nd Class parcels can take up to 3-5 working days.
Hermes: The standard delivery time for Hermes is 3-5 working days. However, they also offer Next Day and Weekend Delivery options at an additional cost.
Tracking
Tracking your parcel is essential to ensure that it arrives safely and on time. Let’s see how Royal Mail and Hermes compare when it comes to tracking:
Royal Mail: Depending on the service you choose, Royal Mail offers tracking options such as Signed For or Special Delivery Guaranteed. You can track your parcel’s progress online or via the Royal Mail app.
Hermes: Hermes provides a tracking number for each parcel, which you can use to track its progress on their website or app.
Customer Service
Good customer service is crucial when it comes to delivery services. Let’s compare the customer service of Royal Mail and Hermes:
Royal Mail: Royal Mail has a dedicated customer service team that you can contact via phone, email, or social media. They also have a comprehensive FAQ section on their website.
Hermes: Hermes also has a customer service team that you can contact for any queries or issues. However, they have received some negative feedback about their customer service in the past.
Conclusion
So, which one is cheaper – Royal Mail or Hermes? The answer depends on various factors such as the size of your parcel, its weight, destination, and delivery speed required. Overall, both services have their pros and cons.
If you are sending a small parcel within the UK and don’t need next-day delivery or tracking options, Hermes may be cheaper for you. However, if you want more reliable delivery with various tracking options available and good customer support, Royal Mail may be a better option for you.
Ultimately, it’s essential to consider your specific needs before choosing between these two popular delivery services.