Do you have parcels to send this Christmas?  If you want to make sure they arrive safely, follow our tips for perfect packing.

1. Don’t overload: if you’re sending big or heavy gifts don’t overload your boxes – many carriers have a maximum weight per box of 30kg.  Lower weight boxes means there’s less chance of your packages being heavily handled too (or dropped!).  Heavy boxes should be sealed with fabric tape rather than brown tape for maximum security in transit.
   
2. Stay balanced:  balance the weight within the box – an unevenly packed box is more likely to suffer damage due to instability.
   
3. Pack it in:  allow at least two inches of packaging around breakable or fragile gifts.  And don’t rely on shredded or torn up newspaper – use polystyrene peanuts and bubble wrap.
   
4. Box clever:  use a big enough box – this will also help to stop you skimping on internal packaging.  Choose from a range of single and double-wall boxes from Mail Boxes Etc. – we have sizes available to suit every need, and can also create custom-made boxes for outsized or awkwardly shaped items.
   
5. Keep still:  ensure there is no movement of items within the box.  This is the single biggest reason for damage to contents in transit.
   
6. Spread the load:  if you’re sending several items to the same address, spread out any valuable items across a number of packages, instead of putting all of them in the same carton.  
   
7. Cut it fine:  place some scrap cardboard under the final seal of each box so that, when the knife cuts in to open the box upon delivery, it doesn’t damage the contents.  Seal the edges too – this adds stability and reduces the risk of snagging and tampering.
   
8. Write it large:  write the destination address clearly on the box – labels are fine but they can come unstuck.  Protect any labels by using clear tape and include your own full address on the carton in case of returns.
   
9. Avoid the rush!  At busy times like Christmas, send your parcels well in advance – that way, not only can you be sure they’ll arrive on time, but there is less chance of damage under the crush of other seasonal parcels.  Aim for despatch by the end of November to be sure.  (You can check here for last posting dates.)

When in doubt call Mail Boxes Etc. on 0800 623 123 or visit www.mbe.co.uk to find the location of your nearest store, where you’ll find friendly advice and expert packing services, as well as all the packaging materials you need.

Sheffield post, parcel and print specialist Mail Boxes Etc. helped spread a little Christmas spirit recently by shipping an unusual relic from the nation’s drinking past.

The magnificent cut-glass gin dispenser, sold at auction in November by Sheffield Auction Gallery, was recently collected, expertly packed and despatched to its new owner by Frank Bigley and his team at MBE Sheffield.  

Because they are made of glass, it’s rare to find one of these startling reminders of the Victorian and Edwardian eras intact today.  Said John Morgan, auctioneer at Sheffield Auction Gallery:  

“These huge glass containers could hold several gallons of gin.  All the barman had to do was turn the tap and the gin poured out.  It’s an interesting reminder of a time before the Weights and Measures Act formalised legal measures for dispensing alcohol.”

Known as ‘Mother’s Ruin’ because, thanks to its affordability, it became such a popular drink with the entire nation in the 1700s, gin has a chequered past.  These days, however, it is very fashionable – according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, sales of gin are expected to exceed £1bn in Britain this year.

Frank Bigley is pleased that the dispenser will go to a good home:  

“I can see it being a great talking point in someone’s office or perhaps on display in their kitchen.  It may even end up being the star of a few Christmas parties!”

Mail Boxes Etc. stores specialise in the collection, secure packing and worldwide shipping of antiques, collectables and fine art.  Frank and his team wrapped the gin dispenser in tissue paper to protect it, before packing it securely in a large box, to ensure that the lucky buyer received it in one piece.  

“We have a close working relationship with Sheffield Auction Gallery,” said Frank.  “They often recommend us to their buyers as a safe pair of hands for precious lots needing to be despatched around the UK or overseas.  We love dealing with fun items like this – it’s a challenge because the glass is so fragile, but it makes our job really interesting.”

The Communication Workers union (CWU) has announced five days of strikes from Monday 19 December, including Christmas Eve, which will affect Crown Post Offices across the UK.

Should the action take place, we wish to reassure customers that we can keep your Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide Christmas post and parcels moving. 

Mail Boxes Etc. stores are unaffected by the industrial action, so If you are planning to send urgent documents or packages during this time, please contact us for advice. We can help to ensure the safe, on-time delivery of your packages.

When you want to be sure your parcels and your property receive only the very best of care, it pays to choose your carrier carefully.  That’s why we only work with the best – including Royal Mail, UPS, DHL, TNT, FedEx and Parcelforce Worldwide.  

Because we know that our reputation rests on it, we insist on providing the most careful, considerate, end-to-end service for our customers’ precious parcels.  That includes expert packaging that ensures your parcel is perfectly prepared for safe transit; UK and worldwide shipping with your choice of leading carriers using our expert advice that’s based on the item, its destination, your need for speed and your budget, and protecting it with our great-value Enhanced Cover compensation scheme.

If we didn’t take good care with your parcels, there’s no way we could offer such generous compensation cover in the unlikely event of loss or damage in transit.  Make that highly unlikely – given that we only work with the best.

Many small businesses rely on us to pick, pack and despatch their goods across the UK and around the globe.  Whether you’re sending just one parcel or many, we’re always delighted to help steer you through the challenges of import and export restrictions and customs regulations, and we’ll make sure you get the best price and the best service for your needs, every time.

Sending items abroad this Christmas?  Then it’s worth knowing that many Royal Mail last posting dates fall in November.  

For example, if you want your parcels to be under the tree by Christmas Eve in Cyprus, Eastern Europe, Greece, Iceland, Malta and Turkey, Thursday 3^rd November is the latest recommended posting date if you’re sending via International Economy (which used to be known as Surface Mail).  And if you’re posting to Western Europe, the last recommended date is Thursday 17^th November.

You can extend those last posting dates using Royal Mail’s International Standard, International Tracking, Signature and Air Lift services (find out more here).  But if it simply has to be there and you can’t make those dates, remember that Mail Boxes Etc. is here to help.  Whatever it is, and wherever it’s going, if it has to be there by Christmas our priority shipping services will save the day.

Take a look at our last posting dates for your gifts and business packages:

For most international destinations, including the US, Canada, the Far East and Australasia, we can courier your parcels and packages right up to 18^th December.  And for Europe and the UK, you can drop off your items to your local MBE store right up to 23rd December.   

Remember - if it simply must be there by Christmas, with our huge selection of international shippers and the best choice of priority services, at Mail Boxes Etc. we can still get your parcels and packages there in time! www.mbe.co.uk

Whether it’s an eBay sale, a business package or a special gift, it is worth taking the time and using the right materials to ensure that your parcel reaches its destination safely and in one piece.  

Follow these top ten tips for packing the perfect parcel.

1. Don’t overload  

If you are sending particularly big or heavy gifts don’t overload your boxes – many carriers have a maximum weight per box of 30kg to avoid the chance that anyone handling them might incur back injuries.  Lower weight boxes means there’s less chance of your packages being heavily handled too (or dropped!).  Heavy boxes should be sealed with a fabric tape rather than brown tape for maximum security in transit.

2. Stay balanced

Balance the weight within the box – an unevenly packed box is more likely to suffer damage due to instability.

3. Pack it in

Allow at least two inches of packaging around breakable or fragile gifts.  Don’t rely on shredded or torn up newspaper – use polystyrene peanuts and bubble wrap.

4. Box clever

Use a big enough box – this will also help to stop you skimping on internal packaging.  Choose from a range of single and double-wall boxes from suppliers like Mail Boxes Etc., who have sizes available to suit every need, and can also create custom-made boxes for outsized or awkwardly shaped items.

5. Keep still

Ensure there is no movement of items within the box.  This is the single biggest reason for damage to contents in transit.

6. Spread the load

If you are sending several items to the same address, spread out any valuable items amongst a number of packages, instead of putting all of them in the same carton.  

7. Cut it fine

Place some scrap cardboard under the final seal of each box so that, when the knife cuts into open the box upon delivery, it does not damage the contents.  Seal the edges too – this adds stability and reduces the risk of snagging and tampering.

8. Write it large

Write the destination address clearly on the box – labels are fine but they can come unstuck.  Protect any labels by using clear tape and include your own full address on the carton in case of returns.

9. Avoid the rush!  

At busy times like Christmas, send your parcels well in advance – that way, not only can you be sure they’ll arrive on time, but there is less chance of damage under the crush of other seasonal parcels.  

10. Box clever

When in doubt call Mail Boxes Etc. on 0800 623 123 or visit www.mbe.co.uk to find the location of your nearest store, where you’ll find friendly advice, expert packing services, as well as all the packaging materials you need.

If you want to be sure your post and parcels arrive before Christmas, it’s worth remembering that for many worldwide destinations, Royal Mail last posting dates fall in November.  For example, Tuesday 3^rd November was the latest recommended posting date for International Economy (formerly Surface Mail) to Cyprus, Eastern Europe, Greece, Iceland, Malta and Turkey.  And if you’re posting to Western Europe, the last recommended date is Tuesday 17^th November.

Royal Mail also offers extended last posting dates via its International Standard, (formerly Airmail), International Tracking and Signature services.  But if it’s simply got to be there and you can’t make those dates, remember that Mail Boxes Etc. is here to help.  Whether you’ve got family overseas and there’s a special present that just has to be under their tree by Christmas Eve, or you have products to send to your customers abroad before their Christmas shutdown, our priority shipping services will save the day.

For most international destinations, including the Far East and Australasia, we can courier your parcels and packages right up to 15^th December and for the USA and Canada and Western Europe, it’s up to Monday 21st.  And for the UK, you can drop off your items to your local MBE store right up to 23th December.  

You can also check out the last Royal Mail posting dates here – but remember that if it simply has to be there by Christmas, with our wide selection of international shippers and the best choice of priority and guaranteed services, at Mail Boxes Etc. we can still get your parcels and packages there in time!

Take a look at our last posting dates above for your gifts and business packages.

Deliverease is a new post and parcel service from Mail Boxes Etc. that’s built around you and your busy lifestyle. 

We make the process easy.  So instead of queuing to ask questions, or staring at a screen trying to figure out which international import rules apply, you can trust us to handle everything while you get on with your life.

We offer a fast, friendly and reliable service, with quick and easy drop-off and a range of leading parcel delivery services, so you get the right carrier for your package and destination, all at competitive prices.

We’re local – conveniently situated on the high street, so you can call in with your parcels at a time to suit you. We’re flexible – if you’d find it easier to have your parcel collected, we can do that too.  And we’re experts in UK and worldwide delivery – we take the hassle out of sending post and parcels, so you don’t have to worry about it.

• Secure - we’ll ensure your item is packed correctly for transit
• Fast - reliable scheduled delivery
• Safe - we work with leading delivery specialists, using the right courier for the job, so you know your items will be in safe hands
• Trackable - your parcel can be fully tracked,for complete peace of mind

Find out more at www.mbe.co.uk/deliverease or pop into your local MBE store with your parcel and let us do the rest.

Post, parcel and print specialist Mail Boxes Etc., which has more than 150 high street stores across the UK, has offered alternative postal services to anyone likely to be affected when thousands of Post Office workers strike this Thursday, 15 September, in a dispute over branch closures, job losses and pensions.

“We understand that people may be concerned about the strike, which the Communication Workers Union has warned may be followed by more industrial action,” said James Simmons, marketing manager at Mail Boxes Etc.  “We want to keep the UK’s post moving, and because we provide many Royal Mail post and parcel services at our stores, we believe customers will be reassured that their postal service doesn’t have to be disrupted.”

Mail Boxes Etc. stores offer a range of Royal Mail services, including First or Second Class stamps, Special Delivery™ and Recorded Signed For services, Airmail, and Tracked international mail.  “We also offer courier and parcel deliveries through a range of leading shippers, including UPS, DHL, TNT, Parcelforce Worldwide and FedEx, so our customers know they always have a choice,” said Simmons.

Anyone sending a parcel with Mail Boxes Etc. during September and October also has the chance to win a family holiday to Barcelona or one of several pairs of Odeon cinema tickets, as MBE teams up with movie giant Warner Bros to promote its major new animated adventure, Storks.

How to make the most of Black Friday

How can retailers make the most of the opportunities that Black Friday brings?

Black Friday is one of the most highly anticipated shopping events of the year, when consumers can enjoy discounts on a huge array of products. But how can retailers make the most of this opportunity to boost sales, raise brand awareness and move stock to make way for new items?

Whatever the size of your business or customer base, you can still use Black Friday as a springboard to greater brand awareness, increased loyalty and sales growth. At this time of year, consumers are expecting brands to promote their offers and are much better disposed to receiving – and acting upon – sales messages. That’s why it’s worth applying discounts and making a big splash across all your channels, from social media to e-shots and physical collateral like flyers and posters. With consumers more likely to be ‘warm’ to your sales messages, it would be a shame to miss out.

Black Friday deals are often applied to the key consumer goods categories: electronics and IT, fashion, cosmetics, household appliances, sports equipment, toys and games. But whatever you’re selling, you can still catch the consumer’s eye with the right messaging.

If yours is a start-up or you’re still building your audience, think of Black Friday as a boost to your marketing efforts, a foot in the door. Even long-established brands that pride themselves on customer loyalty can still leverage consumers’ curiosity and perhaps gain themselves some new fans.

It’s not all about discounts

Black Friday is also a chance to look at your product range and move inventory to make way for new stock. If your summer sale has resulted in leftover stock that you need to shift, consider a ‘30% off all sale items’ promotion for Black Friday or even throughout November.

On the other hand, if you want to grow your reputation as the go-to retailer for the best deals on cutting-edge tech, make sure you’ve got your offers lined up (and your warehouse well stocked) before October’s out. Once consumers decide they want to buy, if you’ve run out of what they want they will go elsewhere – even if it means paying a bit more. You don’t want to miss out on their custom.

It’s not necessary to discount your products to tap into Black Friday energy, either. Consider instead giving away samples with every item purchased, or starting a loyalty club and offering every new customer a certain number of free points with every purchase during November. This is a great strategy for smaller or new businesses who want to reach a wider audience without direct impact on their profits.

Say it loud

The benefits your brand gains from its Black Friday promotions go beyond additional sales. This is an opportunity to enhance your reputation and promote your values. With the potential for greater audience reach, your marketing activity should amplify your brand, both visually and in terms of key messages.

This is also a chance to showcase your customer service, as well as the quality of your products. In short, think of Black Friday as a platform for broadcasting your brand’s personality. Ensuring a smooth online purchasing journey for your customer is also essential at this busy time, as well as a seamless returns process.

There’s a quid pro quo element to this, too. Because you can ask your customers to do something for you in return for your generosity in discounting your products or offering added value at this time of year. There’s no denying power of positive reviews on Google, Feefo, Trustpilot and similar sites: recent research shows that more people are likely to trust product reviews from other customers than from industry experts, professional reviewers and companies or brands. And if up to 95% of consumers read online reviews before buying, your brand should be looking to gain as many positive recommendations as possible. That’s why offering an incentive for customers to leave a review is a good idea, particularly during Black Friday.

We can help

If your business needs help with order and inventory management, packing, shipping and automating the management of orders and returns, talk to the experts at MBE. We’re also here for your design and print, specialising in digital and physical marketing materials that boost your brand and ensure your messaging is received loud and clear.

Find out more here.