OT: Courier advice

[monty_rhodes]

I ship a few dozen parcels every month both UK and international. For years I have used Hermes but they have now shafted me over a lost item. Can anyone recommend a reliable company? It must offer tracking and courier collection.

[sawmiller]

What are you shipping?

[frogmiller]

My mother sends the red cross parcels to us using these.

https://www.parcelmonkey.co.uk/parcel-post

[monty_rhodes]

What are you shipping?

Board games - specifically military history ones.

[monty_rhodes]

My mother sends the red cross parcels to us using these.

https://www.parcelmonkey.co.uk/parcel-post

Thanks, frog. That looks very good. Strange to say the missing parcel that Hermes have screwed me on was to a guy in Raimbeaucourt in France. Even though their own systems show it as "In Transit - Not Delivered" they require me to provide (quote) "Documentary proof of non-delivery" which is a ridiculous impossibility.

[sawmiller]

Board games - specifically military history ones.

OK - someone who'll be careful with the consignment then. Frog's suggestion definitely worth pursuing. Just checking as it could have required a specialist courier - I occasionally ship fine art, amongst many varied types of items. As a general courier, have found DPD to be OK.

Proof of 'non delivery' - yes, see what you mean - would require the anticipated recipient to help you out when their only investment is in receiving the goods, not getting involved in that sort of process

[monty_rhodes]

OK - someone who'll be careful with the consignment then. Frog's suggestion definitely worth pursuing. Just checking as it could have required a specialist courier - I occasionally ship fine art, amongst many varied types of items. As a general courier, have found DPD to be OK.

Proof of 'non delivery' - yes, see what you mean - would require the anticipated recipient to help you out when their only investment is in receiving the goods, not getting involved in that sort of process

Thanks, saw. Originally Hermes also wanted "Documentary Proof of Posting". I hit the roof at that as it was collected by their courier who used a barcode reader and their own website showed date and time of collection! They backed down on that and have also now accepted an email from the recipient as proof of non-delivery. This was ridiculous as a signature was required and they knew it hadn't been signed for and again their own website shows it as "In transit." The final sticking point is "Proof of value" as they don't seem willing to accept Paypal statements. Even if they pay up I'm done with them as this has gone on for three weeks for £32.14p! I refunded the guy his money within minutes of him contacting me and don't like Hermes obstructive attitude. Screw them.

[sawmiller]

Your annoyance is fully understandable. Better luck with another courier

[great_fire]

I usually use https://www.collectplus.co.uk

9.2 on Trustpilot.

Had no problems with them so far, touch wood.