As Royal Mail workers across the United Kingdom continue to carry out strike action, many residents will no doubt be worried they've left it too late to get their Christmas shopping in.
However, there is still a small window of opportunity to avoid disappointment.
Those hoping to post parcels or cards using 1st Class (both normal and signed), Tracked 48 and 24-hour delivery services should drop their packages off no later than this Friday (16 December).
Read more: Over 100,000 Royal Mail workers expected to walk out today in biggest strike of the summer
My London reports that Tracked 24 is still guaranteed up until Monday, December 19 - with Special Delivery Guaranteed having a last-chance cut-off date of next Wednesday (December 21). However, in light of the recent postal strikes across the nation, Royal Mail are advising that some items may still fail to reach their intended destination by December 25.
Due to a heavy backlog of deliveries in sorting units, as well as heavy snowfall in some parts of the country, customers should consider posting their parcels as soon as they are able to, while expecting slight delays.
With some of the UK's most-used gift retailers also concerned about the effects of widespread strikes, many are warning that orders may not be received in time. Funky Pigeon, for example, recommends that customers order as early as possible and upgrade their delivery options to avoid disappointment.
They are advising that Tracked 24 or Special Delivery services are the best options for cards and personalised gifts, but these services may still not make it in time for the big day. Orders containing giant cards, alcohol, flowers and plants will still be available for next-day delivery, as they will be sent via courier delivery services which should largely remain unaffected by the strikes.
The Funky Pigeon website states that the last date for guaranteed delivery before Christmas is 2pm on Friday, 16 December (or 6pm for cards). For balloons and giant cards, customers should check out before 4pm on Thursday, 22 December and the last chance to send flowers and alcohol is Friday, December 23.
Another well-known name in the online gift marketplace is Moonpig.com. With their catchy jingle and a huge choice of customisable cards and gifts, the internet-based retailer is a favourite with last-minute shoppers. This year, however, the gift retailer has already seen a downturn in fortune as shoppers try to save money by finding bargains on the high street.
In their half-year results, the gift supplier said they were already suffering as a result of "disruption to the UK regulated postal service because of industrial action at Royal Mail during September and October”. This Christmas, Moonpig will once again be at the mercy of the postal service, with their cut-off date for standard delivery being 7pm on Thursday, December 15 for delivery by December, 22.
Earlier than in previous years, this cut-off date could see the company miss out on last-minute orders usually placed the day or so before Christmas. Flowers, plants and balloons may be more likely to reach their recipients in good time as Moonpig uses courier services to deliver these.
Online gift marketplace Thortful is also warning about the effects of the postage strike. On their website, they are asking customers to keep in mind that Tracked 24 orders may be delayed by 1-2 working days and First Class orders may be delayed by 2-3 working days.
Customers ordering gifts are being advised to select DPD as the delivery option at checkout.
How can I make sure my order is delivered?
While there is no guarantee that shoppers will be able to avoid potential delays, it would appear that companies that use courier and delivery services are proving to be more reliable, with items mostly arriving on time. Amazon, for example, is still offering free next-day delivery to Prime members, with most parcels reaching their recipients in the timescale quoted.
Alternatively, many high street retailers are suggesting shoppers visit them in-store to purchase their Christmas cards and gifts or order them online for in-store delivery or click-and-collect services. Book and card retailer, Waterstones has already brought forward its last order dates for online shopping to December, 19, and is warning that the industrial action could mean a "delay to quoted delivery times."
With thousands of postal workers set to walk out on Wednesday 14, Thursday 15, Friday 23 and Saturday, 24 December many online retailers could struggle to see orders arriving in time, including independent retailers selling through online marketplaces such as Etsy and eBay.
Delays and lost parcels will undoubtedly pile more pressure on struggling retailers as shoppers cut back on spending this year in the midst of the cost of living crisis. Of course, there are other ways to share the love this Christmas, with some online card companies promising later delivery cut off dates, along with a range of last minute gifts available to be delivered before the big day.
Moonpig for example, not only offers a range of personalised greetings cards, last minute shoppers can also order flower bouquets, small toys and gifts from well known brands including Sipsmiths, Cath Kidston, Lego, William Morris and many more. The online gift retailer also provides festive hampers, as well as selected Christmas food and drinks.
Cards and gifts can be ordered from the moonpig.com website from Thursday, December 15 for an estimated delivery date of Thursday, December 22. There is also an option to pay an additional £3.99 for gifts and cards sent using the Royal Mail Tracked 24 next day delivery service.
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