Guide to Choosing Your Shipping Service at Unmanned Tech
When it comes to selecting the right shipping service for your needs, various factors such as cost, reliability, delivery time, and tracking capabilities come into play. This guide is designed to help you navigate through the options provided by Royal Mail, DPD Local, and UPS, detailing the pros and.
Royal Mail
Our recommended courier
We would generally suggest you choose Royal Mail if you're not concerned about the fastest delivery, and don't mind the possibility of delays every now and then, Royal Mail offers the most affordable service for your order and 95% of the time they deliver within 1-2 days.
Our only guaranteed next day service (Special Delivery) - UK only
If you need something urgently, our fastest service is Special Delivery, this is our most reliable service and if its late, you will get a shipping refund (see late order refund policy)
Royal Mail Pros:
- Cost-effective: Generally cheaper than alternatives, suitable for budget-conscious customers.
- Delivery Times: Most shipments arrive within one working day of the estimated delivery time.
- Our only Guaranteed Next-Day Service: Special Delivery option with a refund policy for delays attributable to Royal Mail, but this costs more. See more info on our late order refund policy
- Low Error Rate: Special Delivery has the lowest error rate among the offered services.
Royal Mail Cons:
- Prone to Delays: More frequent delays except in Special Delivery.
- Lengthy Claims Process: A 10-working-day waiting period is required to initiate a claim for late or lost shipments.
- Safe-Space Delivery Default: Automatically enabled and requires the Royal Mail app to disable.
- No changes post shipment: It is not possible to make any amendments after the order has been shipped.
- Limited Tracking Options: Not all services offer full tracking, some lower value shipments will only provide a delivery confirmation (so tracking will only work after the item has been delivered, or delivery has been attempted.
Safe Space Delivery
Its a good idea to double check your safe-space delivery settings for your address with various couriers if you do not want your parcel to be left at your property, for more info on how to do this, see our guide on updating safe space settings for your address.
UPS
UPS Pros:
- Global Reach: Excellent for international shipping with a broad logistics network.
- Robust Tracking System: Offers detailed and real-time tracking updates.
- Reliability: Known for its strong delivery reliability and less frequent delays.
- Lipo Shipments: We are able to ship batteries and other hazardous materials with UPS within the UK and EU.
UPS Cons:
- Costly for Small Parcels: More expensive than Royal Mail for small, domestic shipments.
- Customer Service Variability: Some customers report inconsistent experiences with customer service depending where you are located.
- Not guaranteed next day: While most shipments arrive next day within the UK, if its late you are not entitled to any shipping refund by default.
DPD Local
DPD Local Pros:
- Speed and Efficiency: Known for rapid delivery times, often quicker than standard postal services.
- Advanced Tracking: Provides detailed tracking information, allowing customers to monitor their parcel's journey closely.
- Lipo Shipments: We are able to ship batteries and other hazardous materials with within the UK mainland and to some destinations in the EU (if your country is supported you will see this method during checkout, otherwise its hidden)
- Delivery Predictions: Sends a one-hour delivery window on the day of delivery, enhancing convenience for customers.
- Flexible Delivery Options: Offers customers the option to reschedule or redirect their deliveries more flexibly than many competitors.
DPD Local Cons:
- Higher Cost: Typically more expensive than Royal Mail, especially for smaller parcels.
- Limited Rural Coverage: May have restricted service or slower deliveries in rural areas.
- Occasional Service Disruptions: While generally reliable, DPD Local can experience disruptions due to its dependency on local networks.
- Capacity Issues During Peak Times: Like many services, can face capacity constraints during busy periods like Christmas holidays.
- Not guaranteed next day: While most shipments arrive next day within the UK, if its late you are not entitled to any shipping refund by default.
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