I would advise not to use them.
Maybe it varies by delivery driver area but I've had several bad experiences with them.
And then I found
this
As a side note in case you didn't know, Imitation Firearms are banned items so if you send one and it goes missing you'll never get compensation.
There are a few different points there:
Personal experience varies. I've received the majority parcels or those sent have arrived at their destination.
Only one that I have sent came back as undelivered. (I suspect the buyer died as there was also no response to messages, and I ended up refunding PayPal less postage)
The only things I haven't received have been from Hong Kong etc, and I've had refunds due to non delivery.
All couriers are on tight target timeframes (in the logistics chain and the final delivery driver), also depending on where you are and individuals they may or may not be looking for easy drop points or a fast card drop.
Parcels of every shape and size are sorted across multiple points through hubs by hand and by conveyor belts, and are passed through multiple routes just by a barcode or QR code along the way.
(Alledgedly from sources within some couriers the conveyor belts have pools of fluid/chemicals below them so the staff don't snort your cocaine if the bag splits)
If you're in a city centre then the carriers competing on time for a lot of short stops and dodging traffic wardens with little opportunity to catch the recipient or find a good drop off point. If in the shires then they less drops where life is a bit slower and there may be somewhere safer to drop off but they have to take longer journeys (which might ease their rush at each house)
Pre Covid, I'd often be out at work, having a stocking social diary and away most weekends. So normally I'd use collection options at the post office counter in my local garage (almost 24 hour cover) or have things sent to friends who will be able to take them.
Currently I'm working from home so have got to know the postman & couriers pretty well again.
Packaging is key.
People complain about damaged parcels, and particularly complain that fragile tape in normal delivery means practically nothing. It does mean nothing.
You would have to use specialised services and pay the price for them. Or pack it properly.
My packaging consists of a lot of brown tape, bin bags (only the best bin bags for my customers - good bags make good external material), and where applicable jiffy envelopes, bubble wrap, amazon boxes (supermarket boxes and wine boxes are good stuff)
Proper packing costs in extra size and weight - - - and proper compensation with honest declarations.
Declare items properly
Don't lie to avoid prohibited and restricted items rules and for cheaper post with insufficient insurance protection.
Sometimes the seller might not want the expense of the next most expensive option, but in doing so you take the risk upon yourself
Attention should always be paid to the restricted and prohibited lists. Much of this is also affected by legislation, some by policy.
Legislation affects how items can and cannot be posted, most items within the UK still could travel by airmail which restricts the postage/courier methods of a number of items just on the chances of it ending up pressurised in the air.
Auctions:
Auctions are standard across all couriers. Senders have been compensated for failed delivery or return and undelivered parcels, lost luggage and even police evidence/stolen goods have ended up in auctions for decades.
Personaly I normally shop in a couple of auctions, some are personal sales, but the majority is house clearances or bankrupt/surplus stock.
Things sell cheaply, so its not a Hermes scam - they will be losing out against the compensation they have paid the sender.
When buying at a distance always use PayPal etc and ensure the fees are paid. The buyer is then the default winner in claims.
Don't insist on a specific postage method - it it ends up inappropriate without the right protection then there's little comeback as the senders not compensated.
If you do have problems with a particular carrier then you can suggest alternates with care - but check closely and make sure the price your'e paying the sender is in the right ballpark.
Consider options for delivery points if you will have problems taking delivery
When selling ensure postage is appropriate, remember that you're going to have to find postage so check before you advertise, and take into account that its going to get heavier and bigger when packing.
