Postal charges could cripple us

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.southendstandard.co.uk/news/ ... cripple_us___/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A SMALL business selling rare books across the world has been hit with a double whammy of new charges by Royal Mail.

Simon Gosden and his wife Laraine run online book website fantasticliterature.com which specialises in rare and out of print science fiction, fantasy, crime and horror titles.

However, they fear the future of small businesses like theirs could be put in danger not only by a rise in VAT, but also after Royal Mail raised its international shipping charges.

Last week the couple received a letter from Royal Mail telling them that alongside the introduction of VAT on some services, new charges would be introduced on the international shipping service they use from the end of this month.

Mr Gosden, of The Ramparts, Rayleigh, said the cost of exporting his books could rise from just £2,500 last year, to up to £10,000 this year.

He said: “This will drive a lot of small businesses which export around the world to the wall. Small businesses are really important to the country and we should be doing everything we can to help them.”

The couple first began using Royal Mail in 2003. They pack, sort and bag all their own parcels before taking them to their local depot, where they say they have always received fantastic service.

However, the announcement of the changes to the services they use has led the couple to fear their business, and others in the same position, could be hit hard.

Mr Gosden, 54, added: “This is catastrophic for small businesses who rely on Royal Mail services to grow their businesses.

“At a time of slow economic growth, small businesses such as ours should be supported and nurtured.”

He added he had e-mailed various senior MPs about the matter, including Vince Cable and chancellor George Osborne.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Following the decision to charge VAT on our contract services for mail destined to the EU, Royal Mail is making changes and has put together an improved portfolio of overseas services designed to offer our customers a wide range of products.”

[fishtank]

http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... ok#p341375" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Vince.."No-one want's to see Royal Mail privatised as it's seen by the public and small businesses as cheap and reliable".

Moya.. "Don't you worry about that Vince baby...i have a cunning plan,by next summer everyone will think Royal Mail is an expensive basket case in desperate need of private sector capital and expertise".

Vince.. "..but what about the Union....surely they will see right through this charade".

Moya.. "Now you are taking the piss Vince...Billy,what do you think?".

Billy.. "These pies are a bit on the small side..".

[Straight4ward]

fishtank wrote;
Vince.."No-one want's to see Royal Mail privatised as it's seen by the public and small businesses as cheap and reliable".

Moya.. "Don't you worry about that Vince baby...i have a cunning plan,by next summer everyone will think Royal Mail is an expensive basket case in desperate need of private sector capital and expertise".

Vince.. "..but what about the Union....surely they will see right through this charade".

Moya.. "Now you are taking the piss Vince...Billy,what do you think?".

Billy.. "These pies are a bit on the small side..".

[DirtyHarry]

http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... ok#p341375



Vince.."No-one want's to see Royal Mail privatised as it's seen by the public and small businesses as cheap and reliable".

Moya.. "Don't you worry about that Vince baby...i have a cunning plan,by next summer everyone will think Royal Mail is an expensive basket case in desperate need of private sector capital and expertise".

Vince.. "..but what about the Union....surely they will see right through this charade".

Moya.. "Now you are taking the piss Vince...Billy,what do you think?".

Billy.. "These pies are a bit on the small side..".

[Post Off]

Maybe there's a way for these peeps to sell their stock via Amazon's 'fulfilment' scheme. I know I would, if I was still selling books, er, as a sideline.

[baldrick]

If they think the charges will be too high now, wait until RM is privatised and they have to pay zonal prices.