Sent parcel with only the QR code printed...??

[Nmnr]

Hello all, I purchased postage online and I was sent a QR code in my email...

I was also sent additional documents (what now appears to be the actual label).

Anyway, the email was slightly confusing to me. It read as though I could just print the QR code, attach it to the parcel, post it in the new parcel post boxes and be done with it.

However, I am not so sure now.

What are my options? And what's going to happen to the parcel.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

was there an actual address on the parcel - if so then it should be okay, although it will be treated as 1st or 2nd class even if you paid for tracked?

[Lounge Lizard]

"Anyway, the email was slightly confusing to me. It read as though I could just print the QR code, attach it to the parcel, post it in the new parcel post boxes and be done with it" is how it works with a large QR code that's scanned at the outward Mail Centre to produce the usual tracked label which is attached for onward transmission. The same happens at a Post Office if the parcel's handed in there.

[Nmnr]

was there an actual address on the parcel - if so then it should be okay, although it will be treated as 1st or 2nd class even if you paid for tracked?

No it wasn't. I spoke to royal mail who said someone will print a label when it reqches their network? Not sure where...and stick it on the package.

But that'll delay the delivery.

Which is OK.

[SpacePhoenix]

Was there any postage on it or was there literally just the QR code? If it's just the QR code then it might get sent to Revenue protection or to the National Returns Centre

[Nmnr]

Just the qr code picture.

[Lounge Lizard]

At the risk of repeating myself just a large QR code ( printed in the middle of an A4 piece of paper ) gets scanned at the outward Mail Centre to produce the usual tracked label which is attached for onward transmission. The same happens at a Post Office if the parcel's handed in there. No need for any delay.

[BenacreNick]

Really, is this where we are going.

How much time and trouble would it actually be to just write the name and address of the intended recipient ?

[SpacePhoenix]

At the risk of repeating myself just a large QR code ( printed in the middle of an A4 piece of paper ) gets scanned at the outward Mail Centre to produce the usual tracked label which is attached for onward transmission. The same happens at a Post Office if the parcel's handed in there. No need for any delay.

Outward mail doesn't always get sorted at a MC now, some will be sorted by a "super-hub". If it gets sorted by a PSM and the address is encoded in the QR code, it'll just get sorted to the relevant selection.

Unless it has a proper postage Tracked or SD label there's no guarantee that it'll get scanned. Chances are most staff will treat it either as a incomplete address or send it over to Revenue Protection

[Lounge Lizard]

But you might get it wrong !

[Nmnr]

At the risk of repeating myself just a large QR code ( printed in the middle of an A4 piece of paper ) gets scanned at the outward Mail Centre to produce the usual tracked label which is attached for onward transmission. The same happens at a Post Office if the parcel's handed in there. No need for any delay.

Yep, just a QR code printed on a4 and stuck on the parcel.

In all honesty, this is the first time I've ever used royal mail to buy more own postage.

When I got the email, all that caught my attentiom was:

Option 1: Print your label at home, attach your label to your item, then drop your item off at one of the following locations:

Drop off into a post box - available if your item is small enough, you don't require proof of postage, and you've not selected a tracked or signature service

Drop off at one of our new Parcel Postboxes - find one near you

Drop off any item at a Royal Mail Delivery Office.

Or drop off at a Post Office® branch

Now above this is the QR code. No other attachment or image. So I'm thinking "Oh s**t, Royal Mail gotten some advanced s**t. All they need is a QR code for these fancy new parcel post boxes". So I thought nothing of it.

I came back home, then logged into my royal mail account and saw the label, that's when I was like..."s**t".

It's not that I was lazy in not putting an address or anything. I genuinely thought Royal Mail sort it all out with just the QR code, and further into the process they apply the stamp because the QR code contains all the delivery information.

[Nmnr]

I'm starting to think my package is now lost :(

Tracker hasn't updated at all. Would've thought something would happen by now?

Any advice on next steps?

[BenacreNick]

I would have thought so too.