Customers should be aware of the postal service's policy for 'safeplace' deliveries
Anyone expecting a Royal Mail delivery should be aware of the rules around suitable 'safeplace' options. It's common knowledge that the postal service enables customers to choose a 'safeplace' for their items to be left if they are not home to accept a delivery.
However, some might not realise the postal service has a policy about where parcels can and can't be left. As the Royal Mail states on its website, it does not consider recycling bins as a suitable option.
Sharing tips for customers, the experts recommend choosing a secure, weatherproof area. Royal Mail's website explained: "With the Royal Mail App, you can set a Safeplace so we know where to leave your items if you’re not in. The link below will explain how to do this.
"Some companies let you choose, when ordering, to have your item delivered to a Safeplace on your property or a nominated neighbour if you're not home. Your chosen Safeplace should be a secure, weatherproof area of the property that is out of sight and easily accessible for us. Requests to place parcels in recycling bins are not considered as a Safeplace by Royal Mail."
If someone is not home, the postie can follow the Safeplace instructions from the parcel's label. The advice continues: "If you are not at home to accept delivery, we may deliver your item to a Safeplace location at the address without a specific instruction from you. In that case, it will only be if our postie deems the location to be within our guidelines.
"If our postie knows you’re a vulnerable customer, they will always try to take this into account when choosing a Safeplace for your item and position it in an easily accessible location for you."
Royal Mail said items won't be left in a 'safeplace' if the item could be damaged by bad weather, the item needs a signature, or the location is not secure, such as if it is a doorstep or recycling bin.
If any homeowners have pets, it's important to ensure Royal Mail workers can complete their deliveries safely. If you're at home, Royal Mail asks that people ensure their dog is in another room before answering the door.
Similarly, if you leave your dog home alone and they could attack the postie, it's important to take precautions, such as installing a wire letter receptacle. Advice on the Royal Mail website says: "If your dog likes to attack your mail, consider installing a wire letter receptacle.
"It will protect your post, and your postman’s or postwoman’s fingers. If it’s not practical for you to keep your dog away from a postman or postwoman delivering your mail, please consider fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of your property."