Post office crossed return address?

[EBMP]

Hi all,
I just posted an ITS parcel to Germany using the post office.
As always, I attach a small return address label to the topleft of the package, starting with "from:".
The post office worker crossed it out, stating that Royal Mail might try to deliver it directly to me. This is the first time they've done this and it's a post office I've never used before.
I do have a portion of international mail returned to sender, so I'm a bit concerned.
What are the thoughts of RM staff on this?
Thanks

[TrueBlueTerrier]

They may be right as it happens on a regular occasion for an International Poster in my town, but I can't confirm with absolute certainty that its a requirement.

The return address should normally be put on the reverse for UK mail, its probably the same for most international destinations. (US is an exception I think)

[clashcityrocker]

Why attach it to the front?
Why not just stick it on the back?

[cazspence]

Yes we have to do this regularly as when mail comes in thru the cfc etc you are looking for any address on the front. And it can be very confusing having 2 addresses there. Especially the speed the mail comes through and needs sorted. So yes please only put return address on the BACK.

[Lounge Lizard]

But the machines read both the front and back of the envelopes.
Best just to have the "from" address much smaller than the "to" address.

[EBMP]

It has never caused an issue in the past, but I will start sticking it on the back from now on. The labels are much smaller than the recipient address.
For our domestic mail we use an integrated dmo label that has the return Address running vertically next to the recipient address. This is still on the front, but is a Royal Mail label. I hope this is ok

[SpacePhoenix]

Why attach it to the front?
Why not just stick it on the back?

Some countries demand that the return address is on the front, I've heard that Canadian customs photograph every item entering Canada

[Lounge Lizard]

Why attach it to the front?
Why not just stick it on the back?

Some countries demand that the return address is on the front, I've heard that Canadian customs photograph every item entering Canada

Moya back visiting relatives ?

[Snaggletooth]

Why attach it to the front?
Why not just stick it on the back?

Some countries demand that the return address is on the front, I've heard that Canadian customs photograph every item entering Canada

… and apparently they will not accept items with no return address on, though I have never had any customers stating that this happened. I have had loads of customers complain that an item has been posted direct to the sender instead of the intended recipient: putting the return address on the front seems to be a factor in this but it isn't always the problem.

[cazspence]

But the machines read both the front and back of the envelopes.
Best just to have the "from" address much smaller than the "to" address.

Not all places have machines to sort. I'm not a machine, but I have to read and sort things blooming fast. Human error would probably account for most of missorts in this way.

[Lounge Lizard]

But the machines read both the front and back of the envelopes.
Best just to have the "from" address much smaller than the "to" address.

Not all places have machines to sort. I'm not a machine, but I have to read and sort things blooming fast. Human error would probably account for most of missorts in this way.

All mail goes through Mail Centres and all Mail Centres have machines, but that's not to say that sorting of all mail at every stage is done by machine.

[Johno_efc]

Better that than the parcel being delivered straight back to you.

Happens even if the return address is on the back though, when the label is put on the wrong side and the sender gets the SD by 9am the next day.