Getting details on a Royal Mail 24 address label

buyer123 · Post by **buyer123** » 24 Jan 2020, 14:12

I am trying to find out when a parcel was sent. Is it possible for me to find that from the address label? The label has a barcode thingy and a long string of numbers above it. Other than the address, return address, and customer reference there's nothing else on it. Thanks.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 24 Jan 2020, 15:55

Like this

No - though some QR code readers may be able to get more information I don't think the date sent can be extracted, more likely the date printed if anything.

buyer123 · Post by **buyer123** » 24 Jan 2020, 18:01

It's not a Tracked 24, but a normal Royal Mail 24. Not sure it's a QR code because it has none of the large squares. It doesn't have the bar code, just the square thingy.

If I go to the post office depot, would they be able to tell me when the item was sent?

Post by **fb1969** » 24 Jan 2020, 18:38

Its a 2D barcode like the one on this page https://www.barcode.graphics/ecia-2d-ba ... ification/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; The long string of numbers above it are the reference number for the item - their main use appears to be to monitor the number of parcels and the delivery time, although it does confirm delivery and GPS location.

It contains the delivery address but the rest of the information doesn't appear to include anything relating to the date it was sent. I have a QR code reader App on my phone that will read the ones on Royal Mail items and I use it sometimes if the written address is unclear. It is unlikely that the RM Depot can give you any more information than you could get with such an App, but there is no harm in asking.

buyer123 · Post by **buyer123** » 24 Jan 2020, 18:51

Thanks. Looks like I won't get the send date.

The reason I am trying to find the date is because I want to know if the item was lost within RM and finally when they found it after a month they delivered it. I don't really know what to do with the item, and it's not really fair for me to return it at my cost. Do you supposed I could go to the depot and tell them I am rejecting the item and wash my hands of it, even though it's already delivered? A family member took it in without knowing what it is to be able to reject it.

Post by **fb1969** » 24 Jan 2020, 19:00

I tried the App on a package I received at home a few weeks ago and there is nothing obvious to me in the read out that shows a date.

I would think you could visit the depot and say you are "refusing delivery" and they may take it back. I know that our place does as I advised someone to do that a couple of weeks ago (I delivered the item and their son took it in, but the parents had no idea who the name was). I don't know if there is any policy for doing it once it has been delivered, I don't know if there is a policy on doing so.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 25 Jan 2020, 04:29

buyer123 wrote:Thanks. Looks like I won't get the send date.

The reason I am trying to find the date is because I want to know if the item was lost within RM and finally when they found it after a month they delivered it. I don't really know what to do with the item, and it's not really fair for me to return it at my cost. Do you supposed I could go to the depot and tell them I am rejecting the item and wash my hands of it, even though it's already delivered? A family member took it in without knowing what it is to be able to reject it.

No need to take it to delivery office, if its fits any post box will do, or post office.

Just obscure your address, highlight or write the return address and also write refused on it somwehere.

yellowbelly · Post by **yellowbelly** » 25 Jan 2020, 16:34

fb1969 wrote:.....I have a QR code reader App on my phone that will read the ones on Royal Mail items and I use it sometimes if the written address is unclear.

fb - what's the name of the specific app you're using?

Post by **fb1969** » 25 Jan 2020, 17:58

yellowbelly wrote: fb - what's the name of the specific app you're using?

Like I know how to use a smartphone

It is showing in the Apps list as "QR Code Reader" by TW Mobile, free but with adverts, it needs to be online to get the details from the 2D barcode.

You can get the same info using the PDA - change the setting to Ad Hoc Collection and then scan the 2D barcode, it will beep as an invalid barcode but the content will show on screen and you can see the address details. Useful on packets with unclear address details, works mainly on handwritten labels - with a printed label the 2D code usually only shows what is printed, although its handy if the label has been ripped off.

Hope that helps

buyer123 · Post by **buyer123** » 25 Jan 2020, 19:18

TrueBlueTerrier wrote: No need to take it to delivery office, if its fits any post box will do, or post office.

Just obscure your address, highlight or write the return address and also write refused on it somwehere.

It's probably more complex than it looks. If I refuse it and it gets lost after, the police would be arresting me because I was the last recorded person to have it. Although the parcel wasn't signed for.

Anyway I decided to contact the sender to ask them what they want to do. Told them I won't pay for the cost.

yellowbelly · Post by **yellowbelly** » 26 Jan 2020, 15:07

fb1969 wrote:
yellowbelly wrote: fb - what's the name of the specific app you're using?
Like I know how to use a smartphone It is showing in the Apps list as "QR Code Reader" by TW Mobile, free but with adverts, it needs to be online to get the details from the 2D barcode.

You can get the same info using the PDA - change the setting to Ad Hoc Collection and then scan the 2D barcode, it will beep as an invalid barcode but the content will show on screen and you can see the address details. Useful on packets with unclear address details, works mainly on handwritten labels - with a printed label the 2D code usually only shows what is printed, although its handy if the label has been ripped off.

Hope that helps

Thanks fb, will try the PDA process you've described next time we have a dodgy address.