P58 and Online P58

[Online Seller]

Hi,

Thanks in advance for any help.

I was just looking online at https://royalmailemailform.datasquirt.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I understand that this is the online version of the P58 form, that can be collected from a Post Office or downloaded as a PDF.

I noted that online there is one box for " What is the cost of your item ".

However, on the paper form, there is Section 8 "What Is Your Item Worth" and Section 9 " Consequential Loss " ( for Special Delivery ).

Is there any difference between using the online page and a printed P58 ?

In the past, I have been contacted about "lost" items. I could provide all the information in Section A, but not for Section B, as I no longer had the Post Office Receipt. What would be the result. No compensation, just an investigation and a sorry letter ?

Also, recently, I have started getting a " Bulk " reciept, on which I might have 5 Signed For items. In the event I had to make a P58 claim, would there be any implications for having a " Bulk " reciept, rather than an individual receipt for the item ?
Thanks for any info. Much appreciated !

[TrueBlueTerrier]

copied to Post Office forum to see if any of our Subbies or Crownies can help.

[Snaggletooth]

There are a few versions of the bulk proof of posting docket (computer printed Fast Drop ones, A4 handwritten Drop & Go ones, silver or grey posting docket books). The clerk should always check that the address and barcode number (if applicable) match the details on the parcels presented, then date stamp & sign the docket. If there are barcoded items, the clerk should also scan all of these in using 'Speedbulk', which produces a receipt that consists of little more than a list of barcode numbers. I believe that the stamped posting docket, accompanied by the Speedbulk receipt if appropriate, comprise your proof of posting. You need these to make a claim.

[Online Seller]

Hello,

Thank you very much for your help ! Much appreciated.

BULK RECEIPT.

The " Bulk " Receipt I refer to is generated by the Post Office till which I believe is known as " Horizon " ?

I buy my postage labels online, using Amazon, Ebay/Paypal, which generates a label with Address, Royal Mail Logo, Price or Weight, Service, A Serial Number, Post By End Of "Date), my return address and a QR code, which currently the Post Office counter does nothing with. I then attach a Signed For Sticker at home.

When If I go to the Post Office, if I have just one of these, they would type in the Postcode, Building Number, Postage Paid, then I get a detailed receipt that states that, plus Signed For 1st Large Letter, PrePaid Amount, Weight, Barcode, as well as Branch Details, Time Date, Session ID, Total Cost Of Services, Posted After Last Collection, ect.

When I go to the Post Office with say 5 envelopes, to save time for them, and the queue behind me, they just scan all 5 Signed For barcodes, then print a small till receipt which states " BULK BARCODE DETAILS " and then lists the barcodes. Other than that, the receipt just features the Branch Details in date etc.

I am wondering if that " BULK BARCODE DETAILS " receipt is equally as valid as the standard receipt, where I purchase just one Signed For Delivery.


USING THE ONLINE P58

I am an experienced online seller. Like any job, after doing it for long enough, you tend to develop a feel or "6th Sense" in your job, for when things are, and aren't right, even if I can't 100% prove it. It's a sad fact of life, some folk try to scam in online shopping more, because they don't require the gall to do it face to face. There are seller forums on Amazon and Ebay, and you tend to pick up "trends" and "techniques". You can in some instances "tell" they are trying it on, even if you "can't" prove it. Far too much to type here. But playing hardball often sorts out the half hearted scammers, leaving just the genuine lost in the post, as well as the hardcore, determined scammers. For example problems seem to disappear and post suddenly seems to be found amongst a pile of pizza leaflets, when you don't roll over, stand firm and ask them for comfirmation of the problem, such as to send a "customer" a partial refund being the price of sending the "damaged" item back Signed For ONLY, or sending folk a printed P58, asking them to pay special attention to the Section 4 declaration that providing false information can lead to a criminal prosecution. Suddenly, you don't hear from them again.

What I would like to know, is even if I cannot claim compensation, for folk like this, is it worth filling in the online P58

Would using it, "flag up" that a particular address appears to be unfortunate in experiencing an unusually high / disproportianate number of problems with their online shopping through the Royal Mail. Put bluntly, it appears that the address contains a scammer.

Do Royal Mail look into these things.

Thanks Guys and Keep Up The Great Work !

[Snaggletooth]

When I go to the Post Office with say 5 envelopes, to save time for them, and the queue behind me, they just scan all 5 Signed For barcodes, then print a small till receipt which states " BULK BARCODE DETAILS " and then lists the barcodes. Other than that, the receipt just features the Branch Details in date etc.

I am wondering if that " BULK BARCODE DETAILS " receipt is equally as valid as the standard receipt, where I purchase just one Signed For Delivery?

In short, I don't think it is, you need a receipt with the address on it to go with the Speedbulk receipt (the thing you describe as a Bulk Posting Receipt). The good news is that, because you print postage online, you should be able to print the relevant manifest with just a couple of clicks: choose 'Fast Drop' in the online postage application. Take that with you items and get the PO to stamp it. This will save time at the counter if you only have 1 or 2 items. Larger branches usually have a dedicated Fast Drop counter which allows you to dodge the main queue if you have done everything on line (including the manifest).