How Royal Mail's New Safe Place Service Benefits Small Businesses and Customers
Updated: Sep 11
Anyone who relies on Royal Mail for their business deliveries knows the all-too-familiar headache: what happens when your customers aren't available to receive their parcel? It's a challenge that has plagued small businesses for years, and, while other delivery services seem to have found seamless solutions, Royal Mail has struggled to keep up. The frustration of missed deliveries and the inconvenience of rearranging deliveries have become recurring struggles for small businesses and their customers alike.
But finally, there's some hope! This week, Royal Mail has stepped up and finally introduced the solution we've all been crying out for – the much-needed Safe Place Service.
Royal Mail Finally Solves Delivery Challenges with Safe Place Service
For as long as we can remember, the unpredictable dance of Royal Mail missed parcel deliveries has kept us on our toes. It's not just about a package; it's about the reputation of a business, the experience of the customer, and the hope that precious products will reach their destination as intended. As a small business owner myself, I know we've all wished for a smoother, more dependable way to ensure our deliveries reach our customers, even when they're not at home.
A Game-Changing Announcement:
The frustrations have been heard, and it's a relief to announce that Royal Mail has finally taken a step in the right direction. The introduction of the Safe Place Service aims to address this lingering issue, giving Small Businesses the tools needed to provide a more reliable and customer-friendly delivery experience.
Who can use the Safe Place Service, and what's the cost?:
One of the great things about the Safe Place Service is that it's accessible to all Royal Mail 24 or 48 service users, ensuring that more customers can benefit from its convenience. Whether you're a small-scale online store or a growing enterprise, this service is designed to simplify your delivery process and enhance customer satisfaction.
*NOTE: The Safe Place Service cannot be used with signed for services.
No Additional Cost: The best part? It's FREE! There's no extra charge for using the Safe Place Service, making it a cost-effective solution that offers huge benefits for your business and your customers alike.
How the Safe Place Service Works:
Nominate The 'Safe Place': When your customers place an order with you, ensure that you provide them an option during the checkout process to choose a preferred 'Safe Place' delivery location. You can then use this information to display on the parcel label, to be passed on to Royal Mail, ensuring successful delivery. Customers can also use the Royal Mail App to update or amend their chosen safe space.
Definition of 'Safe Place': A 'safe place' can be any secure and weatherproof location on the customer's property, as long as it's easily accessible. Examples include a shed, a garage, or an enclosed porch. However, areas like bins, doorsteps, and under parked cars are not suitable. Alternatively, customers can also nominate a trusted neighbour as an alternative delivery point.
Customer Instructions on Labels: To ensure a smooth process, customer safe place instructions should be prominently displayed on a label attached to the outside of the parcel. This ensures the Royal Mail delivery person knows where to leave the item if the customer isn't present at home during the delivery attempt.
Benefits of the Safe Place Service for your Business:
So how can we use this news to benefit your business? At Your Guide Online, our mission is to empower online businesses like yours with the best tools and information available. We believe that by staying informed about the latest developments, you can make well-informed decisions that elevate your business.
This new service isn't just about convenience; it's about enhancing your business's reputation and customer satisfaction.
Customer Convenience: By offering a reliable delivery solution, you provide unmatched convenience that your customers can rely on.
Positive Reviews: When customers have a hassle-free experience, they're more likely to leave positive reviews that boost your online reputation.
Spreading the Word to your customers
Now we know your delivery process is about to be a lot smoother, this is news worth sharing! Be proactive, and let your customers know about this exciting change and how it will make their shopping experience with even more enjoyable. Use your website, newsletters, and social media channels to spread the word and encourage them to explore the Safe Place Service. To help you with this, we've crafted a special template customer message that you can use to inform customers about the Safe Place Service.
Don't wait – be a bearer of good news and make your customer's shopping experience even more enjoyable! Ready to take action? Download your FREE Customer Communication Template right here!
A Glimpse into the Future:
Guess what? This is just the beginning. Royal Mail have stated that they are committed to enhancing their services further, including options for preferred neighbouring addresses and accessibility features for all customers. For more information and to explore the Safe Place Service in detail, visit Royal Mail's official page.
We're looking forward to seeing what other improvements Royal Mail have in store. What would you like to see from Royal Mail next? What additional delivery services would help your business? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to let your customers know about the new service with your FREE customer communication template!