The difference between Recorded Delivery and Special Delivery in UK mail service is based on several factors such as delivery date, signature confirmation, etc. However, special delivery is generally faster than recorded delivery and always delivers your mail to the recipient within a day.
Recorded delivery and special delivery are two terms that are used by Royal Mail Service in the UK. They are different from the normal post in the sense that they deliver the post urgently for valued items. Though they sound similar, there are some fine differences between the two. You should use one or the other depending on your requirements.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Recorded Delivery in UK Mail Service
3. What is Special Delivery in UK Mail Service
4. Side by Side Comparison – Recorded Delivery vs Special Delivery in UK Mail Service in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Recorded Delivery?
Recorded delivery is a specialized postal service provided by Royal Mail services. It can either travel in the normal course of post or in a faster pace, thus classifying as 1st or 2nd class. It is mandatory that the postman who delivers it gets the signature at the point of delivery. If it is 1st Class Signed For services that you choose, then your item will arrive on the next working day. If it is 2nd Class Signed For services that you choose, then your item will arrive in two or three working days.
The highlights or significant features of a recorded delivery are as follows:
- The sender will be given electronic proof of delivery, which can be seen online in the form of a signature of the recipient.
- You can track online to see whether your item has reached the destination.
- You will receive up to 50 pounds compensation if your item gets lost.
The price is completely dependent on the size and weight of the item you are sending. Each category has its own size and weight limits.
What is Special Delivery?
If you have an important document that has to be sent to someone within a day, then Special Delivery is the method to take care of it. Special Delivery by 9 am is ideal for items or documents that must arrive first thing in the morning. Examples of such documents are passports, interview letters, and other important applications. You can trust Special Delivery to get the document at the desired address by 9 am the next day.
Special Delivery by 1 pm is another fast mail service that ensures your letters and important documents arrive latest by 1 pm next day. The documents are covered to the value of pound 500. There is an increased compensation available for valuable items, and a full refund is provided if delivery is delayed beyond 1 pm.
Special delivery items are signed every time it changes hands and, lastly it is signed for at its last destination service. This is why special delivery is so expensive.
What is the Difference Between Recorded Delivery and Special Delivery in UK Mail Service?
Recorded delivery is a method to get your item posted with proof of reaching it to the destination. Special delivery, on the other hand, is a much faster way of posting items for a higher price. Recorded Delivery delivers the item on the next working day or within two or three working days. Special Delivery delivers items by 9 am or 1 pm of the next working day.
The weight and size of your item decide the price of the service. However, recorded delivery prices are higher than normal prices, but are lower than special delivery prices. Moreover, recorded delivery offers compensation up to 50 pounds whereas special delivery offers compensation up to 500 pounds. Recorded Delivery only presents the signature of the recipient of the item. But, Special Delivery presents the signatures of everyone who handles the item.
Summary – Recorded Delivery vs Special Delivery in UK Mail Service
The difference between Recorded Delivery and Special Delivery in the UK mail services is based on several factors. In general, the special delivery is faster than recorded delivery, but it is more costly.
Since Royal Mail does NOT currently obtain a signature from the recipient, WHERE is proof of delivery?
The postie often signs it themselves, after its been delivered.
Same thing to them…