Parcel tracking is very important for consumers when monitoring their parcels. Royal Mail tracked service is a very popular choice, as is the Evri tracked and signed option but ever since Covid, there is less and less courier services asking for signatures as there is the better option of a safe place photo and GPS tracking which is better proof of delivery anyway.
The logistics industry has become a key player in today’s fast-paced world. As e-commerce grows exponentially, consumers demand fast, reliable, and affordable delivery services. In the UK, there are many courier companies to choose from and all offer the same product – Royal Mail Tracked Service is available and there is also an Evri tracked and signed for option. But out of these two major contenders in the parcel delivery market, who comes out on top Evri/Hermes or Royal Mail?
Both offer tracked services that appeal to businesses and individuals alike. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Royal Mail Tracked Service, compare it with Evri’s offerings, and explore key aspects such as price, reliability, and customer experience.
Table of Contents
1. What is Royal Mail Tracked Service?
Royal Mail, one of the UK’s oldest and most trusted postal service providers, offers a range of tracked delivery options to meet the diverse needs of businesses and individuals. The Royal Mail Tracked Service is designed to ensure that customers can send their items securely, with the peace of mind that comes from being able to track the parcel from dispatch to delivery. This service is particularly suited for businesses that send out high volumes of goods, as well as individuals who need an added layer of security when sending valuable items.
Royal Mail provides two types of tracked services:
- Tracked 24: For next-day delivery.
- Tracked 48: For delivery within 2-3 working days.
Both services offer tracking updates at every stage of the delivery process, making it easy for the sender and recipient to stay informed.
2. How Does Royal Mail Tracked Service Work?
Using the Royal Mail Tracked Service is simple and efficient. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
- Step 1: Choose the Service
Depending on your delivery needs, you can opt for Tracked 24 for urgent deliveries or Tracked 48 for a more economical choice. Both services are available for parcels and letters. - Step 2: Pack Your Item
Ensure your item is securely packaged and adheres to Royal Mail’s size and weight restrictions. It’s important to label your parcel clearly with the recipient’s address and include a return address. - Step 3: Purchase and Print a Label
You can purchase your postage label online via the Royal Mail website, at a Post Office branch, or through your business account if you’re a regular user. - Step 4: Drop Off or Schedule a Collection
Parcels can be dropped off at a Post Office, Royal Mail Delivery Office, or in designated parcel postboxes. Alternatively, Royal Mail offers a convenient parcel collection service from your home or business. - Step 5: Track Your Parcel
Once your item is on its way, you and the recipient will receive regular tracking updates via email or SMS. The parcel’s progress can also be tracked online using a unique tracking number. - Step 6: Delivery Confirmation
Royal Mail offers delivery confirmation, ensuring that both parties are informed when the parcel has arrived. This can be especially helpful for businesses to maintain customer satisfaction.
3. Key Features of Royal Mail Tracked
Royal Mail Tracked Service is known for its robust features that offer peace of mind and efficiency. Some of the key features include:
- Full Tracking: Royal Mail provides end-to-end tracking updates. Senders and recipients are notified at various stages, including when the item is out for delivery and when it has been delivered.
- Delivery Confirmation: A confirmation is sent to the sender once the item has been delivered. This helps avoid any disputes about whether a parcel has been received.
- Signature on Delivery (Optional): For an extra layer of security, you can opt for a signature upon delivery. This ensures that the parcel is handed to the recipient directly.
- Redelivery Attempts: If no one is available to receive the parcel, Royal Mail will attempt redelivery or leave the parcel in a safe place, with the recipient notified accordingly.
- Compensation: In the rare case of loss or damage, Royal Mail offers compensation of up to £100 with Tracked 24 and Tracked 48. Additional cover can be purchased if necessary.
4. Benefits of Using Royal Mail Tracked
There are several reasons why many individuals and businesses prefer Royal Mail Tracked Service. These benefits include:
- Trust and Reliability
Royal Mail is a well-established brand with centuries of experience. Its vast infrastructure and high standards of service make it a trusted choice for both personal and business deliveries. - Convenient Tracking
The ability to track a parcel in real-time offers peace of mind to both sender and recipient. Customers appreciate the transparency of knowing exactly when to expect their deliveries. - Affordable Options
While not always the cheapest service available, Royal Mail offers competitive pricing, especially for those who value reliability and security. - Wide Network
Royal Mail has a vast delivery network, covering the entire UK and offering international services. Its accessibility makes it a convenient option for most users. - Customer Service
With a dedicated customer service team, Royal Mail ensures that any issues with deliveries are handled promptly and professionally.
5. Comparison Between Evri/Hermes and Royal Mail Tracked Services
Evri (formerly Hermes) is another popular parcel delivery service in the UK. Like Royal Mail, it offers a tracked service that is aimed at providing security and convenience. However, there are significant differences between the two providers in terms of price, reliability, and customer service.
Evri Tracked and Signed
Evri’s tracked service is similar to Royal Mail’s, offering real-time tracking updates and an option for a signed-for delivery. The service is designed for both individuals and businesses and is known for being a low-cost alternative. Evri also offers a “Safe Place” option, where parcels can be left in a designated safe area if the recipient is not at home.
However, Evri’s tracked and signed service often comes with mixed reviews. While it is more affordable, some customers report delays and missed deliveries, particularly during peak times such as holidays.
Evri/Hermes or Royal Mail: Which to Choose?
When deciding between Evri/Hermes or Royal Mail, the choice largely depends on your priorities. Here are some factors to consider:
- Price– is Evri or Royal Mail Cheaper: Evri is generally more affordable, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious users.
- Reliability: Royal Mail tends to be more reliable, with fewer reports of delays and missed deliveries. The brand’s reputation and infrastructure give it a significant advantage in this regard.
- Coverage: Both providers offer nationwide coverage, but Royal Mail’s network is more extensive, particularly in rural areas.
- Customer Support: Royal Mail’s customer service is generally regarded as superior, with a faster response time and more effective solutions.
Is Evri or Royal Mail Cheaper?
When comparing prices, Evri is typically the cheaper option, especially for standard parcels. This is one of the reasons why many individuals and small businesses choose Evri over Royal Mail. Evri offers lower prices for both tracked and untracked services, which can be particularly appealing for those sending low-value items.
However, it’s important to weigh up the cost savings against the potential for delays or issues. Royal Mail, while more expensive, offers a more reliable service, which can help avoid the hassle of lost or delayed parcels.
Is Evri or Royal Mail More Reliable?
Reliability is one of the most important factors for customers when choosing a delivery service. In this area, Royal Mail typically comes out on top. The company’s long-standing reputation, extensive network, and well-organised delivery system mean that parcels are less likely to be delayed or go missing.
Evri, on the other hand, has received criticism for its reliability, particularly when it comes to delivering during busy periods. Complaints about missed deliveries, long delays, and parcels being left in unsafe locations are more common with Evri than with Royal Mail.
6. What we think!
When deciding between Royal Mail Tracked Service and Evri’s tracked and signed option, it’s important to consider your specific needs. If cost is your primary concern, Evri might be the better choice, as it generally offers cheaper delivery options. However, if reliability, customer service, and brand reputation are your priorities, Royal Mail is likely the better option.
Royal Mail’s tracked services, including Tracked 24 and Tracked 48, offer comprehensive tracking, delivery confirmation, and optional signature upon delivery, providing a high level of security and convenience. While it may be slightly more expensive than Evri, the peace of mind it provides often makes it worth the additional cost.
Ultimately, the decision between Evri/Hermes or Royal Mail will depend on the balance of cost, reliability, and personal preference. I have used both services and have been quite fortunate to have had very few issues at all with either.
I use Royal Mail for sending letters and large letters, and Evri have delivered many of my packages that I have sent with no issues (I have received the occasional parcel that was left on my doorstep without my say so from Evri, and I have received a damaged parcel from Royal Mail but I got the parcel from Evri and I got a refund from the sender for the Royal Mail parcel so apart from a bit of inconvenience, no harm done).
In my experience, in deciding is Evri or Royal Mail more reliable, I believe both companies to be great at what they do with a few blips along the way like most businesses! I am also aware of negative comments both companies receive over the internet – this is a reflection on a small amount of issues that arise from both companies so don’t be influenced by people’s bad experiences. Make up your own mind!