Don't Take It As Red (Parcelforce)

Member Name: blackjane

Product:	Parcelforce
Date:	19/05/01 (428 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Large Company, Large Network

Disadvantages: Poor Customer Service, Lack of Competition

Parcelforce Worldwide

[Background: Parcelforce is the parcel delivering, courier 'wing' of the Post Office / Royal Mail - or 'Consignia' as they now like to be called. It is also the largest company in this particular market sector. Their slogan reads 'Take It As Red', although I take exception to their ability to use such a boast.]

It is my firm opinion that competition in the postal delivery market can only be beneficial to the consumer.

As a comparison, I think back to the start of the 1980's, prior to the changes in the UK's telephony provision market - when BT's 'Busby' was able to rule the roost without any hint of competition. Now we have cable telephony providers, and a whole host of other players in the telephony market that ensure that BT is no longer able to fleece its customers.

There has been competition in the parcel delivery market for many years. However, The Royal Mail has been able to leverage its distinct advantage of being the only operator that is permitted to carry smaller items by having a much more extensive network.

Recent changes, however, mean that this situation may be about to change, with a number of other companies thought to be interested in applying for licences. This would mean that they could take work that the Royal Mail took for granted out of their hands. Of course it will be many years before any imbalances are redressed, but at least that particular journey may now begin.

Parcelforce appears to suffer from the same kind of complacency as the whole of the Consiginia group. As a business user I now have dealings with Consignia regarding the delivery of literally millions of items that are sent as a result of my company's activities. The problems with dealing with such a large and archaic organisation ensures that relationships are always strained, even at the best of times.

My personal experiences with Parcelforce appea
r to mirror those of using Consignia's business post (Mailsort) services, and have also proved to be extremely troublesome. After a week I am still awaiting delivery of two items that Parcelforce were unable to deliver at the first attempt (as no-one was in that day.) As requested, I telephoned the local depot in Blackburn and requested alternative delivery dates. That did not prevent them from trying to deliver the items again the following day, resulting in more cards through the door and more confusion on my part, as to how many parcels were now waiting for me. A further phone call today has hopefully resolved the matter, and the two items should be delivered on Monday when someone will be in to sign for them. However, the communication process (or rather the lack of it) has left something to be desired.

Parcelforce have their own web site at www.parcelforce.com. This site provides information about the company, as well as having a 'track and trace' facility if you are checking on the journey of a parcel that you are sending or receiving. Unfortunately I was never provided with a number to check, which admittedly may be down to the supplier rather than the courier, but the remainder of the service that I have received has been appalling to date.

I notice with interest that all the other opinions in this category give a very negative view of Parcelforce, and I am sorry that I am not able to buck the trend. I am well aware that people are more likely to recall bad service experiences rather than acceptable service, but I would be interested to know if anyone has anything good to say about this company - either as your own opinion or the comments of this opinion.

{An original Dooyoo opinino
© Blackjane 2001}

Summary: