Royal Mail Rant

[Joules]

I just posted the first of my optical centre punches out.  In this case just the body and optic.   Thinking it only weighs about 30gm packaged just had loose change when I walked to the Post Office.  Stuck it on the scales and asked for 2nd class (I'm in Yorkshire, we don't do First unless it's pre-paid)  Then it got the Joke slot test....  Your package won't fit the slot so it's a small package and thats £2.85 !!!    WTF    To be honest she was really kind and told me I could pop back later with the 15p I was short by      I think she was more embarrassed than me.



Once home I bagged up another couple and measured them. One on the left 75p, one on the right £2.85.  I even said I thought I could repackage it, but no sellotape to be seen and other potential victims inline I took up her kind offer.

Now looking on the Mail website I could have boxed 80+ of these and sent them for the same price as they do a great deal, 2kg sent for the same price as 1kg.  Oh DHL were 10p cheaper, but not within walking distance.

           That grumpy guy Up North 

[Manxmodder]

Joules,when you say you've just posted out your first optical centre punches,does that mean you supply/sell these items. If so I may be in the market for one......OZ.

[Joules]

I hadn't made them with the intention of selling them, more a Thank You for favours done for me.

[John Stevenson]

Hermes do up to 1kg for 2.75 in vat and for 15p more they will collect from your house.

My time is worth far more than £2.90 and having to wait at the post office

[nrml]

If you don't have any intention of making them commercially, is there any chance you could do a small write up on how to make one? I am sure many here would be interested me included.

[Joules]

I wouldn't say I'm not open to selling them if people would really like them.   Pricing is tricky as they are all hand made.  It would be nice to buy some new tooling to make them, so I am less keen just giving away my design in this case.

Would you wish to buy a completed item or make your own punch tool ?

The optics I have seen online seem expensive for what they are, or maybe I just undervalue my own time.

[SwarfnStuff]

Joules,
     Thanks for showing us your centre finders in your original post.
 Now as to the postal mob, I guess the lady was just following the letter of the regulations. 

     Here in OZ it is no different, a few weeks back I ordered something from the UK and another item from about 600km away from home. The Royal Mail item arrived within 10 days. The local one 20 odd even after the order tracking said it was posted the day after ordering. Perhaps it went the scenic route.

At least both items did arrive rather than getting lost in the morass called a mail system.
John B

[tom osselton]

So 600 km ÷ 20 days = 30 km or 18.64 miles a day so it should be fair to assume that they walked there.
One thing about the Aussies they take climate change seriously!   

[kayzed1]

Another customer here Joules if you do make a few more
Lyn.

[Joules]

Manxmodder, you have a PM waiting   

[Will_D]

I would love to get just the base and the acrylic or even just the acrylic!

Will