Royal Mail has launched a new parcel pick-up service across the UK. Known as Parcel Collect, it will see postmen and postwomen now able to collect parcels as well as deliver them on their daily round. The move means online sellers and shoppers will no longer need to leave their home to mail or return a pre-paid item by post.

Under the initiative, postmen and postwomen will collect a parcel from the customer’s door or nominated safe place for 72p per parcel. This is in addition to postage costs.

Parcel Collect is also available for pre-paid return items at a cost of 60p per item.

Royal Mail can collect up to five parcels per address, six days a week. Parcel Collect is also bookable up to five days in advance and up to midnight the day before. To use the service, customers simply need to ensure they have already paid the correct postage to send their item.

If an item does not have pre-paid postage, such as a return, customers can pay for their postage online with Click & Drop®. They will also soon be able to pay via the Royal Mail app.

The customer will then be able to work out the correct cost of postage for their item and print out a pre-paid label, which is fixed to the package. On collection of the item, the customer will receive an email notification that acts as proof of postage.

The nationwide launch follows an initial roll-out of Parcel Collect in certain postcode areas of West England.

Commenting is Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail. “Royal Mail Parcel Collect is a fantastic step forward for all of our customers. It makes it easier to use our services than ever before.

“Whether you’re up against time and working from home, making a return, selling online, or sending a gift to make someone’s day, Royal Mail Parcel Collect is here to help. The launch of Parcel Collect is part of our commitment to continuously make our services better and more convenient.”