Always use the full address, clearly written, without commas and full stops
our machines can be confused by punctuation marks. The address should be in the following format and include:
Addressee
s name
Building number or name
Street name (where applicable)
Locality name (where applicable)
POSTTOWN (in capitals)
POSTCODE (in capitals).
Using the Postcode helps to send your mail speedily and surely on its way. If you don
t know the Postcode of a UK address, call the Postcode Enquiry Line on 0345 111 222 (calls charged at local rates). For the hard of hearing, we offer a Textphone service on 0845 600 0604.
You don
t need to write
First class
Second class
on envelopes. Our machines recognise the value of the stamps you use. Put your own address in small print on the back of your item, so that we can return it to you free of charge and without delay if we can
t deliver it.
30p for postcards and letters up to 20g to anywhere in Europe.
37p for a postcode to anywhere outside Europe.
63p for letters up to 20g to anywhere outside Europe.
As a rough guide, two sheets of ordinary A4 paper or a standard size greeting card in an envelope should not exceed 20g. Please refer to the table below or ask at your post office if you are in any doubt.
Worldwide rate for Postcards outside Europe is 37p.
Zone 1 - America, Africa, Middle East, India, SE Asia
Zone 2 - Australasia, Japan, China
Sheet
Europe
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.EU & non EU
Zone 1
Zone 2
"Upto 10g
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"Upto 20g
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"Upto 40g
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"Upto 60g
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&Sheet.app
We can handle most sizes and colours of envelope, but some can be dealt with more swiftly than others. The ideal envelope is white and rectangular, no larger than 24cm x 16.Scm or smaller than 14cm x 9cm.
Seal all envelopes, except articles for the blind which should be clearly identified. Unsealed ones can be damaged in our machinery and aren
t cheaper to post.
To qualify for compensation, you must have obtained proof of posting and properly wrapped and addressed your item. Call 0345 740 740 for details. We only offer compensation for the items below if you send them Registered or Registered Plus:
current bank notes and any coins
uncrossed postal orders, uncrossed cheques and dividend warrants payable to bearer
any postage, revenue, National Insurance or savings stamps valid for use
coupons, vouchers, gift tokens, tickets or anything that can be exchanged for money, goods or services
bearer securities including share warrants, bonds or relative coupons, and scrips or subscription certificates
jewellery, precious stones and metals, and any items crafted from these materials.
When you use First class, Second class or Recorded
You may be eligible for compensation up to
26 or market value of your item, whichever is lower. Not all items are covered (see above).
When you use Special Delivery
You may be eligible for compensation up to
50 or market value of your item, whichever is lower. Not all items are covered (see above).
When you use Registered
You may be eligible for compensation up to
500 or market value of your item, whichever is lower.
When you use Registered Plus with
1,500 compensation
You may be eligible for compensation up to
1,500 or market value of your item, whichever is lower.
When you use Registered Plus with
2,200 compensation
You may be eligible for compensation up to
2,200 or market value of your item, whichever is lower
If you will face serious financial consequences resulting from your item
s delay, loss or damage
Ask for Consequential Loss compensation
Consequential Loss is an optional extra which can only be used with Special Delivery, Registered or Registered Plus. It should be used in circumstances where the delay, loss or damage to your item might result in additional expenses or losses other than the actual market value of your item.
You must request and pay for Consequential Loss at the time of posting.
Consequential Loss up to Cost
1,000
2,500
5,000
7,500
10,000
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Use padded envelopes for sharp or oddly shaped items, such as keys.
Make sure you enclose your address or phone details inside your packages.
Make sure that fragile items don
t touch each other or the sides of the carton.
Use plenty of protective packing material, such as bubble wrap or polystyrene chips (available from many post offices), or crushed paper or wood-wool.
Fill all spaces so that the contents of your packet don
t move. Use an outer carton suitable for the weight of the contents.
Use FRAGILE stickers where appropriate, but don
t rely on them to protect inadequately packed goods.
Use strong tape (eg, vinyl or nylon) along the length of all openings and edges.
If you use metal paper fasteners or staples, flatten any sharp ends and cover them with tape.
Please note, size and weight limits apply. Call 0345 740 740 for more details.
Special Delivery, Registered and Registered Plus
You can post guaranteed delivery items to any UK destination at any post office
or get them collected via a Business Collection. Post your item by the latest acceptance time, and we will deliver it by 12.30pm on the next working day.
If the next day is a Saturday or Sunday, a bank holiday or a public holiday, delivery will be the first following working day. If your item is for a remote destination (e.g., the Scottish Highlands and Islands), delivery will be the next working day, but may be later than 12.30pm. We will refund your
money if delivery is delayed for any other reason. To claim your refund, please write to us within 14 days of posting.
You automatically get proof of posting, and you can also:
check whether your item has arrived. Call us on 0645 272 100
get a signed receipt as proof of delivery (not necessarily signed by the addressee). Ask for Advice of Delivery when posting an item. This service costs an extra 33p
get a copy of the recipient
s signature (not necessarily the addressee). Call 0645 272 100 and ask for Proof of Delivery after posting an item. This service costs an extra
2.10.
If no-one is there to receive an item, we leave a While you were out card. You may collect the item from the Royal Mail address on the card, or post the card back indicating a convenient delivery date.
Depending on the service you use, we offer compensation up to
2,200 for loss or damage. Compensation for Consequential Loss is available at an extra price.
When you
re sending items worth up to
50 (not money or jewellery)
Ask for Special Delivery
Weight up to Special Delivery (
100g
500g
1kg
2kg
10kg
13.50
plus 75p per kg above 10kg, up to a maximum of 30kg
When you
re sending items worth up to
Ask for Registered
Weight up to Registered (
1 00g
500g
1kg
2kg
10kg
13.80
plus 75p per kg above 10kg, up to a maximum of 30kg
When you
re sending items worth between
500 and
1,500
Ask for Registered Plus with up to
1,500 compensation for loss or damage
Weight up to Registered Plus(
1,500)
100g
500g
1kg
2kg
10kg
14.40
plus 75p per kg above 10kg, up to maximum of 30kg
When you
re sending items worth between
1,500 and
2,200
Ask for Registered Plus with up to
2,200 compensation for loss or damage
Weight up to Registered Plus (
2,200)
100g
500g
1kg
2kg
10kg
14.85
75p per kg above 10kg, up to a maximum of 30kg
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Postage stamps
Stamps are available singly or in books, for amounts ranging from 1p to
First and Second class stamps with
printed on them remain valid in the UK, even when prices change. The
version is also valid on items up to 20g for EU destinations. Both can be used to pay part of the postage to any destination.
Attractive greetings stamps are also available from post offices in books of 10, with free greetings labels.
Prepaid envelopes
You can buy prepaid First and Second class envelopes, stamped and ready to post, by mail order. These high quality envelopes are available in boxes of 100 in DL (11 cm by 22cm), C5 (16cm by 23cm) and C4 (23cm by 32.5cm) sizes, with or without windows. Postage is prepaid for up to 60g (DL and C5) or 100g (C5 and C4).
Prepaid guaranteed delivery services envelopes are available from post offices, and also by mail order. These tamper-proof envelopes come in C5 and C4 sizes, prepaid for weights up to 100g (C5) or 500g (C4).
Guaranteed delivery services
Special Registered Registered
Delivery Plus
3.20
3.50
3.50
3.80
* with up to
2,200 compensation
See 'Mail Order Stamps and Prepaid Envelopes' for details of how to order prepaid envelopes.
What happens if you post your mail with not enough postage?
We will deliver any standard mail with insufficient or no postage if the recipient
pays the excess postage plus a 20p fee.
What happens if we can
t deliver items you post?
If your item will not fit through a letter box or, for example, it needs a signature, we leave a card advising the addressee we are holding it. We hold Recorded items for one week and all other items for three weeks. If we don
t hear from the addressee, we
ll return your item to you if your address is written on the outside or inside.
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Ask for Keepsafe
Your local delivery office can hold your household
s mail safely for you for up to two months, and deliver it on the day you specify. The only exceptions are Recorded items, which we return to sender after one week, and perishable items.
Keepsafe Cost
1 day to 2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
2 months
Ask for a PO Box
A PO Box provides you with a short and easy-to-remember alternative business address (eg, PO Box 123). Mail posted to the box is held securely at your local delivery office until you pick it up.
For an extra fee, we can offer additional services, such as delivering your PO Box mail to your home address.
To apply for a PO Box, phone us on 0345 740 740.
PO Box 6 months 1 year
Basic service
Collect mail during normal
42
delivery office hours
Additional services for an extra fee
(available in only some areas)
Mail from the box delivered
to your usual address
42
Mail addressed to your usual
address is transferred to the
box
42
Collect mail between 6am
and normal delivery office
opening time
42
Collect mail at night, when
the delivery office is normally
closed
42
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Ask for Poste Restante
If you
re travelling in the UK, you can receive mail at main post offices and
some sub post offices for up to three months free of charge.
Instruct anyone writing to you to put on the envelope your name (and if you are at sea, your ship or yacht
s name), the words
POSTE RESTANTE
TO BE CALLED FOR
, followed by
POST OFFICE
and the full address where it is to be held. All mail, including guaranteed delivery items, will
be held for 14 days. You can collect it by showing proof of your identity.
Ask for Redirection
If you move, we can forward your mail to a new permanent or temporary address by First class post in the UK or Airmail abroad for up to two years. Recorded and guaranteed delivery items cannot be redirected outside the UK because we cannot obtain the recipient
s signature.
To apply by credit card, phone 0345 777 888. If you need more information, call 0345 740 740 or pick up a Redirection leaflet at your post office.
Personal 1 month 3 months 1 year
UK
13
Abroad
12
26
Prices are per different surname
When you want business mail sent to a new address
Ask for Redirection for business
If you work from home, we can forward your business mail and, for no extra charge, your personal mail by First class post to a new UK address for up to two years. If you
re moving abroad or need more information, call 0345 950 950.
Business 1 month 3 months
UK
12
Prices are per different business
What happens if mail arrives with not enough postage paid?
Mail posted to you with insufficient or no postage will be delivered if you pay us the excess postage plus a 20p fee. If you don
t pay, we normally return the item to the sender. Certain items (e.g., promotional mailings) may be disposed of.
What happens if an item can
t be delivered to you?
There are certain circumstances when we cannot safely and securely deliver post to you (see 'How to pay' for more details).
Why some addresses include barcodes
You may have noticed that letters you receive from many organisations have a barcode printed below the address. This is simply a coded version of your address, which our machines can quickly read and
help mail travel more efficiently.
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You can order stamps and prepaid envelopes (minimum of 100 for each) directly from us by mail, phone or fax. To place your order, contact:
Royal Mail Direct
British Philatelic Bureau
Freepost SCO 2250
20 Brandon Street
EDINBURGH
EH3 0BR
Telephone 0345 782 677
Fax 0131 550 8529
We will deliver your stamps or prepaid envelopes the next day, free of charge.
Some items cannot be sent in the post at all (see 'Things you can't post'). Others, described below, have specific packing requirements.
Fish, fruit, meat and other perishables
These foods can only be sent by commercial producers and with our permission. Call 0345 950 950 if you need advice.
Pathological specimens
These include materials for medical analysis - blood products, serum, vaccines or semen. They can only be posted at the request of recognised medical or veterinary sources, who must supply special packaging with clear mailing instructions.
Call 0345 740 740 for written permission.
(Please note that pathogens in Hazard Group 4 cannot be sent by post.)
Drugs for medical or scientific purposes
(eg, from a medical practitioner to a hospital)
1 Pack in a strong inner container
2 Mark the sender
s name and address clearly on the outer wrapping.
Call 0345 740 740 for written permission.
Living creatures
If arranged with us in advance, we can accept certain small creatures, for example, some insects. Call 0345 740 740 for details.
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Ask for Callers Service
If you believe something has arrived for you at your local delivery office, and you want to pick it up rather than wait for it to be delivered, simply enquire at the delivery office. If your item is there, you can collect it by showing proof of your identity and address. You apply at your local delivery office and pay 26p per collection.
We produce a range of stamp-related gifts, souvenirs and collectors' items. These include Special Stamp Yearbooks, featuring a full set of the year's special stamps, Collectors' packs, First Day Covers and postcard-size reproductions of stamp designs. You can buy these products from most main post offices, or order them by mail. For a free information pack, contact:
The British Philatelic Bureau
20 Brandon Street
EDINBURGH
EH3 5TT
Telephone 0131 550 8989
Every year, we publish a calendar of the dates new stamps are issued. This is available free of charge at your post office.
Postbuses deliver and collect mail through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Britain - and they also provide convenient transport for passengers. For a free copy of the Postbus timetable for your area, write to:
Royal Mail
Road Transport Consultancy
Room Bt20/3rd floor
Rowland Hill House
Boythorpe Road
CHESTERFIELD
S49 1HQ
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We collect standard mail from all post boxes and post offices Monday to Saturday, and from some post boxes on Sunday
check your local post box or post office for details. In rural areas, you can hand your stamped mail, except bulky items, to your postman or woman. You may also use your private
roadside letter box as a post box. We charge
7.00 a year if it is lockable.
For proof of posting, Recorded, Special Delivery, Registered and Registered Plus items must be posted at a post office or collected via a Business Collection.
2.0 Summary Contact Info
,Basic Rates for Airmail Letters & Postcodes
Flowers
1 Pack in layers separated by tissue paper. Use a waterproof wrapping if you are including damp moss or phials of water.
2 Pack in a strong corrugated board box or purpose-designed polystyrene pack.
Liquids and creams (e.g., wine, cosmetics)
1 Pack in tins or bottles, seal with tape.
2 Wrap in polythene, seal with tape.
3 Surround with absorbent material, such as sawdust or newspaper. Use enough absorbent material to soak up any leaks.
4 Wrap in fibreboard or polystyrene.
Powders and fine grains (e.g., tea, coffee)
1 Pack in a robust container (e.g., strong polythene bag), seal with tape.
2 Place in a rigid corrugated board box.
Scissors, knives and other sharp items
Wrap heavy cardboard around all sharp points and edges.
Books
Small (e.g., paperbacks) - place in a padded envelope.
Large - place in a corrugated fibreboard book pack, allowing 2.5cm clearance at the ends to absorb knocks.
Films
1 Attach a label to each film showing your name and address.
2 Pack loosely in a padded envelope, seal securely.
Magazines and newspapers
Seal in polythene, with address details clearly visible. You can fold or roll publications in a paper wrapper but this is not ideal - other people
s letters can get trapped in the wrapping.
Leaflets and brochures
Stacks up to 1 cm thick:
Place in a padded bag, heavy-duty cardboard envelope or polythene shrink-wrap.
Stacks up to 5cm thick:
1 Pack in corrugated paper.
2 Wrap in thick paper or polythene shrink-wrap.
Maps, plans and drawings
1 Place in a rigid cardboard or plastic tube (maximum length 90 cm).
2 Seal at both ends.
Prints, framed
1 Pack soft material (eg, bubble wrap) at least 5cm thick around the frame.
2 Sandwich between stout board or polystyrene with clearance of 2.5cm at each end to absorb knocks.
3 Wrap in corrugated paper.
4 Wrap in brown paper.
Prints, unframed
1 Wrap in tissue paper.
2 Place in a heavy-duty cardboard envelope, seal and mark package:
PHOTOGRAPHS - DO NOT BEND
Computer disks, audio and video cassettes, and compact discs
Wrap soft packing material at least 2cm thick around each or use a rigid purpose-made container. These items, except CDs, can be seriously affected or even wiped clean if they come into contact with a magnetic field. Screened envelopes are recommended for computer disks.
Magnets (eg, in loudspeakers)
Wrap soft packing material at least 2cm thick around each.
Records (vinyl discs)
1 Sandwich between thick cardboard.
2 Surround with soft packing material.
3 Wrap in strong paper, seal with tape and mark package:
You can get a certificate of posting free of charge on request when you post First or Second class mail at a post office. With Recorded, you get proof of posting automatically.
Correctly addressed mail with a full and accurate Postcode will benefit most from our highly automated systems.
We may pay compensation up to
26 for loss or damage. Not all items are covered.
If you are sending more valuable items, use Registered or Registered Plus instead.
When you
re aiming for next-working day delivery
Use First class
We aim to deliver at least nine out of ten First class letters on the next working day. The earlier in the day you post an item, the more sure you can be of next-day delivery, especially if the item has to travel far.
When you
re sending items designed for blind people
Use First class free of charge
We offer free First class delivery for many items specially produced or adapted for blind people (eg, talking newspapers, guide dog harnesses). Call 0345 950 950 to check what items are covered and for details.
When you
re sending less urgent items
Use Second class
We aim to deliver Second class letters by the third working day.
Weight up to First class Second class
60g 26p 20p
1 00g 39p 31p
150g 49p 38p
200g 60p 45p
250g 70p 55p
300g 80p 64p
350g 92p 73p
400g
1.04 83p
450g
1.17 93p
500g
1.30
600g
1.60
700g
2.00
750g
2.15
1.55*
800g
900g
1kg
plus 70p for each extra 250g or part thereof
* Items heavier than 750g cannot be sent Second class
When you want your item signed for at the delivery address
Ask for Recorded
This costs 60p plus First or Second class postage. You automatically get proof of posting, and you can also:
check whether your item has arrived. Call us on 0645 272 100
get a signed receipt as proof of delivery (not necessarily signed by the addressee).
Ask for Advice of Delivery when posting an item. This service costs an extra 33p
get a copy of the recipient
s signature (not necessarily the addressee). Call us on 0645 272 100 and ask for Proof of Delivery after posting an item. This service costs an extra
2.10.
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Some things can
t be posted, as they are prohibited by law or they may harm our staff or the recipient. We may return the items listed below to the sender or dispose of them. In some cases, the sender can be prosecuted.
Aerosols
Asbestos
Butane lighters (filled or refills)
Compressed flammable gases
Corrosives (e.g., dyes, sulphuric acid)
Counterfeit currency, bank notes and postage stamps (unless copies of obsolete items)
Drugs prohibited for general use by law
Dry ice
Explosives (e.g., fireworks, ammunition)
Filth
Flammable liquids or solids (e.g., certain adhesives)
Indecent, obscene or offensive material
Living creatures (except certain small creatures - see 'Packing Restricted Items')
Matches of any kind
Oxidising material and organic peroxide (e.g., disinfectants)
Paints, varnishes, enamels and similar substances
Pathogens in Hazard Group 4
Poisons (e.g., rat poison)
Radioactive materials
Sharp items (unless protected - see 'Step-by-step guide to safer packaging')
Toxic and other dangerous substances
We collect standard mail from all post boxes and post offices Monday to Saturday, and from some post boxes on Sunday
check your local post box or post office for details. In rural areas, you can hand your stamped mail, except bulky items, to your postman or woman. You may also use your private
roadside letter box as a post box. We charge
7.00 a year if it is lockable.
For proof of posting, Recorded, Special Delivery, Registered and Registered Plus items must be posted at a post office or collected via a Business Collection.
|bTjp
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Choosing and using envelopes
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Addressing
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%General Tips on Packing and wrapping
&Step-by-step guide to safer packaging
Packing restricted items
Standard Services
Guaranteed Delivery Services
Compensation for Loss or Damage
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Things You Can't Post
How to Pay
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Where to Post Your Mail
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0Picking up mail from your local delivery office
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#Having Mail Held While You're Away
'Having an Alternative Business Add
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1Having Mail Sent to You While You are Travelling
"Having Mail Sent to a New Address
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(Mail Order Stamps and Prepaid Envelopes
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Philatelic Products
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Postbus Transport Service
Codes for general searching:
(type them in the find box)
P-M Prepairing Mail
S-M Sending Mail
R-M Receiving Mail
O-S Other Services
1.0 Searching
2.0 Summary Contact Info
,Basic Rates for Airmail Letters & Postcodes
Ask for a PO Box
A PO Box provides you with a short and easy-to-remember alternative business address (eg, PO Box 123). Mail posted to the box is held securely at your local delivery office until you pick it up.
For an extra fee, we can offer additional services, such as delivering your PO Box mail to your home address.
To apply for a PO Box, phone us on 0345 740 740.
PO Box 6 months 1 year
Basic service
Collect mail during normal
42
delivery office hours
Additional services for an extra fee
(available in only some areas)
Mail from the box delivered
to your usual address
42
Mail addressed to your usual
address is transferred to the
box
42
Collect mail between 6am
and normal delivery office
opening time
42
Collect mail at night, when
the delivery office is normally
closed
42
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|bTjp
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Choosing and using envelopes
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Addressing
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%General Tips on Packing and wrapping
&Step-by-step guide to safer packaging
Packing restricted items
Standard Services
Guaranteed Delivery Services
Compensation for Loss or Damage
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Arial
Things You Can't Post
How to Pay
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Where to Post Your Mail
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0Picking up mail from your local delivery office
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#Having Mail Held While You're Away
'Having an Alternative Business Address
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1Having Mail Sent to You While You are Travelling
pA1.0 About
This database is not FREE. It forms part of a program called Green Pages which costs
5 to register. You may evaluate it for 30 days after which you should remove it or register it. Many other databases are included in this registration fee. Check the below URL for more details.
1998 Gareth Brandwood
GDBwood@aol.com
http://users.aol.com/gbrandwood
"Having Mail Sent to a New Address
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(Mail Order Stamps and Prepaid Envelopes
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Philatelic Products
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Arial
Postbus Transport Service
Codes for general searching:
(type them in the find box)
P-M Prepairing Mail
S-M Sending Mail
R-M Receiving Mail
O-S Other Services
1.0 Searching
2.0 Summary Contact Info
,Basic Rates for Airmail Letters & Postcodes
A1.0 About
This database is not FREE. It forms part of a program called Green Pages which costs
15 to register. You may evaluate it for 30 days after which you should remove it or register it. Many other databases are included in this registration fee. Check the below URL for more details.
1998 Gareth Brandwood
gareth@brandwood.force9.co.uk
http://www.brandwood.force9.co.uk
"Having Mail Sent to a New Address
Arial
Arial
(Mail Order Stamps and Prepaid Envelopes
Arial
Arial
Philatelic Products
Arial
Arial
Postbus Transport Service
Codes for general searching:
(type them in the find box)
P-M Prepairing Mail
S-M Sending Mail
R-M Receiving Mail
O-S Other Services
1.0 Searching
2.0 Summary Contact Info
,Basic Rates for Airmail Letters & Postcodes
uAThis database is not FREE. It forms part of a program called Green Pages which costs
5 to register. You may evaluate it for 30 days after which you should remove it or register it. Many other databases are included in this registration fee. Check the below URL for more details.
(.txt)