Our response to COV-ID 19

The Covid-19 global pandemic has caused a wave of worries and fears for us all. During these uncertain times, it is natural to have questions, and to feel overwhelmed by the disruption this has caused to us all. I have put together a FAQ in the hope to keep you all up to date with how things are here:

 

 

How are you keeping safe during the pandemic?

 

Like a lot of people across the world, not only am I feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on my business, but also in my personal life. I am taking every precaution available to follow exemplary hygiene standards. This includes regular hand washing and hand sanitization whilst working, and wearing protective gear such as a face mask and gloves when shipping your orders. Please see FAQ, “Is it safe to handle my package once it arrives?” for more information on safety surrounding handling your mail.

 

 

Why are there delays in receiving my order?

 

Because of the pandemic, our postal service is working extra hard to deliver post and packages to its customers on time. Understandably, there could be delays due to reduced service levels in certain parts of the UK either because of Corona Virus related absences, or overwhelming work loads.

 

 

Are you still shipping orders?

 

Yes, I am working extra hard to plan and organise my workload to ship as many orders as possible within one trip to the Post Office. Logistically this is what I'm doing to eliminate risk, and still get your orders shipped out to schedule. Please see other FAQ for how I'm keeping safe during the pandemic :)

 

 

Are shipping times affected?

In some instances, understandably shipping times have been affected by the pandemic. Once I have dispatched your order, it is then in the hands of the Royal Mail. A statement from the Royal Mail says, “The delivery of parcels and letters is a way of keeping the country together, businesses operating, and helping many people who may not have the option to leave their homes. We’re working hard to collect, process and deliver as much mail and parcels as possible in difficult circumstances. Despite our best endeavours, some areas of the country will experience reduced service levels at some points due to Coronavirus-related absences.”

 

 

What is the best way to find out about my order?

 

Understandably, you will want to feel reassured as to where your order is and how much longer it will take to arrive. The best way for you to be in the know about your orders shipping progress, is to upgrade to Tracked shipping. In this case you can be provided with a tracking number for your package and you will be able to track the progress of your delivery online. If you pay for standard shipping, you will be notified when your order has been shipped. After this point, unfortunately it is not possible to update you on where you order is. If you feel it's been longer than anticipated for your order to arrive, then please feel free to send me a message to let me know, I am always happy to help in anyway that I can. Before doing so please look into the estimated shipping times from the date your package had been dispatched via the Royal Mail website, and please keep in mind that I am unable to update you on the progress of your package unless you have paid for tracked shipping.

 

 

Are you still shipping worldwide?

 

Yes, I am still shipping worldwide. Please see my shop for shipping and processing times before purchasing, and understand that estimated shipping times can always be potentially subject to disruption due to the pandemic.

 

What is the postal service doing to stay safe?

 

“We take the wellbeing of our employees very seriously. In line with guidance from Public Health England, we are advising colleagues that good hand hygiene is the first and most important line of defense. As well as recommending regular washing with soap and water, disposable gloves are available to our people on request. This already forms part of our good hygiene practice. We have already adopted enhanced disinfectant cleaning of communal areas in all Royal Mail sites.

We have also changed the way we deliver items that won’t fit through the letterbox. For all customers (including those who are self-isolating) where we need to deliver any parcel that won’t fit through your letterbox, we will place the item at the door. Having knocked on the door, we will then step aside to a safe distance while the customer retrieves the item. This will ensure the item is delivered securely rather than being left outside”. (Paragraph taken directly from Royal Mail's website, this applies to postal workers employed by the Royal Mail within the UK)

 

 

Is it safe to handle my package once it arrives?

 

“Yes. Public Health England (PHE), the key health authority has advised that people handling letters and parcels are not at risk of contracting the coronavirus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also advised that coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages”. (Information found via Royal Mail Website)