Royal Mail's important reminder when posting cards and letters

Royal Mail's important reminder when posting cards and letters People could avoid items getting delayed or lost by following these simple rules Royal Mail handles billions of letters a year across the country. Given the enormous scale of the operation, it is recommended that people sending post follow a few specific guidelines before popping items in a postbox to reduce the risk of delays or loss. Despite millions relying on the service daily, some may be unaware of the 'best' practices for preparing an envelope to reduce the risks. The Royal Mail website offers tips and guidance to help people prevent potential delivery problems. For example, it recommends using "clear and easy to read handwriting" when addressing an envelope. For those printing addresses, Royal Mail also advises using a font that is "clear and easy to read". Royal Mail also highlights several 'guidelines' that anyone posting letters or cards through the service should bear in mind. Reaching for a pencil isn't generally recommended, as Royal Mail suggests: "Use a pen or ink that is clear against the colour of the envelope or parcel." While Royal Mail will still attempt to deliver an envelope addressed in pencil, the likelihood of it completing its journey successfully could be reduced compared to using a pen or a clearly printed label, reports the Express. Royal Mail uses sophisticated automated sorting machinery to scan and interpret addresses. Pencils reflect light differently than ink, which may cause the automated scanners to misinterpret or completely fail to register the text. If the machine malfunctions, the letter will be diverted to a manual sorting queue, which may cause delays in its delivery. Beyond the sorting room, pencils are more prone to smudging during transit as envelopes rub together in sorting bins and mailbags, potentially rendering the address illegible. Royal Mail has shared simple guidance on how to address envelopes and parcels properly, including where to place the address and how to format it for smooth processing. The organisation says the recipient’s name and address should be written on the bottom left of the front of the envelope or parcel. The address should be left-aligned and written without commas or full stops. Royal Mail also advises leaving a generous margin around the address to keep it clear and easy to read and putting their postage stamp clearly in the top right-hand corner. Black or blue ink is typically the safest choice, especially when used on a white label or pale-coloured envelope, according to Royal Mail. The choice may vary if your envelope is coloured, such as a birthday card. To pass through Royal Mail's automated sorting systems without problems, one of the most crucial factors is a strong contrast between the ink and the paper. Therefore, for darker coloured envelopes, choose a lighter ink - or white if available, the postal service recommends. People are also advised to steer clear of gel pens or fountain pens, as their ink runs easily if the envelope becomes wet.