UK’s City Link launches hybrid mail service

UK delivery company City Link has launched a new hybrid mail service called Click&Post, which allows mailers to send letters electronically, to be converted to a physical letter for the final stage of delivery. The service has been launched as an alternative to Royal Mail postal services, the company said, in the wake of recent postal rate increases, although Royal Mail does provide last mile delivery.

London-based City Link said the service will mean customers can sent their letters via a secure data-encrypted channel at any time of day or night, with City Link then printing it, inserting it into an envelope and entering it for final delivery locally to the recipient.

The company said the letters can be delivered for less than Royal Mail charges, and save time as well as money, with businesses able to control their corporate branding in letters produced.

Customers can select either a first- or second-class service, with a black-and-white letter in a C5 envelope costing 39 pence plus VAT to send – including postage, stationery and production costs.

Available online, the Click&Post service is free to set up and requires no major IT installation, the company said.

“Tangible benefits”

Tim Brown, the City Link sales and marketing director, said the new Click&Post service was part of his company’s strategy to develop a portfolio of services delivering “tangible benefits” for customers.

“The service has been developed following the announcement by Royal Mail that it was putting up charges to 60p for a first class letter and 50p for a second class letter – the largest percentage increases since 1975,” said Brown.

He said the service was set up to be easy to use, so that all customers have to do is compose their letter.

“Click&Post offers far more than delivery – it takes the hassle out of sending mail,” Brown said. “It is ideal for small businesses, freeing up their staff from time-consuming admin work to concentrate on the core business.”