Photo of a courier on doorstep scanning box with smartphone

Enhancing your delivery service

It’s safe to say that, when it comes to parcel deliveries, customers want to know that their items will arrive safely and on time, well before they actually place an order.

This makes it important for you to find and provide a service that does just that. But if you’re a small e-commerce business, the last thing you really want to be doing is investing in expensive tracking software and delivery controls methods on top of everything else.

Fortunately, there is a cheaper alternative out there – recorded delivery!

Keep reading to learn more about how this simple service can inspire confidence in your customers and help to grow your business.

What is recorded delivery?

At its core, recorded delivery (also called signed for delivery, proof of delivery, or signature delivery) is about one very simple idea –having your customers confirm to you directly when their parcel has been delivered, or when it has been placed in a designated safe space or handed over to a specified neighbour.

And this is important for two reasons:

  1. It puts a customer’s mind at ease knowing that their parcel won’t be left on their step unattended or delivered to the wrong address. If no one can sign for it, the parcel will simply be returned to the depot, ready for re-delivery.
  2. It lets you know quickly that your Courier service has been successful.
woman answering door to female courier while holding cardboard box

How does recorded delivery work?

Typically, recorded delivery can be handled in any number of the following ways:

  • Having the recipient sign for their parcel using a digital signature upon their parcel’s arrival
  • Having the recipient provide proof of ID matching the details on the parcel before handing it over
  • Having the Courier take a picture of the parcel on the doorstep after confirming the recipient’s identity

Out of these three, digital signage tends to be the most popular. It allows a courier to record not only evidence of the parcel being delivered to the recipient, but also the time, date, and location of the delivery.

But with that being said, it’s not uncommon for two or more of these to be used together. It all comes down to personal preference and what sort of service you can provide to your customers.

How much does recorded delivery cost?

Our couriers are instructed to always provide photograph evidence that your parcel has reached its destination for no additional cost. If you are looking for that extra peace of mind, however, then you can add a digital signature for just 60p extra, whether you chose our Standard or Next Day service. That means that for as little £3.70, you can send a parcel with Evri, and be absolutely sure that it exchanged hands during its arrival.

Why should you use recorded delivery?

Simply put, making use of any form of proof of delivery comes with a number of benefits for any e-commerce business and their customers:

courier in van placing parcel on seat

Using Evri as your Courier service

So, now you know exactly how proof of delivery works, and why you should be using it, it’s time to choose a Courier service. One that offers you good value for money and provides a suite of great benefits for your customers – a Courier service like Evri!

Below are just some of the great benefits your customers get when you use our sending service:

  • Standard and Next Day delivery options
  • End-to-end tracking for all UK and international parcels
  • Options to add a Digital Signature for parcels to be delivered directly to someone at the address or neighbour
  • Photo confirmation of parcel delivery
  • The option for recipients to divert their parcel to their nearest Evri ParcelShop or Locker up to 15 minutes before delivery
  • The option to have their parcel delivered to a safe place or neighbour, again including photo confirmation
  • Up to £20 free parcel cover* which can be increased up to £999

*excluding Postable parcels

Proof of delivery FAQs

What is the difference between recorded and tracked delivery?
Is recorded delivery Next Day delivery compatible?
What is the difference between recorded and signed for delivery?
How long does signed for delivery take?
How much is recorded delivery?