Sending a letter just isn’t what is used to be.

No, no, I am not talking about how writing letters has evolved from using a pen to using a keyboard, but rather the absolutely bang average service offered by yet another failing South African SOE.

Sometimes, however, you don’t have any other choice. Well, at least, you think you don’t.

In light of this, we thought we would make a little PSA and remind you all that as of April 1, the South African Post Office (SAPO) will be increasing its fees for postal services across South Africa, reports Business Tech.

Indeed, the VAT increase isn’t the only price increase you’re going to have to worry about. First they touch you on your studio, and now they touch you on your wallet.

While these fee increases include both domestic and international rates, below is how much you can expect to pay for sending letters and parcels overseas:

Not exactly costing an arm and a leg, but can you actually count on your goods to arrive? Want to wish someone merry Christmas? Cool, but you better mail the thing around mid-October.

You can’t put a price on peace of mind, but let’s get back to the rest of those price increases:

And don’t forget that someone is going to have to pay for customs, and all the red tape that nonsense entails:

If you’re looking for local prices, you can pop over here to see what’s about to hit you.

All that effort and it doesn’t even arrive? Yup – which is why, if you’re having to send anything overseas – or even get something sent to you from overseas – you should utilise the impeccable services of Postbox Courier.

The best part about Postbox Courier is that they have someone at SA’s major airports who deals exclusively with whisking your goods through Customs, securing the best rate on clearance and duty tax, and all that other red tape so you don’t get hit with any nasty surprises.

Here’s a quick look at the Postbox Courier process:

1. Sign Up
   Register free of charge with Postbox Courier via our website. We will assign you with a Personal Postbox at each of our worldwide depots. Look out for the confirmation email which provides a link to activate your account.
2. Sign In
   Once you have activated your account, you will be able to login to view your unique Postbox addresses, by clicking the “View your Personal Postbox addresses” banner. Your addresses are permanent, so you can save them and start sending items to your Postbox!
3. Notify us of incoming items
   Each time you send something to Postbox Courier, please notify us via the Parcel Pre-Alert (in your Parcel Manager).
4. Manage your orders
   You can ship single items or multiple pieces combined into a single shipment. If you do wish to consolidate orders from different suppliers (in the same origin country), you will be able to do so in your Parcel Manager. Just notify us of each shipment that is en-route to your Postbox, and then use the ‘Group’ button to let us know which items you wish to combine.
5. Pay for shipping
   Once we receive the items that correspond with your booking we’ll let you know via email and invite you to login to your Parcel Manager and make payment, where after we will courier your items to your door within South Africa immediately.

It’s too easy – and much easier to use while we all wait for Pravin Gordhan to work his magic.

[source:businesstech]