Even the modern world of communications and the internet, people are still inundated with mail received through Letter Boxes both at residential and at business premises. As we all try to cut down on waste in all forms, it is annoying to receive unsolicited mail and to have to sift through communications which are delivered through post boxes to separate bona fide letters from unwanted mail. Advertising fliers posted through letter boxes are often thrown away without being read, and even glossy magazines received through letter boxes can be put in the paper recycling without even having been opened. This is not only a waste of paper, but a waste of money for the advertisers and promoters. People lead busy lives, and do not want to receive unsolicited mail through their letter boxes and to have to sort out the mail at the end of a busy day.
Some people who do not wish to receive unwanted mail through their post boxes put notices with “no junk mail” above their letter boxes, but this is bad news not only for the postman who has carried the mail and has to sort it out, but also for the company who has spent money producing the material. It is not cost effective for advertisers to have their hard earned cash basically thrown in the bin. According to the BBC News site (November 2011), new measures are being introduced to reduce the amount of junk mail received through letter boxes. From April 2012 there is to be a single web site where the people can register to opt out of receiving unsolicited fliers and other mail. Direct marketing companies have agreed to only use recyclable materials in advertisements whereas at the moment 80% of items received through your letter box do not fall into that category. Currently people have to register on three separate web sites if they do not wish to receive junk mail – the Mailing Preference Service, the Your Choice Preference System and the Royal Mail’s Door-to-Door opt-out service.
Mail Boxes are often overflowing or letters are piled up behind the door when people return from holiday and much of it is unsolicited mail. This all has to be sorted, causing aggravation when the majority of what has been delivered through the letter box is effectively rubbish. According to the BBC News report, on average the UK householder receives more than 370 items of unsolicited paper mail through their letter boxes each year, the greater part of it unaddressed.
In the same report, it was stated that an estimated nine billion items of unaddressed post are delivered through post boxes every year. Such mail inevitably ends up in the bin creating a lot of waste. The Government are so concerned about the level of waste that they have brokered a deal with the Direct Marketing Association to reduce the level of unsolicited mail being delivered through post boxes in a crack down on junk mail as part of its waste review in the UK’s effort to forge ahead with a zero waste economy.
The General Post Office encouraged standard Letter boxes as a slot in the front door as early as 1849. They made it easier for the postman if the Letter box was in a consistent place where possible, making the work of the postman easier and quicker. The standard design of Post Boxes for outgoing mail were first made available at post offices so that people could deposit their mail without having to go into the post office. Roadside Post boxes were not introduced in the United Kingdom until 1852, although they had been used on the continent for some years. This meant that people in rural areas did not have to wait for the post office messenger to arrive as they could deposit their mail in the post box.
The first pillar boxes were introduced into St. Helier, Jersey, in 1952, and at Botchergate, Carlisle, in 1953. London’s first pillar box was placed at the at the junction of Fleet Street and Farringdon Street in 1855. The main instigator of the British post box was the novelist Anthony Trollope who worked at the Post Office as the Surveyor’s Clerk. The idea of roadside post boxes was not new and had first been suggested by Roland Hill in 1840, but was not taken up. Roadside wall post boxes were introduced generally in 1857 as they were cheaper to manufacture than the pillar boxes.
As the use of post boxes grew, the basic design remained the same so as to be easily recognisable, but had some variations, some being hexagonal and others cylindrical. The distinctive red cylindrical pillar boxes and post boxes are a British institution and were designed in 1879 although some of the early Victorian models were green. The cylindrical post boxes were of type “A” (large) and type “B” which was smaller. The type “C” post boxes were oval in shape and had separate openings for town mail and country mail and were first introduced in London in 1899. When post boxes are installed, it is traditional for them to have a plaque with the Latin initials of the reigning monarch, VR for Victoria Regina and GR for George Rex
The General Post Office as a government department ceased to exist in 1969 and services were transferred to a statutory corporation known as the Royal Mail. Services were expanded, but the distinctive red post boxes remain in situ, joined by the red telephone box, some of which had stamp dispensers. Post boxes are still very important, even in today’s electronic world of emails and i-phones. Legal documents and statutory notices are still sent by the Royal Mail, often known as snail mail. Post boxes are still required, especially in rural areas, and the postal service is just as important as it was when it was first conceived. There is now a wide range of designs of letter boxes available to suit individual and business requirements, but the basic design of the post box has not changed since Victorian times.
In the UK, the red Post Box has been part of life since it was developed by the novelist Anthony Trollope in 1852. It was a hundred years before the pillar box was standardised and you will also see red fascia Post Boxes affixed into walls. The standard Post Box is a pillar type with an aperture in which to drop your outgoing mail. The only disadvantage is that the slot is quite small and does not allow larger items to be put in the Post Box. On the other hand, you can rest assured that your mail will be safe and cannot be retrieved by any unauthorised person. The postman has a key which he carries on his rounds and he is not allowed to return letters to you which have been put in the Post Box in error.
Outgoing Mail Boxes in the US are of an entirely different design, but no less distinctive if you have lived in or visited the US. In cities and towns in the US, the mail boxes are designed to accept larger letters and even packages which cannot be retrieved except by the postman. As in the UK, you will have to ensure that you have paid the correct postage. With the regulations in the UK which govern the weight as well as the dimensions of letters, it is not feasible to use large US style mail boxes in the UK, unless you have a method of determining the cost for outgoing mail. Some companies offer franking machines and methods of determining the cost at home or office before putting the package in the Post Box. However, you may still need to visit the post office as your package will not fit in the standard UK style Post Box.
For incoming mail, US style Mail Boxes for individual properties are becoming more common in the UK. This type of mail box can be mounted on a post, fixed to a wall or be standalone. There can be problems with Post Boxes which are fixed in front doors, as they can have strong springs which cause difficulties when the postman wants to deliver letters. Ease of use for both the consumer and the postman should be taken into consideration when selecting a style of Post Box. There are many styles and designs of Post Boxes on the market and you will need to do your research to decide which is the easiest and the best for your situation. Making life easy for the postman will ensure a more efficient delivery service. For example, if you live at the end of a long road in a remote area and are the only resident, put a Post Box at the end of the drive and empty it regularly. This will save the postman time and money when delivering your mail. If this is not feasible, make sure that the Post Box is easily accessible and that the postman does not have to deal with aggressive dogs or even geese!
As more and more people work from home, a Letter Box which can accommodate larger envelopes and even small parcels has become more important. It may be that, even though you are lucky enough to work remotely that you are not at home for much of the day and the postman will need a Letterbox in which to place documents of all sizes from the main office if you are working for an organisation as opposed to being self employed. Important documents which need to be signed for cannot of course be put in the Letterbox and you will need to collect them from the sorting office. The next day delivery postal service promises that documents sent by this method will be delivered by noon the following day so you can plan to be at home to receive the document to save you travelling to the sorting office which may be on the other side of town.
It will depend on the nature of your business as to the quantity of mail you receive through the post. If you buy and sell on web sites such as E-bay or are a mail order company, you may receive regular packages and your Post Box should be big enough to be able to accommodate them. Not all post is delivered by the post office, and you may use a courier company, in which case the size of your Letter Box may not be so important as every package will require a signature. If on the other hand, most of your work is done by email and is a service industry, you will not need such a large Letter Box.
The location of your home office will also be a factor in deciding the type and size of your Letter Box. If you live in an apartment block or other residential property where there is a common entrance, you may want to consider purchasing a large lockable Post Box so that your mail is secure and can only be retrieved by the addressee.
There are many companies which supply a wide range of styles and types of Letter Boxes. Whether you live in a remote area and require a US style Mail Box which can be mounted on a post or in an apartment block which has a multi occupancy Post Box system you will be able to find a Letter Box to suit your requirements. You will have a wide selection of colours and materials to choose from, so whether you require an indoor or outdoor Letter Box, a Letter Box made of aluminium, stainless steel or cast aluminium, you will be spoilt for choice. Where security of your mail is important, there are many types of lockable Post Boxes on the market and there are even Post Boxes available which are specifically for newspapers. The size, style and type of your Post Box will depend on your individual circumstances and the amount of mail you receive.
Post boxes can be used for residential properties, such as houses and flats, as well as commercial properties, such as office buildings and industrial sites. There are many different types of post boxes available on the market today, such as metal post boxes, wall mounted letter boxes and many more. You can also purchase post boxes that are lockable for extra security.
Stainless steel post boxes are extremely durable and are perfect for large volumes of bulky mail, hence they are often selected for commercial organisations. The opening and the hinges made of steel ensure the safety and security of your mail. Most stainless steel post boxes come with a shutter made from rubber, which will help prevent damp in the post box caused by rain. You can also purchase a variety of colours of stainless steel post boxes, as they covered in a powdered coating finish.
Post boxes can also be for either internal or external use. A variety of polishes and paints ensure the durability and sturdiness of external post boxes.
Your letter boxes can also be personalised to suit your taste. They can have your name and address engraved on them, which is particularly a good idea if it is situated away from your home or business. This ensures that your mail is delivered to the correct address and not lost or stolen.
If you are looking for a wide choice of new letter boxes, then here at Mailbox Mania we have a variety for you to choose from, that will be guaranteed to complement your taste and needs.
Letter boxes - whether residential mailboxes or business metal post boxes - are often considered by individuals who already have a post box which performs an adequate daily function.
If letter boxes become damaged, however, and cause problems with receiving mail, then replacing the letter boxes become a priority.
Letter boxes are an essential part of every day life. However, unless a letter box becomes damaged irrevocably, or you move to a property that does have one, they are not often considered as essential purchases.
Residential mailboxes and stainless steel post boxes, as with any type of metal post boxes, often have to endure far harsher conditions from UK weather than letter boxes used in many other countries. This is accepted within the industry, and as such has lead to long-term, durable stainless steel post boxes being readily available in the UK. These offer a long-term investment in a product that can often last for decades.
To ensure the safety of your mail, choosing to invest in stainless steel post boxes is a wise choice, and also one that can offer great aesthetics - often updating the appearance of a door.
At Mailbox Mania, we are retailers of quality stainless steel post boxes, and metal letter boxes, which provide the durability, pleasing aesthetics and competitive pricing that makes our quality post boxes very popular - with thousands of people across the UK - when they need guaranteed durability, for decades of service.
Stainless steel post boxes can weather even the most extreme temperatures, rainfall or sunlight - which is a good job in UK weather.
It is common for direct sunlight to have a negative impact on letter boxes made from weaker materials. Weaker materials will contract, weaken and even crack in strong heat - particularly if they have been made from plastic.
Post boxes made from weaker materials can also be affected by consistent rain and ice, and some materials can actually soak and expand in damp weather conditions. Materials that constantly contract and expand are going to become damaged much faster than other items, such as quality stainless steel post boxes.
Plastic is susceptible to damage from weather elements and general wear and tear; cracked and broken letter boxes were a more typical sight to observe in the last few decades.
In order to guarantee the durability of letter boxes and post boxes, it is necessary to seek those items that have been manufactured using stainless steel, or other high quality graded metal.
Over the past three years, at Mailbox Mania we have grown to become one of the UK’s largest retailers in the provision of high quality metal and stainless steel post boxes, to both individual residences and business customers. Whether it is residential mailboxes or mailboxes for commercial premises, we are able to supply the highest quality items at competitive prices - meaning you do not have to worry about the effect of the British weather.
Nowadays, as with most items, we have a huge selection of chocie when it comes to post boxes. But why are stainless steel post boxes so popular?
Stainless steel post boxes are unequalled for their durability and pleasing aesthetics, and they provide guaranteed security via a locking system, which gives you total peace of mind.
Not only this, but stainless steel post boxes will always look bright and clean - much as they did when they were first purchased. They will never rust or become worn or dirty, as weaker materials are prone to do.
Purchasing stainless steel post boxes and high quality metal letter boxes is one of the best investments a person can make for their property or business. The likelihood is that they may never need to purchase new letter boxes or post boxes again - unless they move properties.
Should the letter boxes or post boxes be required for a commercial enterprise or commercial building, then typically, during more recent years, those purchasing for business use have been opting for the reliability afforded by the highest quality stainless steel post boxes, rather than the previously popular plastic options.
We at Mailbox Mania aim to do everything possible to provide the perfect solution for any independent person or business that requires secure and quality stainless steel letter boxes. All of our products come with a quality and durability guarantee as well as being available at the most competitive prices on the market today.
Post boxes and letter boxes may only cross a person’s mind on a handful of occasions during their lifetime, unless they are in the industry of manufacturing or selling post boxes, or perhaps working in the delivery industry.
If it is considered what a world without letter boxes and post boxes would mean to the world’s population, it is obvious that it would pose quite a problem. Letter boxes and post boxes are one of the most critical of basic necessities, which are yet rarely considered or acknowledged until they become worn or damaged.
If parcels and letters were not delivered - or indeed were lost - because post boxes and letter boxes did not exist at all, or if there were no secure entry point in a door or stand alone post boxes to hold essential postal items, then it would cause all sorts of problems, and would affect nearly everybody.
There are a large number of benefits that make stainless steel post boxes more appealing as an option. One such feature is the safety aspect of these letter boxes. Stainless steel is strong and secure to deter thieves, and most of them will be fitted with a secure locking system.
At Mailbox Mania, following on from our three years of successful trading, we are now one of the largest UK retailers providing the highest quality graded stainless steel post boxes and high quality metal letter boxes, to both businesses and consumers across the country.
The UK is known for its adverse weather conditions and as such items such as cheaper post boxes and letter boxes can become tired and worn much quicker from continual rain, ice and direct sunlight. Our constantly changing weather conditions challenge any item or product that has been produced to temper and survive the fierce elements of the outdoors.
One of the most resilient of all materials often used in the manufacturing of durable, long lasting outdoor items, such as post boxes, is stainless steel.
Stainless steel is a material that will not fade, rust, and crack or even become dirty through rain or shine. Therefore, stainless steel post boxes are considered the best quality material of any of the post boxes or letter boxes available on the market today. The only way to ensure the safety of personal mail items is to invest in durable post boxes that are not prone to wear and tear, but instead stay resilient and aesthetically pleasing for decades.
At Mailbox Mania we are one of the leading UK retailers in the provision of high quality stainless steel post boxes and metal letter boxes. Our products are some of the best on offer and our competitive pricing makes our high quality post boxes essential items which guarantee durability and long lasting quality for decades.
As a family run business we offer a hands-on, friendly approach to our customers and our bespoke measuring and manufacturing process ensures that every customer is delighted with their purchase.
