Which is the best gadget shop in the UK?

Alternative parcels costs for UK deliveries (for on-line shop)?

• I am setting up an on-line shop for my dad (we are in the UK), to run parallel with his off-line shop (wallpapers, paints and accessories) to gain a better income, what with the recession and all. I have a good set-up, and cost are so low, that I usually get looked at like I am pulling someone's leg when I tell them how little it can cost to set-up a shop on-line, but the hard part is the carrier/parcel costs. I know this can easily turn-off a potential customer's when they see the postage price at the checkout. The question is this: Do you have any suggestions for cheap/reasonable carriers/parcel deliveries for the UK, and do you have experience with them, and any other info you consider relevant. We are currently using Parcel Force, who do work well and are reasonable with their rates, but I'm looking for more options to give the customers flexibility when choosing shipping. Please note: average weight of goods is 7-25kg (if that helps).

• Answer:

  To be honest, I never imagined an online paint and decorating business could work. Most people like to actually see what they are buying prior to purchasing - some people take ages choosing wallpaper and will often change their mind (and choose something else) before reaching the checkout. Something not easy to do on a website. I guess you catch what I call the "lazy brigade" - those who think the Internet is the solution to all their problems, but when they find a website is rather less flexible than their local store about refunds and changes of mind, they tend to come on here bitching about it. Parcelforce is really your best option - just emphasise on the site that a can of paint is rather heavy in a shipping context