Following the UK Government's announcement of a partial lock-down I've given some thought as to whether to continue trading. I will, for the time being.
My rational behind this is that I trade from home and running Diplomatist Books requires very little face-to-face interaction with others: I can minimise or remove that interaction, and therefore continue to operate within the announced restrictions without putting myself or others at risk. The Government is not yet asking that use of the postal system be minimised.
I shall keep this decision under review as events unfold and keep you up-dated.
Handling Stock
I shall wear gloves and mask when handling stock that is to be posted out to customers. See my earlier post about the longevity of the virus on different surfaces.
I shall not be buying new stock.
The Post Office
I shall no longer be visiting the Post Office, but instead using parcel drop-off points. Drop-offs will proably be every other day (subject to need).
As a result of this, I will no longer be offering international customers the option of International Economy Rate (ie, surface mail) as it is currently not possible to buy this on-line. International parcels will be sent using International Standard Rate.
Receiving Your Parcel
During the current crisis, postal firms and courier firms will likely take longer to deliver your parcel. Please be patient and spare a thought for Post Office and courier firm workers.
Many of the parcels we ship are too big to put through a letterbox. So that postmen and couriers do not have to greet you face-to-face, you can enter a suggested safe parcel drop-off spot (e.g. “in the porch”, “in the garage”). We will no longer be sending parcels using 'signed for' services.
Keep Well Everyone!
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