PostNL extends delivery times, hiking mourning card costs

Mourning families face higher costs and a potential decline in the use of mourning cards following PostNL's changes to its delivery services. Andrea Kramer, director of mourning card provider Daglief, criticized the price hike for mourning post, stating that families are paying more for no improved service.

PostNL now allows 48 hours for standard mail delivery, extending to 72 hours next year. For those needing next-day delivery of mourning cards, a new 'prio' service is available at 3.25 euros, a significant jump from the previous 1.40 euros. PostNL claims this price increase is essential to continue offering 24-hour delivery for such sensitive mail.

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Mourning families are being charged extra and there is a damper for the mourning card industry.

The mourning card industry, comprising both individuals ordering cards and funeral directors acting on behalf of families, is concerned about the impact. Daglief has observed a decrease in the average number of mourning cards ordered per deceased, dropping from 85 three years ago to 65 in 2023. This trend, coupled with the increased cost of expedited delivery, could lead to fewer cards being sent.

The 'prio' service, identifiable by a gray border on the envelope, is handled by parcel deliverers rather than regular mail carriers. PostNL states this method ensures "priority and special handling during processing and delivery." However, the shift to parcel delivery contributes to the higher cost, as it is inherently more expensive than traditional mail distribution.

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Prio guarantees 'priority and special handling during processing and delivery.'