Friday, 10 January 2025

Post and Go News 2025 - includes PO Branch self-service kiosks.

This post and its comments will hold all news on Post and Go stamps, machines, and PO Self Service Kiosks (SSKs).   

For details of new Post and Go stamps issued by the postal authorities in Guernsey and Jersey I recommend WhiteKnight's Commonwealth Stamp Opinion. All issues from the islands, and Gibraltar and the SOAR stamps from Isle of Man and Ireland will normally be pictured there as announced.

Anything about the old Royal Mail machines and any later news for PO SSKs will continue to be added on the 2024 blog post. Please continue to make comments there or send me news/images by email.

 

Self-Service Kiosks

All readers and collectors should be indebted to Malcolm, Trevor and a few other people for their continued perambulations around the country reporting on the rapidly diminishing estate of Self-Service Kiosks in Post Office branches.

These will continue to throw up errors and surprises and they will be reported here either as comments or, if significant enough, as edits to this original post.

The reducing number of machines in use means that the large stocks of Queen Elizabeth Machin blanks will be spread even more thinly and take longer to use up, especially as branches now offer different service, such as Tracked24/48 or Evri, DPD, etc as alternatives to Royal Mail services.

Whereas the casual poster of packets might have visited the SSK they may now think twice (if the queues are not too long) and use a counter service.

So to start this year off with a picture last week, I don't know when this fault occurred at Cheltenham (WHSmith) PO.  The black ink is missing in the centre, leaving 2nd class short of an s and truncating the datastring.   The base stock is CL16S.  Thanks to JG and his friend for supplying this.

UPDATE 13 January.

If you read the comments you will see that Post Office Ltd (POL) has awarded a contract for the supply of new SSKs to imageHolders - that may mean new stamps, time will tell.

Trevor has added this information from the imageHolders website website:

Post Office branches continue to play a vital role in communities
As Post Office branches continue to play a vital role in communities, this initiative ensures they meet the evolving expectations of today’s customers. The new self-service kiosks will enable quick access to key services, like:

Postal Services: Send parcels, buy stamps, and more.
Home Shopping Returns: Return items without the hassle.
Electronic pre-advice and overseas services
Printed confirmation and tracking detail
By streamlining these services, the kiosks will allow staff to focus on complex queries, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

Kiosk Accessibility at the Forefront
We’re committed to ensuring these kiosks are accessible to everyone. Our design is focused on inclusivity, with features like ergonomic screens and assistive technology support, including screen readers and braille interfaces. It’s all part of making sure that every visitor to the Post Office has a positive experience.

Richard Satchell, our CEO, shares:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Post Office to help deliver more efficient and accessible services to customers across the UK. Our self-service kiosks will not only reduce wait times and improve customer satisfaction but will also ensure that these essential services remain inclusive to everyone, regardless of their abilities.”

Kiosks Rolling Out Across the Nation

The nationwide rollout is set to begin in Spring 2025, with self-service kiosks being introduced in a select number of Post Office branches before expanding to more branches across the country. This partnership signifies a major milestone in both imageHOLDERS’ and the Post Office’s ongoing missions to modernize service delivery, enhance customer experiences, and meet the changing needs of today’s consumers.

“Post Office is committed to enhancing customer service across the network, working in partnership with our Postmasters and retail partners,” commented Neal Newbrook, Propositions Manager, Post Office.

“Introducing these new self-service kiosks will make it easier and more efficient for customers to access the Post Office mail products they require. We are excited to work with imageHOLDERS on this key project that will help postmasters and our retail partners meet evolving customer needs.”

We look forward to this new chapter and can’t wait for you to experience our kiosks in action!



All news about P&G in 2025 will be here, and comments for the old (January 2024) post have been closed.   If you have any late news for 2024 please email it to me at the usual address and I will add it.




52 comments:

  1. Cirencester 8th Jan
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL17S

    Stroud 8th Jan
    All Kiosks OOS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Trevor, first in this year. I looked for previous mentions of Cheltenham, but only in 2024 comments, and couldn't see that anyone had been there, so this is something else to add to the general list of POs with SSKs.

      Delete
    2. I went there in 2022 but didn't post anything at the time! All Machin stock from memory.

      Delete
  2. It sounds like we will get new Post & Go stamps later this year as Imageholders Ltd were awarded a new £35M contract by Royal Mail on 25th October 2024 to supply new Self Service Kiosks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you are commenting please make sure your comments are as accurate as possible. The contract was awarded to Post Office Ltd. The tender process indicated that
      "Post Office currently has around 500 self service kiosks for customers to execute transactions in operation in our Branch Network."

      We, collectors and dealers, of all people should know the difference!

      However, it is quite possible that unless the new machines can use the existing stock, new stamps may be needed and they may be produced by either Royal Mail or Post Office (the Horizon-type stamps were produced by Post Office with Royal Mail involvement).

      See imageHolders (https://www.imageholders.com/case-studies/) - clients include (may not all be customer-facing equipment) - Macdonalds, Legoland, NHS, Paddypower, Thorpe Park, NHS, Hard Rock Cafe, etc.

      Delete
  3. According to my records Cheltenham SSK's went live on the 25th October 2016 so has been with us some time now.
    It is somewhere I have not visited for quite some time.

    On the subject of new SSK's I have been told that 1st class collectors strips will be only a 4 value strip instead of the present 6 values but anything further like new stamps been printed for same I do not know.

    As of yet I have not had a chance to visit Walsall to see if new branch has SSK or not and I repeat again my previous question does anybody know if Stamford still has SSKs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There were no SSKs at Stamford when I visited last Friday (10 January). John G.

      Delete
    2. John much appreciate your reply, I did hear rumour 2 / 3 years ago that they might have been withdrawn but had failed to have it confirmed

      Delete
  4. Another NCR branch closes in May at Oldham with the closure of WH Smith.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Another NCR branch will close at a date yet to be confirmed at Orpington with the closure of WH Smith.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Found this comment on the AV Magazine Website

    "ImageHOLDERS has teamed up with Ricoh, Intelligent AR and Meld CX to enhance the kiosks' functionality and the customer experience."

    Intelligent AR are involved so presumably its next generation versions of their equipment? At least we at least we know their original machines dispensed stamps! (or maybe these are those being re-purposed to real locations!)

    Full link: https://www.avinteractive.com/territories-news/uki/self-service-kiosks-to-be-rolled-out-across-uks-post-offices-21-11-2024/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whilst browsing the companies house website (as you do) I discovered that Cartor Holdings (holding company for Cartor Security Printers) now own 10% of Intelligent AR shares. Maybe another step closer to definitely having stamps not labels in the new kiosks!

      Delete
    2. That's very interesting Trevor; does Bob still own the other 90%?

      Delete
    3. He owns 80% and someone with the same surname owns 10% (so yes effectively!)

      Delete
  7. W H Smith are in talks to sell off their high street branches it will be interesting to see who, if anyone would take on so many branches or the PO elements. Perhaps the new kiosk roll out is intended to circumvent such an event by placing them in smaller retailers?

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7zj8yr5x7o

    ReplyDelete


  8. Some interesting comments in the new PO Chairmans speech for the New deal for sub postmasters

    73. We also want to prioritise new in-branch technology, hardware and automation.
    74. This will reduce your costs and give customers the experience that they have come to
    expect from modern retailers.

    https://corporate.postoffice.co.uk/en/purpose-strategy/strategic-review-2024/strategic-review-launch/


    ReplyDelete
  9. Looks like Woolwich potentially goes on 12th April

    https://greenwichwire.co.uk/2025/01/21/woolwich-post-office-wh-smith-closing-april-2025/

    ReplyDelete
  10. The closure date for Woolwich is now confirmed on the consultation website as the 12th April.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Woolwich 5th February
    SSK67 OOU
    SSK68 OOU
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & CL19S

    Lewisham 5th February
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & Greenery CL21S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & CL18S

    Sydenham 5th February
    SSK67 Machin R17YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R17YAL & CL17S

    Dalston 5th February
    SSK67 Machin R18YAL & MA14
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL18S

    Kilburn 5th February
    SSK67 OOS
    SSK68 OOS

    Paddington 5th February
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & CL17S

    All machines were OOS at Woolwich initially. When I asked if they could be brought into use, I was told that 67 has a long term fault and is not being repaired due to closure of branch. 68 gave the option to purchase but said cash only when I came to pay but the coin slots were taped over!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Just to confirm an earlier post now on consultation website Oldham closes on the 3rd May.

    ReplyDelete
  13. A further WH Smith closure will be Swiss Cottage (South Hampstead) 042005 on the 12th April as confirmed by the consultation website.
    Pity this one as the staff there were more knowledgable than some of their colleagues at other branches.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interestingly the PO counters at Swiss Cottage were closed but the Kiosks open, with a minder, not normally that way round!

      Delete
  14. New machine(s) at Queensway Express, 70 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5SH according to the letter on the consultation website

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Visited Queensway this morning and consultation website is its usual rowlocks.
      Branch does not open until Monday and according to staff there will be no SSK.

      Delete
    2. I'm in London on Monday so will try and get there to either confirm/deny!

      Delete
    3. Trevor it's the post office that does not open till Monday the retail shop is open.
      I spoke to the post office staff who were behind counter setting up.

      Delete
  15. Also now on website is the reopening of Camberley on the 23rd April with the consultation showing post & go.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kilburn 13th February
    SSK67 Machin R17YAL & MA14
    SSK68 OOU Comms error rebooted 3 times with no success

    Swiss Cottage 13th February
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & Greenery CL20S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & Game of Thrones CL18S

    Hampstead 13th February
    SSK67 Machin R17YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL16S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & CL17S

    Islington 13th February
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin MA16 & CL19S
    SSK69 Machin MA13 & CL17S

    Poplar 13th February
    SSK67 Machin MA12 (2nd in 1st ) & Game of Thrones CL18S
    SSK68 Greenery R19YAL & CL19S

    ReplyDelete
  17. Again now on website new offices at Basingstoke 30th April and Clapham Park Rd on the 30th March both showing as post and go.
    Enquiries show that Queensway and Camberley will not be the new type of kiosk so with these dates unlikely Basingstoke and Clapham Park will be either so it looks as if roll out will not commence until at least May, still I suppose that is still Spring as I think the publicity showed for trial installations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://htc.uk.com/property-search/properties/129936-the-malls-shopping-centre-4-loddon-mall-basingstoke

      Delete
  18. Bridgend - both kiosks removed completely when visiting this morning

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the update Trevor I believe you reported some time ago one kiosk had been removed out to a back room as not working.

      Delete
  19. Spar, St Fagans, Cardiff 23rd February
    SSK67 Machin R17YAL & CL19S

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wadebridge since 24/02/25 has a new PO location no mention of SSK on consultation but the previous branch was supposed to have them installed, don't believe they were in the end.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Was a temporary branch in something akin to a shed when I went last year, no sign of any SSK

      Delete
    2. Thanks Trevor I think the original plan was it went into a Spar or Coop but that did not go ahead, this was around 2019 / 2020 but memory may be fading perhaps that outlet is no longer there and a temporary branch was set up instead.

      Delete
    3. I can confirm no SSK at Wadebridge when visited today

      Delete
  21. I just quickly wanted to describe my experience from today regarding the Self Service Kiosks in Edinburgh City PO.

    I went in to get some of the horizon-style labels that these kiosks apparently print out for parcels and large letters >20g. Unfortunately however, all 3 kiosks displayed a "Kiosk closed" message.

    When I asked at the counter, the clerk said she doesn't know what's wrong with them, but that they "may not come back up" or "may get replaced."

    If they are getting replaced, I hope it will be quite soon. Unfortunately the main branch is the only one in Edinburgh to have a SSK to my knowledge, so I couldn't go anywhere else.

    This seems to be in line with what you reported on recently about imageHolders being the new providers.
    Maybe this will also mean Post&Go stamps finally getting KCIII!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The kiosks are probably in standby mode and just need someone to wave their barcode ID over the scanner to bring them back into service. In my experience its quite common to find them out of use at busy periods such as lunchtimes when the staff are having lunch as well so the counter service is prioritised. Dunfermline will be your nearest kiosk now. If you can go at a quiet time and ask for them to be switched on then generally staff are happy to help. HTH

      Delete
  22. Now on the consultation website is the reopening of Luton again showing as having SSK. Date given is 16th April in same shopping mall.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Doncaster 7th March

    All 3 kiosks OOS, 3 Counters, No queue

    Me: Morning is it possible to have the SSK's switched on so I can collect a set of stamps from each one please?

    PO. We have stamps behind the counter you can buy

    Me: No I collect the ones from the kiosks

    PO: We're not switching them on today?

    Me: When would be a good time or day to come in and find them working?

    PO: Depends on what staff we have.

    At that point it was a lost cause, at least I was only passing through and hadn't made a special trip. Stark contrast to Hampstead recently, same scenario and the chap who switched them on was genuinely interested in the fact that people collected them and was only too happy to help.

    Edinburgh 7th March

    All kiosk OOS, same response as post above from 26 Feb

    ReplyDelete
  24. Same reaction or similar when in London recently and visited Islington, Mount Pleasant and Eastcheap offices on the same busy Friday afternoon. All kiosks OOS. Also I have noted they are always switched off on a Saturday and on enquiry told no staff member to supervise. Brian Warren, Dublin

    ReplyDelete
  25. Swindon 13th March
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL18S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK69 Machin MA16 & CL17S

    ReplyDelete
  26. London Bridge 17th March
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK69 OOU "awaiting engineer"
    SSK70 OOU "awaiting engineer"

    Knightsbridge 17th March
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & CL17S

    Kennington 17th March
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL18S
    SSK68 Machin MA13 & CL19S

    The following offices proved more challenging. Quotes are from staff after politely asking if there was any chance, the SSK’s could be brought to life. (Most were displaying the no entry sign)

    Kensington 17th March
    All kiosks out of use. “they might not come back up so were not switching them on today”

    Worlds End 17th March
    All kiosks out of use. “I don’t have enough staff to switch them on” (5 counters open and no queue????)

    Lavender Hill 17th March
    SSK67 OOU
    SSK68 OOU “one is broken and we’re too busy to just switch the other one on for you”

    ReplyDelete
  27. Barnstaple 21st March
    SSK67 Machin OOS (Comms Error)
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL19S

    ReplyDelete
  28. My oh my Barnstaple in service !!!!!!
    Thanks for confirmation of Wadebridge much appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Doncaster set for closure on 30th May according to consultation website.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am told Birmingham shortly will lose 6 SSKs bringing the total down to 5, on our recent visits here there have seldom been more than 2 or 3 in service at a time.
    Also quote "new SSK's still months away" and as previously location unknown.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Spoke to a very helpful lady in Swansea yesterday about the disposal of WH Smith and the rebranding to TG Jones and they've been told that its all being transferred lock stock & barrel including the Post Office. This also borne out by reports on BBC website which says, helpfully, that there are 195 branches with PO's. Kiosk report to follow

    ReplyDelete
  32. Cardiff 28th Mar
    SSK67 OOS Card Reader Fault
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & Machin CL19S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & Machin CL17S
    SSK70 Machin R21YAL & Machin CL17S
    SSK71 Machin R20YAL & Machin CL19S

    Swansea 29th Mar
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & Greenery CL19S
    SSK68 OOS Awaiting Engineer

    ReplyDelete
  33. Trevor

    If I am correct that is the first report of R21YAL Machin had heard rumour they existed but with a seemingly endless supply of R20YAL thought they must still be some time off turning up.

    ReplyDelete
  34. An update is now on the consultation website Clapham Park will now open on the 17th April and not the 30th March as previously advertised.
    Also of note is the removal of the tick box for post and go.

    ReplyDelete

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