But if something goes awry, you have to deal with the actual courier via the (parcel) monkey: this does not end well IME.
I use Parcel Farce: not that they're any better or worse than the others, but I can drop off at the PO, rather than waiting for a courier not to show up.
but I can drop off at the PO, rather than waiting for a courier not to show up.
Pretty much the same reason why I use Parcelforce - Easier for sender and recipient. Plus you can pay through Quidco, and they've usually got a ~10% voucher code on the go as well.
But if something goes awry, you have to deal with the actual courier via the (parcel) monkey: this does not end well IME.
I use Parcel Farce: not that they're any better or worse than the others, but I can drop off at the PO, rather than waiting for a courier not to show up.