International Postal News

Postal Service Delivers ‘Harry Potter’ to Eager Customers Worldwide

Information received through the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) corporate communications unit indicates that the harmony between the global postal service and ‘e-shoppers’ is at an all time high. With millions of copies of the seventh and final ‘Harry Potter’ novel released for sale on July 21, 2007, those who placed their order by mail, phone or Internet are eagerly looking out for their postman who will deliver this much-anticipated book.

PARCEL BUSINESS GROWTH

UPU data shows a clear trend in parcel business growth attributable to e-commerce. Between 2004 and 2005, the global volume of ordinary parcels rose by 11%. The postal sector is the partner of choice for e-commerce, with most articles ordered via the Internet being shipped by post. The global postal service’s role as the primary shipper selected by e-commerce shoppers has created a surge in parcel post statistics.

Harry Potter will long be remembered, as in March, June and July respectively, the French, Australian and British Posts issued postage stamps of the ‘boy magician’, perhaps as a ‘thank you’ for generating business growth in those countries.

UPU website: www.upu.int