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Tried and tested - DUET ensures the highest standards


Perfect pitch - Welcome to DUET
At Royal Mail we’re committed to raising standards within the mailing industry. That’s why we set up DUET. DUET is a membership scheme for consolidators and mailing houses that provides a benchmark for levels of service in international mailings.

Being able use their DUET accreditation to prove the quality of their services gives members a real advantage over their competitors, and members also benefit from discounts that we give to DUET accredited companies.

Find out more:
 
  1. What is DUET?
    DUET is a membership scheme that provides a benchmark for levels of service in international mailings. To become DUET accredited, Consolidators or International Mailing Houses undergo a series of stringent entry tests on various aspects of their service. Having successfully passed an initial trial, DUET members then enter into a long-term agreement with Royal Mail to maintain high standards for mail users, our mutual customers.
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  2. Which companies are DUET members?

    The following companies are currently members of DUET:

    Alpha Mail Ltd
    Air Business
    Berfort Ltd
    Deltec International Courier Ltd
    Deutsche Post Global Mail (UK) Ltd
    Global Mailing Ltd
    Hays DX
    IMD Ltd
    Mail Options Ltd
    Mailflow International Ltd
    Mailings International Ltd
    Mercury International
    OCS (London) Ltd
    Packpost International Ltd
    Pharos International Ltd
    Scotmail
    Spatial Group
    Speedmail International Ltd
    Spring
    SR Communications Ltd
    Target Worldwide Express
    Direct Solutions

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  3. What’s the benefit to us and to our customers?
    You can pass on the discount we’ll give you on any International Country Sort mailing you do, to your customers. They’ll also get reassurance of your quality of service from your DUET accreditation. We’ll give you all the information and material you’ll need to promote your DUET membership (you’ll also be promoted on this section of the Royal Mail website) and you can use the DUET logo on any of your own promotional material.
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  4. Can any mailing house apply to be a member of DUET?

    You can apply for DUET membership if you:

    • Send 40 tonnes of International Country Sort mail over six months
    • Spend £150,000 on International Country Sort mail over six months

    (To qualify, you have to be sending these amounts of international mail for a customer.)

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  5. The application process

    We will carry out an initial audit to ensure you meet the following standards for international mail:

    CriteriaPerformance Standard
    Incorrect sortation by Office of Exchange< 3%
    Incorrect sortation by Country< 1%
    Incorrect sortation by Format< 1%
    Incorrect use of Bag Labels< 1%
    Incorrect use of Bags< 1%


    Your service will also be checked for the following despatch standards for all Country Sort mail:
    a) All Priority mail on hand despatched each Working Day.
    b) All Standard mail on hand despatched not less than three times per week.
    c) All Economy mail on hand despatched not less than twice per week.


    Trial period
    If you successfully complete the initial audit, you will then be monitored for a three-month trial period to make sure the levels of service are maintained. During the trial period, applicants are entitled to 6% off the Country Sort rate card.


    Full membership
    If you successfully complete the three-month trial period, you will be given full DUET membership. You will be given access to, and permission to use, the DUET logo, and will be listed on this section of the Royal Mail website. All members are also invited to the DUET conference, held quarterly.

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  6. How much does it cost to apply?
    Application costs just £250 and this is refunded if you successfully complete the trial period and become a DUET member.
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  7. Where can I get an application pack?
    You can order an application pack which includes a brochure, application form and draft copy of the DUET agreement, by contacting your account manager or Royal Mail Customer Services on 08456 088 588 (Postline 5427 8588).
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