(a) Explain five services that NIPOST renders to the public.
(b) Give five advantages of courier services.
Explanation
(a) NIPOST renders the following services to the public:
(i) Telegram services: This is a means of sending urgent written messages across to a given location.
(ii) Post office box and private mailbag services: Letters belonging to individuals and organisations are sorted out and kept for them in exclusive boxes and bags.
(iii) Post Restante: Post restante facilities enables letters belonging to visitors to a town to be left in the care of the post office. To collect such letters, the addressee must provide evidence of his identity.
(iv) Parcel post: Parcels up to a specified weight may be sent to the addressee by post. The amount charged for this service depends on the weight of the parcel.
(v) Cash on delivery service: This is a service rendered by the post office to assist mail-order businesses. (vi) Recorded delivery: A recorded delivery gives proof that a letter had been delivered and the sender is compensated in the event of loss or damage in the post.
(vii) Registration of letters: This service ensures the safety of the mail. Registration ensures that a receipt is obtained every time the letter changes hands.
(viii) Business reply service: A firm may save the recipients of its letters the cost of replying to them by providing them with printed reply cards or envelopes which do not require to be stamped.
(ix) Ordinary letters: Ordinary letters may be official or personal and must be enclosed in an envelope with the appropriate stamp on them. Such letters may be sent by surface mail (i.e. road) or by air.
(b) Advantages of courier services
(i) Its services are personal and cordial.
(ii) Services are rendered all over the country including rural areas.
(iii) It helps in carrying bulky goods.
(iv) Recorded delivery.
(v) Courier services are fast and reliable.
(vi) Safety and security.