Evri, formerly Hermes, has become one of the cheapest ways for UK sellers to send small and medium parcels, built on a price-by-size-band model that's simpler than Royal Mail's weight-stepped approach. For sellers trying to cut fulfilment costs, understanding Evri's bands and limits is the fastest way to know whether it beats your current carrier.
How Evri's size bands work
Evri prices parcels by size band rather than precise weight, as long as you stay under the weight limit for that band. The bands progress from small and light items up through medium, large and extra-large parcels, with the price stepping up at each boundary. This flat-per-band structure makes costs easy to predict, which is one reason sellers like it.
Weight limits by band
Each Evri band carries its own maximum weight, typically up to 15kg for standard parcels with heavier options available for some bands. Staying under the limit keeps you in the cheaper band, so weighing items matters just as much with Evri as it does with Royal Mail, even though the pricing model is simpler.
Evri vs Royal Mail on small parcels
For small parcels in the 1-2kg range, Evri is frequently cheaper than Royal Mail's equivalent tracked services, which is why so many eBay and Vinted sellers have switched. The comparison isn't purely about price though, delivery speed, tracking quality and compensation all matter, which our DPD vs Evri vs Royal Mail guide weighs up.
Delivery speed and drop-off
Evri delivers over a two-to-four-day window for standard services, with next-day options available. You can drop parcels at a ParcelShop or locker, or arrange collection, and many sellers prefer the ParcelShop network's long opening hours over Post Office hours, in the same way Royal Mail Local Collect works.
Compensation and cover
Evri's standard compensation is lower than some competitors, and enhanced cover is available as an add-on for higher-value items. If you regularly send items worth more than the basic cover, factor that add-on cost into your comparison rather than assuming Evri is cheaper once cover is included.
Printing Evri labels
Evri labels print in a standard format that fits a 100 × 150mm thermal printer, though the layout differs slightly from Royal Mail's. Our Evri label printing guide walks through getting them printing cleanly at the right size on a 4x6 printer.
When Evri is the right choice
Evri suits sellers moving high volumes of small-to-medium, low-to-moderate-value parcels where price per item is the dominant concern. It's less compelling for fragile or high-value goods, or where delivery speed and guaranteed tracking windows matter, for those, a faster or more premium carrier is the better fit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum weight for an Evri parcel? Evri's standard parcels typically go up to 15kg, with heavier options available for some bands. Check the specific band for its exact limit.
Is Evri cheaper than Royal Mail? For small parcels in the 1-2kg range, Evri is often cheaper than Royal Mail's tracked services, but the comparison depends on cover, speed and drop-off convenience.
Can I print Evri labels on a 4x6 thermal printer? Yes, Evri labels fit a 100 × 150mm thermal printer, though you may need to check the print settings to get the sizing right.
Labels for every carrier, not just one
Our 100 × 150mm direct thermal labels print Evri, Royal Mail and courier barcodes cleanly, so you can switch carriers without switching stock.
Shop 4×6 Labels