An Post Price Hikes Threaten Irish Arts and Crafts Businesses
Dramatic increases in delivery charges imposed by An Post are putting significant pressure on compact Irish businesses, particularly those in the arts and crafts sector. Some businesses fear they may be forced to close as a result of price hikes exceeding 130% on certain parcel sizes, effective from the beginning of March 2026.
Price Increases and Impact on Small Businesses
An Post announced a range of price increases in February 2026. The cost of a national stamp rose by 20c to €1.85, and a new €3.50 stamp was introduced for letters to Europe, including Britain, an increase of 85c. Yet, the most substantial impact is being felt by businesses using self-adhesive labels for parcel delivery.
Previously priced at €149 for 25 labels applicable to parcels up to 10kg, the cost of these labels has increased to €174 for 25 labels, now limited to parcels weighing up to 5kg. This combination of higher prices and reduced weight limits represents a 135% increase for businesses shipping items between 5kg and 10kg. The Irish Times reports that this increase is unsustainable for many small enterprises.
Creative Businesses at Risk
Tara Prendergast of the Biscuit Factory, a business collective for online creatives, expressed concern that the price hikes have moved “from uncomfortable into unsustainable.” She highlighted that for product-based creative businesses selling items in the €20–€60 range, an additional €2–€4 per parcel significantly erodes already thin margins. Businesses are now facing the difficult choice of raising prices (potentially losing customers) or absorbing costs they cannot afford. The Irish Times
Prendergast also noted that the increases are particularly challenging for businesses relying on their local post office as their primary shipping option, despite the government’s encouragement to “shop local, support Irish.”
An Post’s Response
An Post acknowledges that some of the price increases are “very steep in certain categories.” A spokesperson stated that Advantage Card parcel prices had not increased in six years and that maintaining previous prices was “simply not sustainable” to continue providing services nationwide. The Irish Times
The spokesperson explained that while the majority of parcels weigh under 5kg, heavier parcels require additional manual handling, sorting, and transport, sometimes requiring two people to lift them, increasing processing and delivery costs. An Post was initially planning to implement the 10kg to 5kg weight limit on February 3rd, but has deferred this to early March and will continue to honor existing 10kg labels while supplies last.
An Post maintains that it will continue to review costs and pricing to apply SME discounts wherever possible, but emphasizes that operating at a loss is not feasible.
The Arts and Crafts Sector in Ireland
Ireland has a rich tradition of artisan crafts, with many skilled artists and designers creating unique and high-quality products. Connolly Cove highlights the importance of supporting these traditional makers and markets. The increased shipping costs threaten the viability of these businesses and could impact the availability of Irish-made goods.
Businesses like those represented by I am of Ireland, which directly connects customers with Irish artists and craftspeople, are particularly vulnerable to these changes.