Promotional postal order facts for kids
A promotional postal order (often called a PPO) is like a special coupon that acts as money. It's a unique type of postal order used in the United Kingdom.
Companies work with the Royal Mail (the UK's postal service) to create these PPOs. They use them to encourage people to buy their products or try their services. These special orders have been around since the 1970s, helping businesses promote their goods.
How Do Promotional Postal Orders Work?
Promotional postal orders are different from regular postal orders. A regular postal order is something you buy at a post office to send money safely. A PPO, however, is given out by a company.
Imagine a company wants you to try their new cereal. They might send you a PPO in the mail. This PPO would have a certain value, like 50 pence. You could then use this PPO at a post office or sometimes even at a shop to get a discount or receive cash. It's a clever way for companies to get people interested in what they sell.
Companies That Used PPOs
Many different companies have used promotional postal orders over the years. They came from various industries, from food and drink to cleaning products and even car companies.
Some well-known companies that issued PPOs include:
- Cinzano (a drink company)
- Smash (instant mashed potatoes)
- Nescafé (coffee)
- Typhoo (tea)
- Reader's Digest (a magazine)
- Maxwell House (coffee)
- Bounce (fabric softener)
- Swan (matches)
- Brooke Bond Teas
- Persil (laundry detergent)
- Kleenex (tissues)
- Philips (electronics)
- Tango (a soft drink)
- Argos (a retail store)
One interesting fact is that Fife Council in Scotland also issued PPOs. These are the only known Scottish postal orders of this type.
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