In the last 48 hours I’ve polled internet retailers to find out whether they have contingency plans in place for the national postal strike.

I asked a dozen brands using Twitter IDs sourced directly or via e-consultancy: @amazon; @CDWOWUK; @espares; @figleaveshome; @firebox; @grazedotcom; @Hotel_Chocolat; @lovefilm; @maplintweet; @overheardatmoo; @playcom; and @waterstonesltd.

I’ve had four responses from @espares, @figleaveshome, @firebox and @lovefilm. @mat_henton from espares deserves special praise. He responded within minutes.

It’s hardly exhaustive or scientific survey (a bit like real life) but it shows that a handful of internet retailers are making extraordinary efforts to use Twitter as a channel and tackle the impending postal strike.

Equally others are using Twitter as a broadcast channel or have work to do to put contingency plans in place for the postal strike.

As the battlelines are drawn (dialogue is combative not constructive) for the strike later this week businesses are looking for alternative means of getting post and packages to their customers.

Kelkoo published data last week that said online retailers would be among the worst affected with losses expected to reach £220 million.

Amazon has reportedly sought alternative services. Online retailers such as espares, Figleaves, Firebox and Lovefilm are preparing alternative arrangements. TNT wants to set up a rival postal service.

Neville Hobson has an incredibly sensible call to action:

“Messrs Hayes and Crozier, get yourselves into a room together and don’t come out again until you’ve solved this. While you’re talking, no strike.”