InPost, a global leader in automated delivery solutions for e-commerce, expects to process a record number of shipments during the pre-Christmas period in the UK, a key European e-commerce market. InPost Paczkomaty® currently form the most extensive network of parcel collection points in the UK, offering greater coverage than leading retailers with their own click&collect networks. Thanks to this expansion, nearly three-quarters (70%) of Britons are now within 5 miles of their nearest InPost Paczkomat®.
Click&collect services are becoming increasingly popular in the UK – 35% of e-consumers already use them, and this figure is expected to reach 76% by 2017*. However, almost one in four (23%)** customers finds them inconvenient if collection is only possible during standard store opening hours. Only InPost Paczkomaty® allow for parcel collection at any time of the day or night, and additionally – due to the possibility of delivery and returns via InPost Paczkomaty® – retailers can offer their customers greater flexibility.
– Online sales are growing at a rapid pace, which entails increasing customer expectations regarding delivery options. InPost Paczkomaty® provide the most convenient solution thanks to 24/7 access. Our research shows that delivery flexibility is a key factor in gaining a market advantage – and this is exactly what InPost Paczkomaty® provide to retailers – says Neil Saunders, Managing Director of the retail consultancy Conlumino.
Ambitious plans for further development of InPost in the UK are to be implemented by the newly appointed Chairman of InPost UK, Jonathan Smith. A recognized expert, he gained experience in the logistics, distribution, and retail sectors, having previously served as head of the British logistics operator Yodel.
– InPost, responding to the real needs of UK residents, uses its innovative technology to revolutionize the e-commerce market. It provides customers with convenience and significantly increases the efficiency of deliveries from e-shops. The expansion of InPost Paczkomaty® guarantees all retailers support during the upcoming holiday season, and consumers a happy, stress-free Christmas. Next year, we plan to double the number of machines in the network – we aim to have 2000 InPost Paczkomaty® operating in the UK by the end of 2015, making online shopping even more practical – comments Jonathan Smith, head of InPost in the UK.
The coverage of InPost Paczkomaty® in the UK is increasing dynamically. This is possible thanks to numerous collaborations with strong market players. In cooperation with Transport for London, the London underground operator, InPost has already launched terminals at locations including the parking lot at Buckhurst Hill tube station and Victoria Coach Station. As a result of partnership agreements, these innovative devices have appeared in the Morrisons supermarket chain and Toys R Us stores. InPost Paczkomaty® will also significantly increase delivery flexibility for consumers using the services of leading logistics and e-commerce entities in the UK, such as MetaPack and P4D.
InPost devices, “tailored” to modern times, are already available in 22 international markets. In just a few years, they have conquered not only Poland but also: Australia, Chile, the UK, Italy, France, Ireland, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Estonia, Russia, Cyprus, Slovakia, Malaysia, the Czech Republic, as well as: Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Worldwide, there are over 3,500 Paczkomaty® operating under various business models. The company plans to install another 6,000 terminals across Europe, Asia, the Americas, as well as the Middle East and Africa.
The highest quality of InPost services is confirmed by awards: Polish internet users have for the third time honored InPost with the Ekomers award in the category “Best product/service supporting e-shop logistics”. The company’s innovation was recognized by the weekly magazine WPROST with the title of “Innovator of the Year 2014”.
International recognition of InPost is evidenced by numerous awards: the “Supplier of the Year” title at Post Expo 2014, four-time victory in the prestigious World Mail Award competition between 2010 and 2013, the “The Delivery Excellence Award 2014” in the category: “Best Carrier Contribution to Delivery Innovation”, which InPost Paczkomaty® received in 2014 in the UK, or the Postal Technology International Award in the category “Retail Innovation of the Year”.
* http://www1.planetretail.net/news-and-events/press-release/76-online-shoppers-use-click-collect-2017
** http://www.barclays.com/news/2014/September/the-last-mile.html