Last year’s Collect+ reorganisation effectively led to there being two Collect+ businesses sharing the network of locations: the original business was transferred to Yodel and a new venture, led by PayPoint’s Gary Winter, went out into the market offering open access to the network to carriers and retailers.
Initial take-up was slow, but the first deal has now been announced, with eBay, and it is a potentially significant one for both parties. For the new ‘open’ Collect+, the first deal is clearly important in proving the model. For eBay, it represents a further extension of its strategy of organising delivery on behalf of its sellers to give them a more complete service. eBay sellers now have access to the largest UK parcel shop network at compelling rates.
eBay UK’s click and collect service is now available at more than 2,500 Collect+ locations nationwide. This gives customers more choice as to how and where they collect their purchases. This follows the announcement of a strategic partnership between eBay and Collect+ – the first multi-carrier partner to be signed by Collect+ owner PayPoint.
eBay UK Vice President, Rob Hattrell commented: “24 million customers shop with us every month. We want to make it as convenient as possible for them to get the item they’re looking for. Our partnership with Collect+ is a great boost to our delivery options, giving customers thousands more locations to choose from when they are shopping.”
Lewis Alcraft, Commercial Director of PayPoint said: “As online shopping continues to boom, bricks and mortar retailers can increasingly feel left out in the cold. However, the savviest are capitalising on the online trend, recognising the opportunity that convenient parcel services represent as a great way of enticing people into store.” He continued: “We are delighted that the eBay click & collect service is now up and running in 2,500 stores in time for the busiest online trading period of the year.”
The service is available in time for the coming peaks in delivery demand and will be available at a mix of multiple and symbol stores including Nisa, McColls, Spar and One Stop.
The launch has been welcomed by PayPoint’s retail partners. Paul Cheema, of Nisa Malcolm’s Stores in Coventry said: “eBay is a fantastic addition to the Collect+ service. This will definitely attract new and different types of customers to our stores.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dee Sedani, One Stop in Etwall, commented, “As we approach Christmas, eBay and Collect+ should make a real difference to our store and our customers. This is a really positive move and another benefit of having PayPoint in our stores”.
