eBay customers will soon be able to collect and send their parcels from the Collect+ parcel network in the UK, after the two firms signed a deal this week.

For Collect+ this is a major milestone as eBay is the first multi-carrier partner PayPoint have signed since they announced that they would no longer be solely working with Yodel. eBay customers will have the choice of delivery companies to use to deliver to the Collect+ stores.

This will mean that Collect+ will be using more carriers and users at the same time, and a different market to that of Yodel customers who mostly use Collect+ for fashion retailers.

As a first phase, more than 2500 Collect+ stores will be made available to eBay customers ahead of this year’s peak season, with full access to all 7000 stores in the network once the programme beds in.

eBay already has a similar deal with Argos and its 800 stores nationwide. The 2500 Collect+ stores will be selected to complement this offering.

Commenting on the eBay partnership, Dominic Taylor, CEO of PayPoint said: “This is an exciting opportunity for our retailer network and for Collect+ as the definitive Click and Collect solution for UK online merchants with the potential for millions of extra parcels for our store network. Convenience stores play such an important role in local communities, providing simple and convenient solutions for those with busy lives. The reach of our network ensures we’re available wherever and whenever our customers need us, – especially given the increasingly blurred lines between online and offline shopping.”

Taylor continued: “This deal is perfectly in-line with our parcel strategy as we move Collect+ to become the industry solution for a multi carrier approach. We know that half of people collecting a parcel are visiting their local stores for the first time. The eBay deal therefore represents a significant boost in footfall and possible sales for our Collect+ retailers.”

eBay UK Vice President, Rob Hattrell said: “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 CollectPlus is a great boost to our delivery options, giving customers thousands more locations to choose from when they are shopping.”