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The packages on offer to shoppers from parcel companies as internet retail soars
THE growth in online shopping may be bad news for home-grown retailers, but it’s a boon for parcel delivery companies.
We prefer to sofa surf for bargains rather than slog it down the main street, but some sites still won’t ship to Ireland, delivery people often call when you’re at work, and you might have to drive for miles to your nearest parcel depot.
Then there’s the problem of returning items you don’t like, or which don’t fit. It can be more trouble than it’s worth.
However, internet shopping is riding high. Last Christmas was the busiest on record both for retailers (some reporting increased traffic of up to 70pc) while An Post said it delivered 100,000 parcels a day over the festive season, up 50pc on the previous year. The beleaguered organisation, which up to recently had operated at a loss, is closing 159 post offices. Under CEO David McRedmond, it is seeking to find new income streams, and has cottoned on to the success of parcel lockers, which can operate 24/7 and aren’t dependent on costly staff. Plans are under way to partner with a company to start operations this year. It will provide muchneeded competition in this market, which is what we’re looking at today.
Parcel Motel
Probably the best known provider, with its vibrant green and blue box units in petrol stations and car parks, it’s owned by postal giant UPS.
Prices range from €4.50 to €16.50 to send a parcel, while collections are €3.95. It has a range of partner companies where returns are free, including Next and Littlewoods. It handles packages from Britain, Northern Ireland and the USA too, costing from €3.75 up to €53.99 for heavy goods.
DPD Parcel Wizard
Rather than lockers, DPD utilises ‘drop off points’ for parcel deliveries on its parcel pickup service which has no additional charge. These, according to the company, include the likes of Spar and other retail outlets (475 in total) which offer better opening hours than post offices.
There’s a great map. Its returns option is also handy; you print off a label, and drop the parcel into one of the outlets on its list. For receiving parcels, they’ll also set up a UK Virtual address for customers, costing from €3.85 (depending on weight to a maximum of 20kg), for delivery Mon-Fri.
AddressPal
This is An Post’s existing service for UK/US deliveries to your nearest post office or to your home. It’s priced from €3.75 (post office) and from €6.49 (UK to home) and they will also operate with a New York or Northern Ireland way-station if needs be. Delivery is within three to four days (UK) and five-six days (USA) which is fast.
Customs
Customs have extraordinary powers and a statutory right to examine all parcels coming from outside the EU (and sometimes within it if suspicious). Shoppers often believe they can ‘get around’ duties, taxes and VAT by using shipping companies over normal postal services, but that is not the case.
Revenue slap on whatever duties are owing, and it is the legal responsibility of the delivery driver to collect it on their behalf. They may also add on a levy (in An Post’s case 1pc) for parcels requiring customs clearance outside the EU.
It has had its darker side too however. Prior to the repeal of the 8th Amendment, private parcel delivery companies were a favoured way of getting abortifacients into the country; many were of course seized by customs officials en route, as they were illegal imports.