Evolving our Mails strategy
Buy in branch
Demonstrating the scale of change in the mails market, for the first time in its 360-year history, customers will be able to choose other parcel carriers over the counter in Post Office branches, as well as Royal Mail Group. The new buy-in-branch parcel service will begin in selected branches in time for the peak Christmas delivery season, complementing the recent launch of Parcels Online which enables customers to compare and purchase postage online for drop-off in Post Offices.
In chosen branches, Post Office customers will be able to walk up to a counter and choose to send their parcels with DPD or Evri, in addition to existing services, so they can choose the delivery carrier which best suits their needs. Customers will have even more choice at the Post Office counter - delivering unparalleled access to parcel services that people need and want, both now and into the future.
This launch forms part of Post Office’s broader Mails Strategy which has already introduced thousands of new carrier opportunities across its unparalleled UK branch network, including Click & Collect, Customer Drop Off and Customer Return points, as well as extending its offering online with the launch of Parcels Online earlier this year.
Providing multi-carrier omni-channel services highlights how Post Office is adapting to changing consumer demands and continuing to reach and deliver to the needs of all a wide range of personal and business customers. The launch of buy-in-branch realises the benefits and value of face-to-face interactions with experienced, knowledgeable Postmasters when sending parcels, something that is important to half of parcel senders across the nation – equivalent to over 25 million people - according to Post Office research,
The announcement marks the continued diversification of Post Office as it evolves to become a one-stop hub for customers and a destination where they can access multiple delivery carriers all under one roof.
What do our teams think about this?
Here's Ami from our Islington branch, talking about how we are now offering more choice to customers.
Elliot from Muswell Hiil tells us how offering Evri has benefitted his branch: