With nearly half (45%) of UK consumers having purchased goods from international online retailers in the past 12 months, the role of out-of-home parcel collection points is growing in importance, Collect+ has claimed.
The parcel firm revealed that the popularity of international e-commerce placed significant pressure on UK delivery networks and, while home delivery remains the preferred option for 81% of international shoppers, over one in 10 (11%) said they would prefer to collect from a local shop or parcel point. This figure rose to one in five (21%) among 25-34 year olds.
Younger consumers are driving the surge in cross-border purchases, revealed the research. More than half (53%) of 18-24 year olds and 54% of 25-34 year olds have bought from international retailers in the past year, compared to just 32% of those aged 65 and over.
The returns process was identified as a leading concern for those receiving international deliveries, with 34% citing it as a worry, second only to additional costs such as customs fees (43%). Delays remain the most commonly cited issue overall (51%), while nearly a third (30%) expressed concerns about parcel security during transit.
Location and accessibility continue to shape consumer preferences, with 88% of all respondents saying it is important for parcel collection and drop-off points to be located close to their home or workplace.
Sam Holden, Director of Parcels and E-Commerce at PayPoint, said: “The growth in international e-commerce is reshaping how UK delivery networks operate. It’s no longer just about getting parcels into the country it’s about what happens once they arrive and, critically, how efficiently they can be returned.
“Pick-up drop-off networks like Collect+ play a vital role in managing these volumes. With more than 14,000 locations across the UK, we provide consumers with convenient, flexible options for both collection and returns, helping to ease pressure on carriers while giving shoppers greater control over their deliveries.”
