Customers will now be able to hand over returns to couriers from PostNL in an effort to boost convenience and sustainability.
The courier will accept return parcels when making a standard delivery, without an appointment required.
Customers must pack returns properly in parcels with a return label and barcode either from the online retailer or printed via PostNL’s website or app.
The service is initially available in the Netherlands, with a launch date for other markets such as Belgium not specified.
PostNL said in a statement that the service was an effort to make transport movements more sustainable.
“Products and processes are continually improved and renewed in order to meet the specific needs of customers in an optimal way. Consumers order online because of its convenience and appreciate it when webshops offer good and easy return solutions. It may be the case that an online order is disappointing or simply does not fit.
“Returning a parcel with a deliverer who is already at the door is convenient and by far the most sustainable way of returning.”
The need for sustainable ways to deal with returns is growing. Figures released earlier this month by the Centre for Economic and Business Research calculated based on a returns rate of 25% that £4.8 billion of goods bought in the UK during the 2018 Christmas period may be returned.
The problem is not just limited to the UK, with digital association Bitkom finding in a survey of 1000 German online shoppers that 12% of online purchases get returned.
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