Out-of-home parcel collection points are becoming increasingly important as international online shopping grows, with new research published today (June 2) revealing that one in five (21%) shoppers aged 25-34 would prefer to collect overseas purchases from a local shop or parcel point rather than receive them at home.
New research from Collect+ reveals that nearly half (45%) of UK consumers have purchased goods from international online retailers in the past 12 months, placing significant pressure on UK delivery networks to manage growing inbound volumes and increasingly complex returns.
While home delivery remains the preferred option for 81% of international shoppers, the data suggests a growing role for out-of-home collection points. Among those who have received international deliveries, 11% said they would prefer to collect from a local shop or parcel point, with this figure rising to 21% among 25-34 year olds.
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.
The returns process is now 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.
Younger consumers are driving the surge in cross-border purchases. 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.
Sam Holden, Director of Parcels and E-Commerce at PayPoint, commented: "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 than14,000 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."