DHL tests Packstations without registration
DHL wants to simplify the use of Packstations. To this end, the company is testing the use of the stations without prior registration.
DHL wants to simplify the use of Packstations – initially in a test phase.
(Image: DHL)
The DHL Parcel test began in Germany on July 7 and initially includes around 20 selected business customers. When private customers order from the participating stores, they can have their goods sent to a Packstation during the one-year test phase without having to register for the Packstations in advance.
The first partner companies include CEWE, Mosaik Tree GmbH, FarbenFux and BC GmbH. The test is to be extended to other business customers over the next few months.
DHL wants to lower the hurdles for using Packstations
"Less complicated and more direct: we want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to send and receive parcels with DHL. That's why we are now waiving the registration requirement for our Packstation on a trial basis, thereby removing further hurdles," explains Benjamin Rasch, Head of Marketing and Product Management in the DHL Group's German Post and Parcel division.
DHL's main intention with the test is to warm up customers for Packstations who have previously shied away from the effort of registering. DHL business customers will also benefit from the new option, says Rasch, "as they can now offer all customers the convenient Packstation delivery option for online purchases".
It is already possible to send shipments to the – machine, such as returns –, without registering. However, if customers want to receive shipments directly at the Packstation, they have so far had to register with DHL and then complete a Post-Ident procedure and device activation in the Post & DHL app.
DHL currently has over 15,500 Packstations
This process will no longer be necessary during the pilot phase, at least for participating retailers. Customers will simply enter their desired Packstation as the delivery address during the ordering process and will receive a pick-up code to their registered e-mail address once the parcel has been stored.
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According to DHL, more than 15,500 Packstations are available nationwide for receiving parcels, which are to be expanded to 30,000 by 2023. According to DHL, the expansion of the network of machines is intended to shorten the distance consumers have to travel to receive their parcels.
In addition, parcel deliverers could store several parcels at one Packstation and not have to drive to the front doors, saving time and money. According to DHL, the Packstations are currently used by a "high single-digit million number of registered DHL customers".
(afl)
