YODEL at InPost lockers.

[bluebellfressia]

Independent parcel carrier Yodel has partnered with InPost to provide last-mile delivery services in the UK. As part of the agreement, Yodel will handle hundreds of thousands of parcels through the InPost Locker-to-Door service.

Has anyone had any success posting YODEL parcels in InPost lockers?  I haven't been able to. 

It would make it so much easier for me if I could.

[lighting_signs_and_vintage]

They have to be fair doubled the size of the 'bank' now (as well as introducing a few more at the rival supermarket across the way) but I always found them to be 'full' night and day trying to do drop offs. So I gave up and being lucky enough to have a large porch use RM for all my items now.

[bluebellfressia]

Thank you for your reply

I used to have that problem but fortunately we have 2 lockers at my local supermarket and I've been lucky.  I post both my InPost and Evri parcels in them.  

I just wondered if anyone successfully posted their YODEL parcels in them since it's been introduced. 

[lighting_signs_and_vintage]

Ah fair enough. I know from experience as a recipient that RM parcels seemed to sit around for days when posted via InPost 😞

I used YODEL last week as it was the cheapest method for a low value, but oversized return. Too big for RM and PF too expensive. Other than that haven't used them for years, but I'm sure someone will be along soon. I wonder if YODEL collects the parcels from the lockers 'themselves' because it felt as if RM waiting to be delivered the parcels at Depot level by the InPost network seemed to be the cause of the delays...

[bluebellfressia]

For small items. For  example a cami vest top, RM comes up slightly cheaper.  But I noticed they aren't tracked then?  Where YODEL & Evri are.  

[lighting_signs_and_vintage]

I just use the Tracked 48 service, which is fully tracked. Of course the extra cost is offset for me by never ever having to go and queue at the post office or even drive to the lockers, ever, as it's collected from the porch for no additional fee.

[crg_music]

I have used InPost Lockers a lot through that other site beginning with a V and love it, the apps excellent.

I have noticed that with parcels sent to an address rather than another box which need a label, that the label is either Yodel or Royal Mail. Box to box you can just use a barcode which is convenient and cheaper.

But yes touch wood very impressed. Box to Box is usually 2 days(including weekends) and Box to Door 3 days(including weekends).

[myriad*seller]

From a buyers point of view I was put off buying an item recently because the only postage service offered was InPost Lockers

I assumed this meant I had to go to a local location with these lockers to collect my item and I live in the middle of nowhere, so nearest lockers are probably 20 miles from here

(ETA : I googled, nearest lockers are 9 miles away, in a shopping town, so  I could just buy it in a shop if I had to travel to collect)

So I did not buy the item

Now perhaps I am wrong, but this is how buyers who do not understand these types of courier would see the postage option, and may be put off buying your item if you only offer this option.

Do they actually deliver to your door or do you have to collect from a locker somewhere?  Or do you just post it by putting it in a locker? 

[bluebellfressia]

Thank you for your reply.

Yes they deliver to your door OR you can choose a locker if you weren't going to be in to receive the parcel. If you had one near to you of course.  

[bluebellfressia]

That is good to know thank you 

[rjwilmsi]

We use InPost lockers for drop off and collection. Mostly from a selling platform starting V.

I don't use it for eBay - most of my items are Large Letter so Royal Mail are cheaper and if the item is worth more or a parcel I use Tracked 48 and RM parcel or post office drop off. For more valuable items I want to avoid involving extra pairs of hands or using a service without adequate insurance.

I think locker drop off it is convenient if you live close to a city centre, which we do, so our normal walk to the supermarket every other day can easily incorporate using 2 of the several lockers in the area.

If you're in a rural area it's probably only going to make sense if a supermarket you already go to/drive to regularly happens to have a locker.

The lockers we use normally have capacity. Though I think these cheap options and cheap couriers would be best kept only for lower value items - the default compensation limit of £20 or so and long list of items excluded from compensation should considered carefully.

[bluebellfressia]

Thank you for your reply.  I tend to print my own labels only for the reason, the courier mixed up 2 of my parcels, this was a long time ago.  Try sorting that out with V.  

I ended up paying the 2 buyers postage to send their parcels to each other. 

Though no fault of my own!  I had only just started selling then. 

[crg_music]

Yeah it seems they have contracts with Royal Mail + Yodel to do the final leg and honestly I cant fault it so far. The sender is required to put the label on also for deliveries before putting in the locker where with collection they dont. Check though as it is slightly more expensive to have it delivered which makes sense so the lowest quote might mean locker although there are definitely shops also.

[crg_music]

It seems they are looking for places to put lockers so it could be worth mentioning it to local supermarkets or petrol stations etc. I'm sure its beneficial in as far as people might pop in for milk and assumably theres a rent paid etc.

[myriad*seller]

Thank you, that is useful to know

Sellers who offer this option should be aware of how it looks to buyers like me who did not know this

The seller lost a sale as that was their only option offered and at a glance I did not understand it so bought elsewhere 

Yes, I could have looked it up but buyers aren't going to research, they will just click another listing 

[myriad*seller]

Still 9 miles away

There are no supermarkets or petrol stations (that aren't just two pumps outside a mechanics garage) out here.

None of our local village shops would have space for lockers, they are crammed with stock as it is 

[crg_music]

Yeah ive seen a few had this issue. I'm sure the drivers have had it drilled in again and again about the importance of getting it right, its human carelessness at the end of the day although no doubt its no made easy. I always put the name, ref number and return address on the box on the off chance it might help. 

[bluebellfressia]

I did have their names on the parcels not for me to get them mixed up.    

Like I said this was a long time ago now & I learnt from it!

But yes you are wise to do that. Thank you.

[bluebellfressia]

I can understand why you would think that.  

But yes all the couriers Evri, Yodel, Inpost, DPD etc will deliver to your home.  

Did you also know that if you buy more than one item off the same seller, most will combine postage & send together too.