Parcel lockers have become one of the most popular delivery methods in e-commerce. They offer customers maximum flexibility, allowing them to collect their parcels whenever it suits them best.
What is a parcel locker?
A parcel locker is a delivery option offered by several carriers. Parcel lockers are typically unattended and available 24/7, so customers can collect their parcels at any time. The lockers usually consist of multiple small compartments where the carrier places the parcel. The customer is then notified that their parcel has been delivered.
Some lockers are located indoors - in kiosks, grocery stores, or other shops with long opening hours - while others are placed outdoors.
How does a parcel locker work?
Once the parcel has been delivered, the customer receives a code (or QR code) to enter on a screen at the locker. The compartment containing the parcel opens automatically, and the customer can take the parcel home. The pickup is registered instantly.
Many parcel lockers can also be used for returns. The customer places the return parcel in the locker, and the carrier picks it up and sends it back to the merchant.
The difference between parcel lockers, pickup points, and home delivery
When offering delivery options in your webshop, it’s important to give your customers flexible and personalized choices. Here’s a clear overview of the three most common delivery methods: parcel lockers, pickup points, and home delivery.
Photo: Lars Mikkelsen, PostNord Denmark
Parcel lockers
What is it?
A parcel locker is a self-service, often unattended, unit where customers can collect their parcels - typically placed near supermarkets, kiosks, or petrol stations.
How it works:
- The customer selects a parcel locker at checkout (often via a map)
- When the parcel is ready, the customer receives a code or QR to unlock it
- Pickup is usually available 24/7
Benefits:
- Available at all hours (if placed outdoors)
- Fast and contactless collection
- High customer satisfaction due to flexibility
Nice to know:
Parcel lockers are ideal for busy customers or those with irregular schedules.
Pickup points
What is it?
A pickup point is a physical location - typically a kiosk, shop, or grocery store—where customers can collect and return parcels during opening hours.
How it works:
- The customer selects a nearby pickup point at checkout
- The parcel is delivered there and collected at the counter
- Tracking and pickup codes are sent via SMS or email
Benefits:
- More affordable than home delivery
- Flexible collection times
- Option for personal service
Nice to know:
Many customers appreciate pickup points for their human interaction and convenient locations in the local community.
Home delivery
What is it?
Home delivery is the most direct delivery method - the parcel is delivered straight to the customer’s door, usually during daytime.
How it works:
- The customer enters their address and selects home delivery
- The carrier delivers the parcel to the doorstep, possibly requiring a signature
- In some cases, the parcel can be left in a mailbox or at the door
Benefits:
- Maximum convenience for the customer
- No need to visit a shop or locker
- Can include timed or evening delivery options
Nice to know:
Home delivery is especially suitable for large or heavy parcels, but often requires the customer to be home during delivery.
| Function | Parcel Locker | Pickup Point | Home Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 | Store opening hours | Varies (mostly daytime) |
| Service | Self-service | Staffed | Delivered to door |
| Price Level | Low | Low | Higher |
| Return Possible | Some locations | Yes | Some carriers offer pickup |
| Eco-friendliness | High (grouped delivery) | High | Lower (individual delivery) |
| User-friendliness | High | High | High |
Offer multiple delivery options to improve the customer experience and increase conversions. With Shipmondo’s Delivery Checkout, you can easily offer all three delivery types - letting customers choose what works best for their lifestyle. The Delivery Checkout is multi-carrier, so you can mix and match: one carrier for home delivery, another for parcel lockers, and a third for pickup points or evening delivery.
Benefits of using parcel lockers
There are many reasons why both online stores and customers prefer parcel lockers:
Flexibility: Customers can collect parcels whenever they want - even outside of store hours if the locker is outdoors
Cost-effective: Parcel locker delivery is often cheaper than home delivery, as carriers can deliver multiple parcels to one location
Eco-friendly: Consolidated deliveries reduce driving time and CO₂ emissions
Security: Parcels are kept in locked compartments, minimizing theft or weather damage
Returns: Many parcel lockers support easy returns, improving the overall experience
With high flexibility, lower shipping costs, enhanced security, and greener distribution, parcel locker delivery is an attractive solution for both merchants and their customers. By offering parcel lockers as part of your shipping options, you provide a modern and efficient delivery experience that boosts customer satisfaction and checkout conversions.
Who offers delivery to parcel lockers?
Most carriers that offer residential delivery also support delivery to parcel lockers. Below is a list of carriers supported in Shipmondo:
Some of the carriers listed can be used with a free Shipmondo account via our shipping agreements, while others require your own contract.
Offer a flexible checkout with Shipmondo’s Delivery Checkout
Want to offer parcel locker delivery in your webshop? Shipmondo provides a complete shipping solution that includes parcel lockers, pickup points, and home delivery - all seamlessly integrated into your existing setup.
Reduce friction in the most critical step of your customer’s journey with a smooth checkout experience. Let your customers choose from multiple delivery options using Shipmondo’s Delivery Checkout - and display varying shipping rates from different carriers.
The result is a balanced, user-friendly checkout that supports higher conversion rates and increased customer satisfaction.