OOHPod - New Parcel Locker Service -See 1st Post for MOD warning

JTMan

MOD - Do not post asking if you can get around customs using the service. Posts will be deleted, and users warned - no ifs or buts. Very simply if you use a NI service to ship from the UK when the final destination is the Republic of Ireland, its is evading VAT/Duty. It is against the charter for this forum and its parent forum.

You can buy from a NI supplier from the RoI no problem.

A person in NI can buy from the UK, again, no problem.

You cannot buy from the UK for importation into the RoI via N ireland, without paying customs charges.

John Tuohy, the former boss of the courier companies Nightline and Parcel Motel, is setting up a new company called OOHPod.

"With OOHPod he aims to place “out of home” lockers in 1,000 locations across the island of Ireland by 2025. To achieve it, Tuohy has bolstered his team, bringing in Orla Sheils, who formerly headed Parcel Motel, as chief operating officer. Patrick Crean, formerly of Bank of Ireland and Channel 4 in London, has joined as chief technology officer."

"This week 91 lockers will open to the public in Jonesborough, Co Armagh, a new facility strategically placed to cater to online shoppers on both sides of the border. Tuohy says it will appeal to people from Drogheda, Dundalk and Monaghan, targeting 25,000 households. “We think it will be convenient for people to pop in there when they are doing cross-border shopping and order online to avoid delays,” he says.

"He says there is a place on the Irish market for OOHPod and the company won’t be in direct competition with Parcel Motel — which allows only UPS couriers to use its lockers. “This is open and agnostic infrastructure and UPS, just like any of the other couriers, are welcome to use our parcel lockers.”

More here: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/parcel-guru-john-tuohy-thinking-outside-the-box-for-new-locker-plan-d0kkphkrl

loveisdivine

I signed up for this as I live about 5 mins from the lockers in Jonesborough. I had a few questions when I signed up and they were very quick to respond. However, my first delivery should have been received by them anytime from Saturday to Wednesday at the absolute latest. I emailed them yesterday morning just to see if it had been received, as I know its a new setup so figured not everything may be running properly but I've not had a response. My account says I have no orders yet.

stevenbergin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118654265#Comment_118654265

Thinking of using the service - wondering did you end up receiving the package in the end?! What was your experience like?

nicoladmurphy

I used it last week. When my package arrived they sent me a text and I picked it up. It was pretty handy.

loveisdivine

Well the original package never arrived, but a replacement was sent out and that did arrive.

I was speaking with the lady in the office at Jonesborough and it seems they had some issues initially with delivery drivers not knowing where the building was or something.

But the issues seem to be most resolved now. I’ve had a couple of amazon deliveries where it’s been the Amazon own delivery driver and he’s tried delivering later in the evening and not been able to, but then he’s just gone back the next day at an earlier time thankfully.

Also been caught with a couple of amazon deliveries being classed as oversize and having to pay an extra £5 which is frustrating.

Think I’ll be sticking to post office collection for Amazon deliveries in future, where possible. But it’s definitely worth it for other types.

Housefree

Will this avoid Customs charges compared to getting the package sent from UK - IRE?

Ben Done

Used it few times so far..

Very good service.

^ re question above, if you're buying from UK, customs charges isn't an issue - you might still get the odd seller who doesn't send / charges extra to send to NI but that's it.

uli84

This service would be handy for some. I was hoping all this time that Hermes will simply open a pick up point in similar location since they deliver to NI anyways (so paying double could be avoided) but clearly they have no interest in getting any of the Irish customers.

Cookiee

Just made and account, do you have to pay for the price of delivery first and then they give you the address that you send the parcel to?

joujoujou

Would be handy with more locations nationwide. Two is definately not enough. Seeing how quickly they're adding new ones (well, sorry for being sarcastic) I'm struggling to imagine their target of 1,000 locations by 2025.

Cdemess

I’ve noticed there are lockers in Ranelagh. Anyone know what’s happening?

Ubbquittious

OOHPod sounds like a pod you go into for a quick shag. Kind of like those pay per use toilet cubicles you see on the street with the automatic door that opens really slowly. Except there's a bed in there instead of a jacks

nicoladmurphy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119204841#Comment_119204841

I only messaged them about the Dublin lockers yesterday. They said you can use these lockers now as your delivery address so they must be up and running.

Just checked the website there and the Ranelagh one is there alright. Just noticed the IFSC one aswell. That'll be handier for me tbh

nicoladmurphy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119213649#Comment_119213649

ahahaha, I can't get that image out of my head now!

Big Gerry

Can Oohpod accept parcels that need to be signed for ?

edunne2010

Some Amazon drivers have issues with the Ranelagh locker. Anyone experience the same?

Big Gerry

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120403765#Comment_120403765

They don't seem to be able to accept Registered Post.

Parcel motel was a much better service.

edunne2010

Agreed with Register Post. so far had deliveries from Amazon, and other couriers, nothing yet via An Post.

Big Gerry

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120492666#Comment_120492666

They would want to up their game.

Registered post would be the only reason I would have to use them and they can't even do that.

Yggr of Asgard

Some of their locations offer signed acceptance, it's those which are marked down as "oversized" on the location map!

My parcel has to be signed for?

That’s no problem. Locations offering Oversize facilities have staff to sign for your parcel. We will sign for your delivery when it arrives and they will place your parcel into the locker for you to collect. If Oversize is not available, we cannot sign for your parcel. Take a look at our locations for more details.

Sure not as nice as the good old parcelmotel solution!

Polar101

Do Amazon couriers know how to use these? I'm getting pretty tired of trying to find out who has my parcel after getting the dreaded "parcel handed to resident" notification from Amazon. OOHPod have a location nearby, so if they can send stuff there instead, that would be an improvement.

edunne2010

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120656145#Comment_120656145

By any chance was this the Ranelagh Locker?

I thought I was the only one having similar issues with Amazon and other couriers using OOHPod Lockers.

Amazon Similar experience with original poster.

Amazon to home address with similar comment. Which I never received at the my address,

Amazon need to look into this (parcel handed to resident)

UPS Parcel was handed to resident, thankfully resident refused the parcel. Looking I contacted UPS to get parcel delivered to home address.

Now refusing to use OOHpod and Amazon until these issues are sorted out...

Tandey

Tried to use these this week. Amazon tried to deliver but failed delivery. Nothing oversized or didn't need to be signed for. Then few hours later got undeliverable message from Amazon and will get refund. Annoying as I paid priority for quick delivery.

Contacted oohpod via WhatsApp. Sent screenshot of order, they said address and everything looks right. No explanation of what went wrong or apology given I used their service as instructed on their website. Sent them screenshots of undeliverable message from Amazon which they've seen but no reply.

whiterebel

I wonder if Amazon are hesitant to deliver to this service, as they can't be seen to be shipping product for the Republic through a forwarder in NI?

robinbird

DHL refuse to deliver to these lockers.. No explanation from OohPod.. They don't respond to queries.. Anybody having similar issues?

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120868406#Comment_120868406

If it's worth it use someone like these https://www.deliverme.ie/

maxpet

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120868406#Comment_120868406

I use this all the time. Excellent service https://www.oohpod.com/

Akula

Do oohpod deliver across border without customs?

tvjunki

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120869113#Comment_120869113

So get it delivered to Northern Ireland and collect from there?

whiterebel

MOD: Closing this as its going against the Charter. I'm going to split the OOH conversation away as this is an AddressPal thread. The OOH thread will be closed as well, as its going against the charter.

Sn@kebite

Has anyone tried a Sign For packet with An Post or any Courier?

I want to use this service for Registered Post and I've heard the postman won't put it into the locker if it needs to be signed.

The thing is aren't ALL couriers (like DHL/DPD/UPS etc.) 'signed for' nowadays? I'm not sure a courier would put it in there.

This means we can only go for non "Signed for" deliveries which is really only a letter or cheap packet.

What a joke. I'm surprised they can make money. A non 'sign for' is usually a letter that fits into my post box, and a packet almost always need a signature. What's the point?

Pnotax

Does this work the same as Parcel motel, virtual adress in NI and than you can collect the package at one of the lockers in ireland?

lcstress2012

Has anyone bought anything from Amazon using these lockers and how did you get on? Similar to parcel motel?

whiterebel

Read back a few posts

GSBellew

It is not clear if the people having issues are trying to get parcels delivered North or South of the border.

OOHPod do not at present offer a virtual NI address with delivery to a ROI locker (and I can not see it happening due to the customs liability)

If you but from Amazon UK for delivery to a ROI locker you will be paying Amazon the same as if you were shipping to any ROI address, including ROI VAT and any duty if applicable.

The DHL issue, if they are shipping to ROI and are unable to collect the VAT / DUTY they will refuse.

Some carriers may also refuse to ship to the NI lockers as it is technically a B2B transaction so UK TSS declarations would be required to be completed, Duty may be required on goods "at risk" of crossing the border, any carrier may reasonably determine the items being delivered to a locker are "at risk"

It is part of the Brexit complexity that many people do not really grasp and part of the reason that the Unionists are very much anti protocol.

Sn@kebite

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120948894#Comment_120948894

The whole avoiding customs/VAT is gone due to Brexit. As far as I'm aware. Once the parcel leaves NI it may need a customs form to enter ROI. But the other issue is OOHpod doesn't use a main address like a hub in the North. The courier has to deliver the parcel directly into the parcel locker. Many refuse as there's no one there to sign for the parcel. It may only work if it is not requiring signature.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120971233#Comment_120971233

Nobody is really answering and those who did said the parcel was not placed into the locker. I presume this is because the courier has no one there to sign for it so they refuse to place it in the locker. Which imo, is the correct thing to do.

edunne2010

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120971233#Comment_120971233

I have used both Amazon and OOHpod lockers. issues can arrise with Amazon drivers have issues with some OOHpod locations,

Last on I had.

Amazon driver rang me to say he could not delivery to the OOHpod locker, he could not find it? On my way home from work I passed by the location to find the Amazon drivers an outside, parked my car, went ot the van to ask about my parcel, asked him what was his issue. I got my parcel,

Location ALDI Carpark

He went all the way up to the ALDI store, to ask where the lockers are. ALDI staff did not know where I have a note on file to say where they are.

Some couriers have given my parcels to other people at another OOHpod location in Dublin. OOHpod lockers are near apartments. I was lucky to get a refund on the lost parcel.

Some couriers have issued using the lockers, can use them or not understanding English instructions.

Eeven my home address with a provide EIRCODE does not mean that I will get the parcel. Funny how BILLS have no problems getting to me.

Sn@kebite

@edunne2010 One of the main reasons I don't use oohpod is because of these problem with the lockers. Parcel Motel just had a warehouse where all packages went to and someone (from UPS) signs for your stuff, then PM vans deliver everything to the lockers that you have set. Very simple and effective.

I think it is to do with what you said they don't speak English (not their fault really) or don't want to put it into the locker with no signature from anyone (they're absolutely correct here).

So the problem is really that oohpod is a poorly designed/coordinated infrastructure that needs to be corrected. OOHpod needs to have a main hub all deliveries arrive to, where someone can sign for the deliveries and vans then sending them to the hub. Without this it is just pointless and a waste of my money as all couriers usually need signatures.

NB - I used parcelmotel for years not even to get free shipping to NI, even for things bought in ireland by courier. I found it to be an excellent service with missing a delivery at my home, waiting all day at home and a courier never shows up! or chasing neighbours for a package or having to find out where the UPS, Fedex, GLS, Fastway etc.. collection points are, all over dublin! The needing to travel to them. It's a damn shame it's gone.

edunne2010

Totally agree with you. Very few issues with parcelmotel.com. Endless issues with OOHpod for the last 6-7 months.

Dublinandy3

I'm not a massive fan of the OOHpod service, I've always had issues with it and the service is shocking too. I have only ever tried it in the north though. If you're willing to go to the north to pick a parcel up just get it delivered free of charge to a NI post office. They hold it for several days, it's free and easy to use.

edunne2010

Finally got my last parcel from TEMU.

When I get parcels using DHL i get them diverted to the local post office for collection. I had 2 items sent via UPS, they both arrived in Dublin from 2 separate companies, for some reason they were never delivered. Both parcels came from EU . Parcels were sent back to the companies, Both refund me the cost of both items.

Big Gerry

On more than one occasion I have had other peoples stuff put into my OOHPod locker.

That never happened with parcel motel.

edunne2010

I also found some OOHPod lockers left open by couriers who FAIL to close lockers,

Tork

All of this is pretty disheartening. Especially when the founder was involved with the Parcel Motel and should know how that works. I used Parcel Motel all the time with no issues and was hoping that this would be a good replacement. From what I can see, it's anything but.

mada999

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121083932#Comment_121083932

Interesting about the NI post office.... will check it out

As for OOHPOD.... I've used it quite a few times with Amazon uk - no probs at all.... bought a laptop and also a tablet from ebay uk and had them delivered to OOHpod, just over the border... with no issues. Great service for me so far....

Big Gerry

Another problem I've had with OOHPod is that sometimes they charge me twice for the same locker.

Has this happened to anyone else ?

edunne2010

Anyone using OOHpod should take a picture every time you access it. Also paying for empty lockers where idiot couriers open too many lockers,

on_the_roots

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121083932#Comment_121083932

Never heard about it before.

Do you happen to know if there is any clear limit with size/weight that a NI Post Office can handle?

Dublinandy3

There is, but they only do it for Amazon items, sorry I just realized I wasn't clear on that point.

It's good however for things that won't ship to Ireland, they hold the items for 7 days and is free, you can return that way too, free of charge.

Size and weight limit is here:

40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm 15 kg

I'm not sure how they work that out as I've had bigger things than that sent to the post office counter, but not heavier.

mada999

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121241866#Comment_121241866

They have another price for oversized items.... bought a standing desk recently and had no issues......

Dublinandy3

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121457287#Comment_121457287

Ah nice, I didn't know that.