AddressPal & Lockers - An Post's Parcel Service SEE MOD WARNING FIRST POST

hmmm · 05-01-2016 2:22pm

I used to be able to pick up parcels at my local post office on Saturday, but they decided to get rid of this facility. Then they stopped delivering parcels to my local post office for collection at all, and I am supposed to travel to some central depot in the middle of an industrial estate. All this during working hours, so I have to take a half day off work to pick up something. Only now when Parcel Motel have provided a proper service are they bothering to try and provide a service that might be convenient for the consumer.

AP could launch a service which promised free valet delivery on a bed of roses at a time of my choosing, and I'd still give my money to Parcel Motel.

Yggr of Asgard · 17-01-2016 1:55pm

Maybe the OP has an update on this, giving that it's mid of January and there is no sign of this yet.

17-01-2016 2:17pm

I'd say the OP is currently squirming after mistakenly heralding its arrival on Jan 1st!!

bk · 22-01-2016 12:46pm

I'm surprised An Post doesn't follow Deutsche Post (German equivalent of An Post) lead.

Deutsche Post was one of the first companies to introduce Parcel Motel style lockers. They first try and deliver every parcel to your home, but if you aren't home, instead of sending it to the depot like An Post, they instead deliver it to the closest locker. Even if you have never signed up to the service, the letter they leave in the post box has the details of the lockers location and how to access it.

The advantage being that the lockers are usually much closer then the sorting office and are open 24/7.

You can also use the lockers to send both post and parcels and they even sell stamps, etc.

Their lockers are basically fully automated 24/7 post offices. Incredibly convenient and saves DP lots of money on having to do re-deliveries.

I wish An Post did that here in Ireland.

I also wish Amazon did their lockers here in Ireland (or partner with Parcel Motel), free deliveries and returns via locker would be great.

bk · 22-01-2016 12:47pm

I'm surprised An Post doesn't follow Deutsche Post (German equivalent of An Post) lead.

Deutsche Post was one of the first companies to introduce Parcel Motel style lockers. They first try and deliver every parcel to your home, but if you aren't home, instead of sending it to the depot like An Post, they instead deliver it to the closest locker. Even if you have never signed up to the service, the letter they leave in the post box has the details of the lockers location and how to access it.

The advantage being that the lockers are usually much closer then the sorting office and are open 24/7. Oh and no need to enter a PArcel Motel ID in your address, it all happens automatically for deliveries by DP.

You can also use the lockers to send both post and parcels and they even sell stamps, etc.

Their lockers are basically fully automated 24/7 post offices. Incredibly convenient and saves DP lots of money on having to do re-deliveries.

I wish An Post did that here in Ireland.

I also wish Amazon did their lockers here in Ireland (or partner with Parcel Motel), free deliveries and returns via locker would be great.

VincePP · 23-01-2016 4:01pm

bk wrote: »

I'm surprised An Post doesn't follow Deutsche Post (German equivalent of An Post) lead.

Deutsche Post was one of the first companies to introduce Parcel Motel style lockers. They first try and deliver every parcel to your home, but if you aren't home, instead of sending it to the depot like An Post, they instead deliver it to the closest locker. Even if you have never signed up to the service, the letter they leave in the post box has the details of the lockers location and how to access it.

The advantage being that the lockers are usually much closer then the sorting office and are open 24/7. Oh and no need to enter a PArcel Motel ID in your address, it all happens automatically for deliveries by DP.

You can also use the lockers to send both post and parcels and they even sell stamps, etc.

Their lockers are basically fully automated 24/7 post offices. Incredibly convenient and saves DP lots of money on having to do re-deliveries.

I wish An Post did that here in Ireland.

I also wish Amazon did their lockers here in Ireland (or partner with Parcel Motel), free deliveries and returns via locker would be great.

See an post's new service options in other thread.

Options to leave it in your local post office and option to leave it with neighbour or other nearby address. - Both options must be offered by seller for recipient to avail of.

26-01-2016 4:22pm

It's being launch in February.

intheclouds · 26-01-2016 4:27pm

Deleted User wrote: »

It's being launch in February.

Linky?

Yggr of Asgard · 26-01-2016 4:27pm

Deleted User wrote: »

It's being launch in February.

Would be nice.

Cabaal · 26-01-2016 4:35pm

Deleted User wrote: »

It's being launch in February.

Just like it was launching on January 1st?
Will it be pushed back to April 1st?

ei9go · 26-01-2016 9:33pm

The original post information was correct at the time.

The most up to date information is that it was supposed to launch yesterday 25/01 but has been pushed back a further two weeks.

We'll just have to wait and see if it launches.

26-01-2016 11:41pm

intheclouds wrote: »

Linky?

No link sorry, was on some internal An Post mail that I seen today. I'll throw up a picture in the next day or so if I can get one.

joujoujou · 28-01-2016 2:57pm

At least we know how it'll look like

https://www.ipo.gov.uk/tmcase/Results/1/UK00003088662

Yggr of Asgard · 28-01-2016 3:56pm

and it's going to be on

www.addresspal.ie

02-02-2016 7:59pm

The 8th of February is currently set as the launch date.

http://imgur.com/52lFEia

OU812 · 02-02-2016 11:12pm

I wonder would they set up a US based address?

Don't mind paying customs charges etc, but would be very handy for vendors who won't ship outside the US.

Cabaal · 04-02-2016 9:50am

Its live!

https://addresspal.anpost.ie

Registered but the confirm email sent out doesn't work....so can't login now, just keeps coming back with OOPS, not found.

Cabaal · 04-02-2016 10:08am

Finally managed to confirm the account,

An Post delivery address is in certainly in mainland UK

Air Business
Unit 5, The Merlin Centre
Acrewood Way
St Albans
Herts AL4 0JY

Interface is pretty clear and registration was easy (except for link not working)

Details on what they except:
Max Dimensions 72cm X 31cm X 25cm.
Maximum weight, 20kg.
An Post will contact you if your item exceeds the service dimensions.
Oversized items will be charged at €50 per item and can be collected at your local Delivery Service Unit. You will be contacted by An Post, by phone in advance to notify you that your item is available for collection at the Delivery Service Unit.
Oversized items maximum dimensions:
Length: 1.5 metres.
Length + Girth: 3 metres.
To calculate Girth: 2 x (Depth + Width).
Items that exceed these dimensions will be refused at our UK Hub.

You pay in the Post Office when collecting so no need to top-up your account online, thats sort of handy to be honest

intheclouds · 04-02-2016 10:27am

Cabaal wrote: »

Oversized items will be charged at €50 per item and can be collected at your local Delivery Service Unit.

Ouch!!

So there is no 24 hour collection option?

And you would have to queue in a potentially busy post office. Its not really feasible for me as the whole point I use PM is because I am gone from my house from 7am to 6pm daily.

Cabaal · 04-02-2016 10:28am

intheclouds wrote: »

Ouch!!

So there is no 24 hour collection option?

Yeah 50e is awful steep I got to agree, so some up and down sides to the service.

No, def not any 24hr opening unless the GPO in Dublin or something is open longer then normal PO hours

My local PO is open:
Post Office Opening Hours:
Mon 9:00 - 1:00 2:00 - 5:30, Tue 9:00 - 1:00 2:00 - 5:30, Wed 9:00 - 1:00 2:00 - 5:30, Thu 9:00 - 1:00 2:00 - 5:30, Fri 9:00 - 1:00 2:00 - 5:30, Sat 9:00 - 1:00

It certainly won't suit everyone, but I'm finished early each day and PO is just down the road so its more useful then PM which is 10miles away from me. Also mainland UK is a plus.

Charlie L · 04-02-2016 10:42am

Did this happen? I can't find any information about it......

intheclouds · 04-02-2016 10:44am

Cabaal wrote: »

My local PO is open:
Post Office Opening Hours:
Mon 9:00 - 1:00 2:00 - 5:30, Tue 9:00 - 1:00 2:00 - 5:30, Wed 9:00 - 1:00 2:00 - 5:30, Thu 9:00 - 1:00 2:00 - 5:30, Fri 9:00 - 1:00 2:00 - 5:30, Sat 9:00 - 1:00

Ouch again - I forgot a lot of POs close over lunch, so even less useful for someone like me!

Unless they offer a broader service in terms of times you can collect I cant see it being much of a competitor for PM.

Agree re the mainland UK address alright, but still no good to me if I cant pick the stuff up in Ireland!

Cabaal · 04-02-2016 10:45am

Charlie L wrote: »

Did this happen? I can't find any information about it......

https://addresspal.anpost.ie

OU812 · 04-02-2016 10:49am

intheclouds wrote: »

Ouch again - I forgot a lot of POs close over lunch, so even less useful for someone like me!

Unless they offer a broader service in terms of times you can collect I cant see it being much of a competitor for PM.

Agree re the mainland UK address alright, but still no good to me if I cant pick the stuff up in Ireland!

I think you can change post office in the site.

intheclouds · 04-02-2016 10:53am

OU812 wrote: »

I think you can change post office in the site.

Very few of them open over lunch and Im not aware of any that do late evenings so basically its going to be a service that doesnt suit most people who work 9-5.30 - unless they have a post office right next door that opens over lunch (actually my last office did).

04-02-2016 10:55am

Yeah but the mainland UK address is the biggest draw (for me anyway). It's the only one of these services with it so if you really really want something and they only deliver to the mainland then you'll get past the flaws.

intheclouds · 04-02-2016 10:58am

Deleted User wrote: »

Yeah but the mainland UK address is the biggest draw (for me anyway). It's the only one of these services with it so if you really really want something and they only deliver to the mainland then you'll get past the flaws.

One good thing is they hold the item for 5 days so perhaps people might be able to pick up on a Saturday from their local PO if they work 9-5.30 Mon-Fri.

Yggr of Asgard · 04-02-2016 11:04am

How long does delivery take

Your AddressPal item will usually be delivered to your selected Post Office within 3 working days of receipt to our UK Address. Your AddressPal item can then be collected within the next 5 working days.

3 days, yes it's only 3.50€ to get it from the mainland over to us, but 3 days delivery is very long.

Is the item insured

No, your item is not insured. All AddressPal items are handled securely.

Seriously, not even a basic insurance like the 100€ (250€ if registered in he tracker) of Parcelmotel?

FluffyMcCardy · 04-02-2016 11:12am

Can't understand the whining. If it works for you, use it. If not then don't.

One great advantage is that there are post offices everywhere. Not so with PM. I need to drive to the nearest PM. I can walk to the nearest post office. Plus if you live in a rural area, there's bound to be a post office closer than a PM. In fact for most people a post office will be closer.

I'll definitely use it and I'll use PM.

Tar.Aldarion · 04-02-2016 11:24am

It's great that it is mainland UK address, much better than NI which sometimes causes headaches.

intheclouds · 04-02-2016 11:37am

FluffyMcCardy wrote: »

Can't understand the whining. If it works for you, use it. If not then don't.

What whining?

We are as entitled to discuss the cons as you are to discuss the pros. Sorry if it bothers you that some people are pointing out why it wont work for them.

Yggr of Asgard · 04-02-2016 11:44am

FluffyMcCardy wrote: »

Can't understand the whining. If it works for you, use it. If not then don't.

One great advantage is that there are post offices everywhere. Not so with PM. I need to drive to the nearest PM. I can walk to the nearest post office. Plus if you live in a rural area, there's bound to be a post office closer than a PM. In fact for most people a post office will be closer.

I'll definitely use it and I'll use PM.

Each of the 4 main providers services have their advantages and dis-advantages and might not suit everybody, so it's down to an individual to find out as much as possible before choosing the right service.

None of the services are perfect (I really had hoped AnPost would have done more research and bring out a perfect service).

I stick with DPD which makes the best sense for me but I will try the new AnPost service for items which only ship to the mainland and where I can wait 3 days for it.

NeVeR · 04-02-2016 11:56am

I use Parcel Motel about 100/150 times a year. Only once I had to collect from Finglas ( Treadmill )

As most of said the key thing with PM is there 24/7 collections.

If An Post built the same system I would use them.
They are cheaper (excluding the €50 oversize charge of course - this is more to turn people off using the service for large items.. they don't want this business )
You can get twice the weight ( 10kg vs 20kg )

I wouldn't be able to use Address Pal as it stands as I work about 20 miles from my house and the nearest PO would be closed when I would be able to get to it.. i.e after work / weekends ... and there's no post office within walking distance to my job...

Maybe they will start opening a few 24/7 collection points.

Also AddressPal don't insure your items at all!

intheclouds · 04-02-2016 11:59am

NeVeR wrote: »

Maybe they will start opening a few 24/7 collection points.

Also AddressPal don't insure your items at all!

Their sorting offices tend to have earlier opening hours. I wonder if you can get things delivered to the sorting office?

Cabaal · 04-02-2016 12:03pm

intheclouds wrote: »

Their sorting offices tend to have earlier opening hours. I wonder if you can get things delivered to the sorting office?

Doesn't look like they can, tried to select depot in Waterford city and its not listed on the drop down. Only normal PO's

intheclouds · 04-02-2016 12:05pm

Cabaal wrote: »

Doesn't look like they can, tried to select depot in Waterford city and its not listed on the drop down. Only normal PO's

Shame, I actually pass one on the way to work.

NeVeR · 04-02-2016 12:06pm

intheclouds wrote: »

Their sorting offices tend to have earlier opening hours. I wonder if you can get things delivered to the sorting office?

Even if you could .. sorting offices are limited in numbers as well.

I've emailed them asking my questions.. I'll see what they reply with.

As a business model i don't see how it can work for the majority of the public who work a normal 9/5 .. they are closed in the mornings / at lunch / after 5 and at weekends ..

Cabaal · 04-02-2016 12:13pm

NeVeR wrote: »

As a business model i don't see how it can work for the majority of the public who work a normal 9/5 .. they are closed in the mornings / at lunch / after 5 and at weekends ..

An awful lot of PO's are open until 12 or 1pm on Saturdays,

NeVeR · 04-02-2016 12:15pm

Cabaal wrote: »

An awful lot of PO's are open until 12 or 1pm on Saturdays,

cool. i didn't know that. Thanks

uck51js9zml2yt · 04-02-2016 12:18pm

Could be handy where suppliers are free to uk mainland but charge for NI.

cormie · 04-02-2016 12:20pm

For anyone who needs the UK mainland delivery address that addresspal offer, but would prefer the parcelmotel/parcel wizard/(what's the 4th competitor somebody mentioned??) benefits too, why not just get addresspal to deliver to your pm/pw/? address. Double the price I know, but could be worth it for those "free UK mainland deliveries"

Yggr of Asgard · 04-02-2016 12:21pm

cormie wrote: »

For anyone who needs the UK mainland delivery address that addresspal offer, but would prefer the parcelmotel/parcel wizard/(what's the 4th competitor somebody mentioned??) benefits too, why not just get addresspal to deliver to your pm/pw/? address. Double the price I know, but could be worth it for those "free UK mainland deliveries"

Fastway's Parcelconnect is the 4th.

You can't use addresspal to get it delivered to somehwere, it's collect in Post Office only.

scamalert · 04-02-2016 12:25pm

Its a good point about sorting offices,since stuff that gets there is basically earliest point-for such locations as dublin etc,but dont imagine they would opt in for that too much stuff to sort in general.

That said some post offices have different branches as well,say if you have registered letter or parcel and they dont find you at home you need to go to sorting place,which is usually based in business parks-so thats a major drawback.

So if i get it correctly people might be able to choose post office of their choice or location,now thats sort of handy,since in smaller towns they have them central or split evenly-and perspective i see here is that such service is more of bringing in business to post offices.
As people who comin will be buying envelopes stamps/sending/paying bills so more revenue generated and it will cost little to none to implement since an post is whole logistics when it comes to mail handling,thus dropping/collecting packages is like twice a day routine .

So more competition the better.only drawback i see while services like PM,PW and others offer similar things,its usually sellers on amazon and any other sites and restrictions on size weight or even not shipping items past 25kg to NI is issue.

So until one of them steps up and makes UK address,lifts restrictions on size weight,and also would be nice to see being able to to get stuff delivered from outside EU thus,in such instance rather then getting mail to to pay up vat+post=doing it straight at location thus saving time,thus an post would be able to get extra benefit compared to competition if they did smth like that.

Yggr of Asgard · 04-02-2016 12:26pm

Cabaal wrote: »

An awful lot of PO's are open until 12 or 1pm on Saturdays,

My local Post office even used to be open on Sundays, but that stopped a couple of weeks ago, now it's the 9:00 - 6:00 and Sat 9:00 - 1:00 routine which is great, unless it's Social Welfare Day, than the Post office is a no Go area with queues outside. They tried a queuing system and now have 1 counter reserved for postal services but it's a mess.

intheclouds · 04-02-2016 12:26pm

NeVeR wrote: »

As a business model i don't see how it can work for the majority of the public who work a normal 9/5 .. they are closed in the mornings / at lunch / after 5 and at weekends ..

Im more inclined to say that as a business model I dont see how it can work as competition for Parcel Motel who's biggest draw is 24/7 access.

I mean, if I was not employed I would just have things delivered to home and pay the extra postage then use PM for a UK address.

Ive very very rarely found something that wont deliver to NI.

Yggr of Asgard · 04-02-2016 12:31pm

intheclouds wrote: »

Im more inclined to say that as a business model I dont see how it can work as competition for Parcel Motel who's biggest draw is 24/7 access.

I mean, if I was not employed I would just have things delivered to home and pay the extra postage then use PM for a UK address.

Ive very very rarely found something that wont deliver to NI.

A mainland address is with a lot of online retailers either cheaper or faster than Northern Ireland.

However speed is out of the window in light of the quoted 3 day delivery time.

So the only advantage is possible cost savings as a retailer might charge less to a mainland address, however the risk to be hit potentially for 50€ when the seller pulls an Amazon and used a too big box is dangerous.

Having said that, unless we actually use it and try it out it's all speculation. Let's see what happens when it's up and running and what the actual experience is going to be.

cormie · 04-02-2016 12:32pm

I can't ever see them lifting the oversize/overweight restrictions, once you get into bigger items, it's a whole different delivery game. Addresspal limits seem reasonable enough I thought.

intheclouds · 04-02-2016 12:38pm

Yggr of Asgard wrote: »

Having said that, unless we actually use it and try it out it's all speculation. Let's see what happens when it's up and running and what the actual experience is going to be.

I await news of your experience as I cant get to a PO during working hours!

Yggr of Asgard · 04-02-2016 12:38pm

cormie wrote: »

I can't ever see them lifting the oversize/overweight restrictions, once you get into bigger items, it's a whole different delivery game. Addresspal limits seem reasonable enough I thought.

AnPost
72cm X 31cm X 25cm
20 kg

DPD
40cm x 40cm x 60cm
20 kg

PM
41cm x 38 cm x 64 cm
10 kg

I'm not sure if 25 for one dimension is great.

joujoujou · 04-02-2016 2:57pm

Cabaal wrote: »

Finally managed to confirm the account,

[...]

How, if you don't mind me asking?

AddressPal & Lockers - An Post's Parcel Service SEE MOD WARNING FIRST POST

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