Online marketplace eBay has signed a new partnership agreement with InPost to provide its sellers with access to a network of more than 2,500 parcel lockers throughout the UK.
For the first time, eBay sellers will be able to drop off parcels at lockers for onward delivery to buyers’ homes. All sellers have to do is scan the package bar code at the machine and drop the parcel off in the designated locker.
Available 24/7, and positioned at convenient locations such as train stations, petrol stations and supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrisons and Lidl, InPost lockers provide users with a greater flexibility, catering toward the growing number of casual sellers that require postal solutions that work around their jobs. Research published by eBay in March 2021 highlighted that two thirds (67%) of UK sellers started to sell pre-owned goods during the pandemic to earn extra cash. In accordance with the agreement, InPost will brand 250 lockers across the UK with the eBay logo.
Jason Tavaria, CEO at InPost UK, said, “We’re thrilled to have partnered with eBay to ensure that marketplace sellers have access to a convenient, flexible and time-saving delivery option that genuinely works in tandem with their normal routines. We see this as just the first step as InPost are continually delivering new and exciting products that companies like eBay can use to improve the lives of their buyers and sellers.
“We know online marketplaces such as eBay offer an important revenue stream for many entrepreneurs and casual sellers – particularly in the run up to Christmas, and today’s partnership ensures that those sellers have access to quick and easy ways to get their products to buyers.”
Murray Lambell, general manager of eBay UK, said, “At eBay, we’re committed to providing the right tools and levers to streamline the selling experience and to help our sellers make more money and boost sales. Our partnership with InPost ensures that sellers have greater choice in the delivery options available to them, presenting a convenient method of postage which can save both time and money – which is all the more crucial during this busy trading period.”
InPost aims to have the largest automated parcel machine network in the UK with ambitions for around 3,000 APMs by the end of 2021 and over 10,000 by 2024.