Lock(er) & roll
7 Aug 2024
You might have seen them pop-up at your local stores (or maybe not) so I’m sure you have questions about what is THE most exciting thing to happen to parcel deliveries since sliced bread (this was exciting across all industries...facts). So being a loud and proud parcel locker service, we’re here to give you the lowdown on exactly what’s what.
What on Earth is a parcel locker?
Parcel lockers, also known as Automated Parcel Machines (APMs), are secure, lockable storage boxes designed to simplify all your online shopping needs. These convenient machines offer a safe and straightforward solution for managing your deliveries. Whether you're collecting online orders, returning items, or sending parcels, parcel lockers offer an easy and efficient option to make dealing with your packages a breeze.
Why should you use a parcel locker?
There are plenty of reasons why parcel lockers are skyrocketing in popularity, and here are some of the top reasons. Whether it’s convenience, security, or eco-friendliness, these handy lockers are changing the game for online shopping and deliveries.
No more missed deliveries: Forget rearranging your schedule to be home for the delivery. Your package waits for you, not the other way around.
24/7 access: Outside parcel lockers are open all day, every day. Whether you're a night owl or an early bird, your package is ready when you are.
Security: Our lockers have CCTV cameras installed to keep your goodies safe and sound until you’re ready to collect them. Say goodbye to porch pirates!
Eco-friendly: By consolidating deliveries to a central locker, you help reduce the number of trips made by delivery trucks. Mother Nature gives you a thumbs-up.
Cost efficient: We’re almost always the cheapest delivery option at check-out. It’s a no brainer.
What you’ll see at our screens
All our parcel lockers have screens installed, if you’re sending or returning an item you’ll need to use the screen. If you’re collecting an item, you can simply open the locker door from the app – no need to use the screen.
Here's what you can expect when you're looking at the screen. Just follow the on-screen instructions - it’s easy! If you need to, you can always go back or start over at any time. And heads up: our screens will go idle after 90 seconds of inactivity. At the end of your session, the screen will give you the option to scan a QR code to access your digital receipt. No worries if you miss it, you can always get your receipt here. Here’s more info on getting your digital confirmation.
How to use parcel lockers
At InPost, our lockers are here to handle all your online shopping needs. You can easily collect your purchases, return items, and send parcels with just a few simple steps. Here's a quick rundown on how it all works.
Return your items with lockers
Returns couldn’t be simpler. We partner with your favourite online brands to keep things nice and easy when something isn’t right. Here are all the steps:
Generate your QR code: When you’re making a return with your retailer, select InPost as your return option and we will send you a QR code to your email address.
Check for space: You can drop off at any of our lockers that work for you. Some of our popular lockers get busy so make sure you check for space.
Scan your code: To use the locker, just scan your QR code by holding your phone about 15cm away and turning up the brightness. When asked on the screen, pick the smallest compartment that fits your parcel. If only large ones are left and you’ve got a small package, no worries - go ahead and use it. There won’t be any extra charges.
Pop your parcel in: A compartment door will open so put your parcel inside and make sure you close the door
You’re done: That’s it, you can keep up with your parcel either in the app or on our Tracking page
Collect your orders
We’re all too familiar with coming home to “We missed you” delivery cards and how frustrating that can feel. InPost is here to make sure you never miss a delivery. Who knows when you’ll be working in the office or staying out for another drink, rest easy knowing that your parcel is safe and waiting for you (not the other way around).
Here’s how picking up with InPost works:
Choose InPost delivery: When you’re shopping online, at the checkout you can usually find us under “click & collect”. Here you can select any of our lockers that work for you.
Pop to your point: When your parcel arrives, all you need to do is scan the QR code at the locker or you can open the door remotely from our app.
Alone at last: You and your parcel can live happily ever after... or not, but you can always return with us too!
Send your parcels
Sending your parcels should be stress-free which is why at InPost we’re continuously working on improving our send service.
Here’s how it works:
Prep your parcel Make sure you package up your item securely. You can read more on packaging top tips. Your label or QR code will vary depending on where you got your label from, so check your instructions.
Find a locker or shop We’ve got lockers and shops here, there and everywhere. Some of our lockers can get super busy so we highly recommend that you check for space before heading to them. Our app will tell you which sized compartments are free or you can check our Lockers page for availability.
Scan, tap & go When you’re at the parcel lockers, simply scan your label or QR code, pop your parcel inside and you’re done.
More info on sending and returning
Sending with Vinted? Check out our full guide here.
Sending lots of parcels at once? Here are our top tips.
How do you return with InPost? More deets here.
Next time you’re clicking away on an online shopping spree or looking to sell your unwanted goods, consider using parcel lockers. They’re here to make your life easier, your packages safer, and your shopping experiences downright delightful. 📦
