We reported that the postal industry, not see by many as one of the most innovative sector, is actually trying new ways to better fit into consumers’ behaviors. Two recent Esmerk press releases confirm that the self-service trend is extending into whole Europe.
Self-service terminals in the Czech republic
Some 15 self-service parcel terminals have been launched in the Czech Republic in the area of the capital city Prague. The terminals are operated by Kouzelna Almara, which is backed by the local Miton group. Around 100 of the self-service parcel terminals are to be introduced around the country in time. The parcel terminals are being supplied by Austria’s KEBA, with each terminal having 54 lockers. KEBA has also supplied Deutsche Post DHL’s Packstation network.
Another example in Ireland
Irish parcel carrier Nightline has so far installed 100 self-service parcel collection terminals in Ireland and aims to take the figure to 400 by the end of 2014. The company first installed the ‘Parcel Motel’ units in and around Dublin in July 2012. Each Parcel Motel unit has 80 lockers and a touchscreen control system, which online shoppers can use as delivery point for their purchases. When their parcel gets delivered at these units, the user gets a personal code via SMS or email, which unlocks the locker. Belfast, Cork, Galway, Letterkenny, Limerick, Sligo and Waterford, all come into Nightline’s Parcel Motel network, which uses Polish company InPost’s technology.
What’s going on in the postal world
The postal world had been quite weak on innovation in the last decade or so. With increasing competition from integrated networks companies (UPS, Fedex, DHL) they have no other alternative than to change their business model and address the customers’ pains that made them so unpopular (ever thought about the time you lost last time you’ve been to the post office?). BPOst has been operating almost 50 such terminals but they remain relatively unknown. The real success will come when these self-service terminals will be available for consumers as an alternative delivery point for all shipments (and not shipments coming from a selection of e-tailers as it is the case today).
Advice for your market research
Think about customers’ pains and how to address them. Period.
Consumers use to live with dozens of pains and are willing to pay for dramatic solutions. There is still a huge potential for startups and entrepreneurs who are able to focus on the client rather than falling in love with a technology that may lead marginal improvements of your customers’ lives.
Posted in Innovation.
