Yodel pushes Collect Plus service

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2 ... ervice.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The increasing popularity of Yodel's Collect Plus service could see the business rival Royal Mail's Post Offices claim the firm's management.

Yodel came into being in May this year as the Home Delivery Network Limited (HDNL) and the domestic B2B and B2C businesses of DHL Express (UK), which it acquired in early 2010, were re-branded.

As a result, Yodel sales director Jerry Kane says there has been a marked increase in use of Collect Plus; a joint venture with PayPoint, where customers can collect or return products via local stores.

He tells RoadTransport.com: "Take-up of the service was relatively slow when HDNL rolled it out in March 2009, but because there is now a much larger collective customer base, people are more aware of the service, and its reputation as a good alternative delivery mode is now spreading."

As well as reducing Yodel's miles, Kane believes customers benefit from Collect Plus: "It's a genuine alternative to Royal Mail. The shops are open longer hours, frequently in more convenient locations, and its often a more cost effective delivery solution."

Marketing director Adam Smith adds: "We can only see this service growing further as retailers recognise how useful it is."