What Is a Drop-off Delivery?
One of the most convenient ways to deliver a package these days is to arrange a parcel delivery drop-off. The sender takes their package to a designated drop-off point, drops the package off, then it’ll be picked up and delivered by your chosen carrier.
At first, it may seem like a lot of effort. After all, it is much more convenient to simply let a courier collect a parcel from your home rather than go to a designated location and leave the item there. However, it comes with a number of benefits. The primary one? Drop-off service is much cheaper than other delivery options, including parcel collection service.
Packlink can help you save time and money when choosing a carrier to make your parcel drop-off shipment. By comparing all of the mainstream courier services and getting a quote from each of them, you can get the best prices for your package’s destination, weight and dimensions. In fact, Packlink can offer savings of up to 50% on national postage and 70% on international shipments compared to public rates charged by UK couriers (VAT included).
So whether you’re an individual sending a package or a new business looking to ship something overseas, a drop-off service offers a great balance between cost and convenience. All you need to do is book the nearest drop-off point, take your parcel there, and leave it for a courier to collect it.
Why Choose a Drop-off Service for Your Packages?
As mentioned before, parcel drop-off deliveries come with a number of advantages. Most importantly, they are the cheapest delivery service available. However, there is much more to them than meets the eye. Here are some reasons why is it worth sending parcels via drop-off services:
- There’s no need to wait for a courier to come and collect the package;
- Convenient drop-off locations such as a post office, drop-off depots and even local stores;
- You can drop the package off whenever the location is open (on your way to work, for example), including weekends and sometimes even at night;
- It’s one of the most affordable ways to make a delivery (both domestic and international);
- It supports packages of all sizes and dimensions;
- It's used by most renowned couriers, such as DPD, DHL, or Evri.
How To Send a Parcel Using Drop-off Services?
Similar to collection delivery, a drop-off service requires you to prepare your parcel before sending it. Here is a quick guide on how to do it:
- Pack the item you need to send securely so that you won't hear anything when shaking the parcel;
- Weigh and measure your parcel;
- Using Packlink, type in delivery details to get the best quote and a list of available courier options;
- Pick your nearest available drop-off location (use your postcode for that);
- Pay for the service, print the order's label and attach it to your parcel;
- Take your parcel to the drop-off point and hand it over to the representative (don't forget to collect a receipt);
- Track your parcel with the number listed below the label's barcode.
Can a Business Use Parcel Drop-off Deliveries?
If you have an online shop, you can consider adding parcel drop-off shipment to your delivery network. However, keep in mind that it is not a perfect solution when sending items in bulk. With that in mind, maybe you should think about traditional delivery services rather than drop-off.
On the other hand, if you are an individual looking for a cost-effective way to ship a parcel, drop-off is definitely something you should consider.
How Does Packlink Secure Low Parcel Delivery Rates?
Packlink offers low drop-off rates in two different ways:
First, Packlink offers advanced integration solutions with all major carriers in the country, including UPS, DHL, DPD, and Evri. This allows us to quickly receive quotes from couriers and present them in an easy-to-understand format that allows you to quickly compare services and prices. Many shipping factors affect the price of any parcel delivery, resulting in fluctuating prices from one carrier to another. By comparing prices with our online tools, you’ll always have access to the best parcel delivery service rates.
Secondly, Packlink negotiates commercial agreements with courier partners and the large volume shipments it handles. That means we get major discounts on shipments, and we pass these savings directly to our customers.
These two strategies allow us to offer some of the lowest delivery rates in the industry. If you’re looking for a time-saving and cost-effective delivery service, consider using our free platform to compare all major couriers to find the lowest prices and save even more on drop-off services.
Make Your Next Drop-off Delivery With Packlink
Start saving time and money today by using the Packlink shipping calculator to arrange your next drop-off shipment. Simply enter the current location of your parcel, where you want it to be delivered, its weight and dimensions. Then click “SEND”, and you’ll be presented with a list of couriers and their prices on our advanced comparison platform. Once you’ve picked a courier service, you’ll be given simple instructions on preparing your parcel for sending and which pickup spot you should deliver it for a courier to collect it. It’s really that simple.
Drop-off Delivery FAQs
What Is a Parcel Drop-off Point?
When sending a parcel via drop-off services, you don't have to wait at your door for a courier to collect it. All you have to do is take it to your nearest drop-off location, which you can find using your postcode or by typing. It can be a shop, post office, local store, or a drop-off depot.
What Can I Send With a Drop-off Service?
Although drop-off services support most parcel dimensions, it may not be the best idea to use them to send large packages and heavy items. They work great if you need to send a book, pair of shoes, or other smaller items.
Do Drop-off Services Support Parcel International Delivery?
Yes, you can send international parcels with drop-off services. However, keep in mind that it will cost you more than standard domestic delivery.
What Is the Difference Between Parcel Drop-off and Collection Service?
The most significant difference between drop-off and collection delivery is the parcel pickup point. The first service requires you to take your parcel to an open drop-off spot close to you. In the collection delivery, it is a courier that pickups the parcel from your home.