GLS Netherlands is expanding its service offering for e-commerce with the new ShopReturn servicethat gives online shoppers the possibility to return ordered goods back to the retailer via 490 GLS
parcel shops in the country.“If goods can be returned easily, consumers rather order at an online shop and are willing topurchase things there again. The new ShopReturn service represents an important contribution tothis,” said Milo Kars, General Manager GLS Netherlands. “It is comfortable and reliable – for bothonline shoppers and retailers.”
To enable consumers to use the service, the shipper needs to enclose a return label with thegoods ordered. Alternatively, customers can opt for receiving a label in PDF format per e-mailafter delivery so they can print it out themselves, if needed. They can then paste the label on thereturn parcel and hand it in for free at any of the 490 parcel shops across the Netherlands. Via aQR code on the receipt document, consumers can use their smartphones to directly access the GLSTrack & Trace system to track the status of their parcel.
After the return parcel has been handed in at a parcel shop, GLS automatically sends it backwithin the usual transit time of 24 hours. The retailer needs to bear the costs only if a producthas in fact been returned. Thanks to the earlier fixed shipment tracking number, the returnedparcel can be easily assigned to the respective customer and order process.
GLS said ShopReturn complements its FlexDelivery service that is also tailored to e-commerce.GLS Netherlands introduced the flexible delivery solution in February 2013 which allows privaterecipients to align in advance the place and time of delivery according to their needs. Forexample, they can choose a certain day to receive their parcel within a fixed delivery time slot orre-direct it to a GLS parcel shop of their choice.
GLS Netherlands has placed its focus on delivering on behalf of companies to business customers.“But more and more of our customers have their own web deals for consumers,” Kars added. “Wedeliver in the usually high quality and also provide appropriate solutions for privatehouseholds.”
