CollectPlus, the UK’s largest store-based parcel delivery and returns service, has teamed upwith leading web platform Visualsoft to speed up its integration on webshops.
Visualsoft has developed a new piece of web technology that will make it easier for manyretailers in the UK to integrate the CollectPlus click and collect service into their websites. RedHot Sunglasses is the official launch client, having been trialling the new feature since May.
Unique to CollectPlus, the technology will allow more than 600 retailers using the Visualsoftweb platform to integrate CollectPlus’ click and collect service into their own websites simply andquickly.
Once integrated, retailers will be able to offer their customers the option to have theirpurchases delivered to their most convenient CollectPlus store for collection at a time that suitsthem, avoiding the hassle of waiting in for or missing a home deliveries.
The technology will allow online retailers to display CollectPlus store locations in a fullymobile responsive map embedded into their checkout flow, so that customers can easily choose theirstore for delivery. The functionality, which will be fully integrated into the rest of theretailer’s website, will create a seamless user experience for online shoppers.
Once the customer has completed their purchase, a CollectPlus label will be automaticallyproduced, making it easy for the retailer to quickly fulfil the order. Online retailers alreadyusing the CollectPlus Returns service can also choose to include a returns label in customers’parcels using this integration.
Recent research by CollectPlus revealed that retailers who do not offer convenient delivery andreturns options may be selling themselves short. In a survey of over 1,000 online shoppers, 63%admitted they would be more likely to buy something from a retailer that allowed them to have itemsdelivered to a location that was convenient to them.
Matthew Jacques, strategic partnerships director at CollectPlus, said: “We’re now in the seconddecade of click and collect and over the next year we’ll really see it start to come of age as thedelivery market matures and retailers tailor their approach to meet their customers’ expectations.Online shoppers want to be able to choose from a range of delivery options and select a servicethat meets their needs.
He added: “Our new web plug-in will make it quicker and easier for retailers to integrate clickand collect into their websites which will allow smaller businesses to offer this option to theircustomers – having previously struggled to invest in doing so. Visualsoft has been a great partnerin helping us to deliver this, combining its technical expertise with a dedication to customersatisfaction, which we share. CollectPlus will continue to look for ways to make it easier foronline retailers to take advantage of our services in the coming months.”
Tim Johnson, Director at Visualsoft, said: ”Customers want to be able to shop in a way that isconvenient to them, and click and collect is the most efficient way to give customers the simpleshopping online experience with all the benefits of visiting a bricks store. The demand for clickand collect functionality has rocketed in the past 12 months with our clients, and we’re thrilledto finally be able to offer the service in partnership with the team at CollectPlus.”
Red Hot Sunglasses has been using the new technology exclusively since May. Established in 2010,the exclusive online fashion boutique sells a wide selection of luxury, high-fashion designersunglasses for men and women.
Phil Blackett, Managing Director of Red Hot Sunglasses, said: “Having already established arange of home national and international home delivery options on our website, we are very excitedto be adding CollectPlus to our portfolio to enable customers to click and collect. This allows ourcustomers even more freedom of choice in deciding how they have their sunglasses delivered securelyand conveniently. ”
CollectPlus is the leading provider of third party click and collect delivery in the UK. With over 5,500 collection points in supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stationsnationwide, the company plans to add another 2,000 to its network within the next 12 months.CollectPlus is a joint venture between multi-channel payments company PayPoint and independentparcel carrier Yodel.
