Deutsche Post has expanded its e-commerce portfolio with new solutions for shipping small-sized goods as letters both in Germany and abroad.
The new ‘Letter Goods International’ (‘Warenbrief International’ in German) has been launched for international shipping of small goods up to 500 grams. The envelope has the advantage that with a height of maximum 2 cm, it fits into most of the letter boxes all over the world and thus reaches the recipient quicker than other formats. Brief product specifications, bills of delivery and payment forms can be attached to the letter. Customers who want to monitor the shipping process can also book the extra service Registered Letter International.
With Letter Goods International, Deutsche Post said it is responding in particular to the requirements of business customers and smaller online retailers. It costs €3.20 and can only be franked online via an internet stamp.
Another new product for commercial customers is the Maxi Consignment (‘Warensendung Maxi’ in German). With the increase of the previously allowable weight from 500 to 1,000 grams, heavier items can now be sent as well. Smaller business and commercial customers can purchase this product online from 1 November onwards.
For those customers who want to learn more about practical mail products for the transport of goods ordered online, Deutsche Post has also created a new microsite based on innovative parallax-scrolling technology for the shipment of goods. It makes Deutsche Post’s diverse e-commerce product portfolio available in a clear form and informs online retailers and private clients about appropriate shipping services as well as special topics such as insurance, postage and tracking (www.deutschepost.de/warenversand).
Achim Dünnwald, head of Mail Communication, Mail International at Deutsche Post, said: “Shipping goods by mail is booming. More and more customers use simple, fast and cost-effective ways of sending goods by post.”
The German postal and logistics group will present the new products at NeoCom, Europe’s largest trade fair for mail order trade taking place in Düsseldorf on 7-8 October.
Studies have shown that online trade will continue to grow. The consulting firm AT Kearney estimates that Germany is currently the fifth fastest growing e-commerce market. According to Statista, the retail trade in Germany will generate € 43.6 billion through e-commerce alone in 2015.
