Over the past year, we have learned to live in a new reality, looking for ways to adapt to a house regime, work remotely and often also shop online. Many shops were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but residents were forced to buy goods online and think about arranging delivery. The offer and number of parcel terminals during this period increased significantly not only in Latvia, but also in other countries, proving the convenience and usefulness of this service, in contrast to the long queues at post offices.
The parcel business is promising and growing rapidly throughout the Baltics. For example, two new entrants were announced in Estonia in June. However, the question arises: do you need so many parcel terminals in Latvia (Lithuania, Estonia)? But the question is, will all these companies really have customers? My answer is ‘yes’, because parcel volumes are still growing and there are many cities where parcel terminals are needed more.
A recent survey highlights another factor – health security. 35% of respondents have indicated that they do not take much care of their health and safety when receiving goods ordered online. Only 31% disinfect their hands after touching parcel terminals, 22% use a facemask while waiting for a courier, while 12% use contactless parcel terminals, which have been introduced in Latvia since this spring. The survey was conducted in June, so the reasons for such answers could be different – perhaps it falsely seems that in the summer, in the fresh air, we are safer, the morbidity rates are falling and then we can stop worrying. Maybe it’s just fatigue from being careful, restrictions, rules.
The same survey also asked how it is more convenient to receive orders from online stores. 58% of respondents said they prefer parcel terminals, 27% choose delivery by courier to their doorstep, while the remaining respondents pick up their purchases themselves at the specific store where the purchase was made or at other collection points, such as a petrol station. Our own statistics show that up to 90% of Venipak customers choose parcel terminals. So the package terminals are at the top, but as the previous data shows, we forget about hygiene.
Interesting facts are revealed when the answers of the respondents are viewed in different sections. For example, women are more conscientious – if 23% of men choose to disinfect their hands, then the proportion of women is 34%. While waiting for a courier, 23% of women and 19% of men use a facemask. Probably for the sake of convenience, women also more often choose to use parcel terminals – 62% (men 56%).
Last year’s studies confirm that particles of Covid-19 virus can live in the air and on surfaces for hours to days (New England Journal of Medicine). The study found that the virus is viable on plastics for up to 72 hours, on stainless steel for 48 hours, on cardboard for 24 hours and on copper for 4 hours. In turn, it can remain in the air for up to three hours. Worrying food for thought.
That is why I say again that new parcel terminals are needed, but with an innovation that will help protect your health – contactless receipt. Contactless parcel terminals are designed according to a simple principle of operation: as soon as the shipment arrives at the parcel terminal, the customer receives an SMS with a link to the QR code. To receive the shipment, you must scan the code in the camera on the parcel terminal, and then the door will open. Our goal was to contribute to stopping the virus – people will no longer have to touch the surface of the screen or wait in line at the parcel box – the time to receive parcels will be reduced to 3-5 seconds.
In this regard, another interesting conclusion of the survey – 31% of respondents have heard and 7% have also tried the innovation of contactless parcel terminals. This is a good start with opportunities for growth – the Latvian market is not yet full. Although some people will return to on-site shopping, many will appreciate the benefits of delivery – speed, convenience and security.