Online shopping is here to stay. Despite the fact that the effects of the global pandemic are gradually receding, the convenience that e-commerce offers to consumers, coupled with the advantages and cost efficiencies experienced by retailers, mean that this method of purchase will continue to soar.
And, as with many trends that took hold during the COVID-19 lockdowns, this one too is evolving to accommodate shifting needs and to further increase efficiency and profitability. One such evolution in the world of online shopping is the increasingly prevalent use of the Touchless Outdoor Parcel Locker.
It is in essence a variation of the now-familiar BOPIS (Buy Online Pickup In Store) option where a purchase is made online but collected in a central location.
Using Outdoor Parcel Locker systems has the additional advantage of being detached from an actual retail location, making it available for buyers 24/7, allowing them to pick up purchases at their convenience without being constrained by a retailer’s hours of operation.
The advantages for the retailer making use of the Touchless Outdoor Parcel Locker system are vast. Most notable among the cost efficiencies is the elimination of shipping fees.
Many of these savings ultimately trickle down to the consumer as not having to pay for individual deliveries allows retailers to reduce prices and thereby become more competitive in the market and more appealing to customers.
The concept of outdoor lockers may cause hesitancy among those familiar with harsh Canadian weather, however, the units, such as those by Ontario-based Snaile, have been specifically manufactured to withstand these conditions.
The weather-proofing includes UV resistance, preventative measure to combat humidity and cold, and even options for full internal climate control for temperature-sensitive items. The result is a locker system resistant to heat waves, snowstorms, wind or rain, making it perfect for our often volatile weather fluctuations.
This enhanced durability makes Outdoor Parcel Locker systems especially attractive for retailers that want to offer a simplified smart pickup option to their customers. And the fact that they are contactless (enabling virtually touch-free collections) makes them even more attractive during these times when physical distancing is on everyone’s mind.
Even when you consider that retail locations are operating at or near full capacity, offering a contactless collection option is a savvy business decision. First because a significant number of shoppers will prefer it to the facing the crowds that come with in-store shopping, and second because it alleviates pressure from physical retail locations, allowing them to perform better in every respect.
In addition, Touchless Outdoor Parcel Locker systems work similarly to Smart Lockers for Office use in the sense that each deposit generates a new and unique access code and each transaction is recorded in the system’s cloud-based software.
This system can be seamlessly integrated with many other software applications used by a business or retailer for a streamlined experience. Moreover, the lockers can also accept returns, reducing reverse shipping fees and easing the burden on the staff in the stores so that they can focus on customer needs rather than returns.
"We have the Snaile lockers installed in my building. Love them!"
"The 1Valet and Snaile solution has changed how resident deliveries enter this building. ensures the seamless operation of the building for its residents. We have recorded zero incidents of theft and never see parcels or delivery cards lying around. This really is the way of the future"
"The lockers (Snaile) have been a welcomed addition by the tenants and delivery companies"
"I appreciate your speedy response to my email about the deleted text with my PIN! Thank you!"
"Our lockers are getting a lot of use, even more so since the pandemic."
"Thank you so much for everything! You (Snaile) are absolutely awesome to deal with"
"I am still receiving the positive feedback from tenants and couriers. Couriers are thrilled with the addition. Especially during this peak delivery season "
"We're very pleased with the new lockers, and getting some good feedback from the tenants. We also like the fact that we are using a Canadian company for this service."
"I was challenged to come up with new and more efficient ways of doing things when it came to accepting inbound and processing outbound packages, after much research, it was a no brainer to go with Snaile. The software is super user friendly and easy to navigate, and the support staff is also very helpful, friendly, and easy to deal with"
"You (Snaile) have been very supportive even though we have so many questions, we really appreciate your help"
"After evaluating parcel locker providers in Canada, Snaile demonstrated to us they have the right solution for the Canadian building industry."
"Collection of the package was flawless. Great system."
"Thank you (Snaile) kindly for all your support; you've been exceptionally efficient and helpful"
"I totally support the system and service. Especially so now, given the new rules with social distancing but also as the demand for home delivery continues to increase. I think Snaile is a valuable service, we all could benefit from it."
"Our Residents Love it!"
"We have had positive feedback from residents that it is a secure way to deposit packages. All packages have been received on a timely basis with no missing packages"
"We love the Snaile system. We currently have it in our 93-unit building in Guelph, Ontario and our 78-unit building in Breslau, Ontario."
"This is our 3rd year now with Snaile Parcel Lockers and it is my pleasure to highly recommend this great system. It is very convenient and secure for our Residents to accept their packages from all carriers even when they are not home. The Snaile parcel delivery system is an excellent business partner."
"Great customer service. Very much enjoy our partnership with Snaile! Julie and Kirstin thank you for your help and assistance through our onboarding process!"
"I used the Snaile Parcel Locker System while I stayed at Monte Kwinter Court Apartments in Toronto. They came in very handy through out the pandemic when purchasing online items. Texts with codes for sent immediately. Very easy to use system!"
"90% of our buildings have Snaile lockers installed in them. I know the CEO very well. We first met when the firm was doing the installation at Monde. I love your product. It makes life so much easier for our staff in terms of parcel management. I look forward to working with the Snaile team."
"We love your product and have it installed in a number of our communities both in BC and Ontario."
"We have two lockers installed now and a third one on its way.
These are better than sliced bread."
