ipostparcels have established a relationship with online auction giants, Ebay.

Ebay have recently partnered with Argos in a 'click & collect' incentive, through which sellers can nominate an Argos store, close to their buyer, at which the delivery will be made, as an alternative to the buyers home address.

The collection option has been rolled out across some 650 Argos stores nationwide, is free and incorporates both evening and weekends. An email and text message will be sent to the buyer once the goods arrive at the designated store. A unique collection code, generated at the despatch stage, is required in order that the buyer can be informed. A seven day window exists in which collection must be made, after which the goods are returned to the sender.

The Ebay systems have been adapted to incorporate 'click & collect' option within the shipping once the sale has completed. When they select that they wish to use the 'click & collect' option, Ebay systems will automatically overwrite the recipients home address with those of the nearest Argos store. Criteria must be met however to ensure that the option of 'click & collect' can be fulfilled; weight/dimensions limits and category restrictions for example. The solution will enable delivery to be made within 72 hours, incorporating the sellers handling time.

Once fully operational the new solution should help to minimise impacts upon existing processes and systems, with UK Mail providing transportation for Ebay B2C consignments, as a final mile parcel delivery operator.

- Customer places order with merchant on Ebay platform
- 'Click & collect' option is selected
- Merchant generates delivery label incorporating unique collection code
- UK Mail collect shipments from merchant
- Parcel arrives at designated Argos store
- Buyer is advised via text/email (via unique collection code) that collection is ready

distributed by