Consumer's convenient courier

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"The new Berco Drop-Boxes at the local Pick n Pay store will provide customers with greater choice, flexibility and convenience," said Andy van der Velde, CEO of Berco Express. "We are launching in about 50 stores throughout the country this week, testing and promoting this ground-breaking concept."

So how does the Drop-Box work?

For a flat rate of R99 customers purchase a Drop-Box Retail Pack from the Kiosk in-store, which comprises a simple waybill and a plastic envelope. The Retail Pack gives step by step instructions explaining how the system works.

"The system is incredibly simple," explains Lyndsay Webster-Rozon, e-tailing general manager at Pick n Pay Head Office, "You buy a pack and fill the plastic sleeve/bag with your books, documents or personal effects, complete the waybill and keep a copy for reference. The waybill goes into the see-through pouch on the plastic sleeve and then you drop the package into the Berco Drop-Box."

Parcels need to be dropped into the Berco Drop Box before the collection time indicated on the Drop- Box in the store, which is usually between 4 and 4-30pm. Delivery will be before 10-30am the following business day to all main centres.

"We think that the service will be very popular - one size, one cost and no account required. It is a straightforward and easy to use system and parcels can be tracked on line at www.picknpay.co.za," explains Ette Wever, project manager at Berco Express.

Customers are looking for convenience and flexibility these days and the Drop-Box system certainly fills this criteria. They are situated close to the entrance of the store so they are easy to find!

Drop-Boxes have been a way of life in the USA for many years, with one well known courier company having almost 40 000 drop boxes positioned around the USA.

Berco expects to place more Drop-Boxes at Pick n Pay stores in all the provinces over the next few months.