CollectPlus form new partnership with Visualsoft
CollectPlus, the UK’s largest store-based parcel delivery and returns service, has today announced a new partnership with web platform Visualsoft, which has developed a new piece of web technology that will make it easier for many retailers in the UK to integrate the CollectPlus click and collect service into their websites. Red Hot Sunglasses is the official launch client, having been trialling the new feature since May. Unique to CollectPlus, the technology will allow more than 600 retailers using the Visualsoft web platform to integrate CollectPlus’ click and collect service into their own websites simply and quickly. Once integrated, retailers will be able to offer their customers the option to have their purchases delivered to their most convenient CollectPlus store.
The technology will allow online retailers to display CollectPlus store locations in a fully mobile responsive map embedded into their checkout flow, so that customers can easily choose their store for delivery. The functionality, which will be fully integrated into the rest of the retailer’s website, will create a seamless user experience for online shoppers. Once the customer has completed their purchase, a CollectPlus label will be automatically produced, making it easy for the retailer to quickly fulfil the order. Online retailers already using the CollectPlus Returns service can also choose to include a returns label in customers’ parcels using this integration.
Recent research by CollectPlus reveals that retailers who do not offer convenient delivery and returns options may be selling themselves short. In a survey of over 1,000 online shoppers, 63% admitted they would be more likely to buy something from a retailer that allowed them to have items delivered to a location that was convenient to them.
Matthew Jacques, strategic partnerships director at CollectPlus, said:“We’re now in the second decade of click and collect and over the next year we’ll really see it start to come of age as the delivery market matures and retailers tailor their approach to meet their customers’ expectations. Online shoppers want to be able to choose from a range of delivery options and select a service that meet their needs.
“We know from our own research that for many people, waiting in for deliveries is a hassle – they want to be able to receive their purchases at a time and place that suits them. Click and collect from CollectPlus gives them that convenience.
“Our new web plug-in will make it quicker and easier for retailers to integrate click and collect into their websites which will allow smaller businesses to offer this option to their customers – having previously struggled to invest in doing so. Visualsoft has been a great partner in helping us to deliver this, combining its technical expertise with a dedication to customer satisfaction, which we share. CollectPlus will continue to look for ways to make it easier for online retailers to take advantage of our services in the coming months.”
Tim Johnson, Director at Visualsoft, said:”Customers want to be able to shop in a way that is convenient to them, and click and collect is the most efficient way to give customers the simple shopping online experience with all the benefits of visiting a bricks store. The demand for click and collect functionality has rocketed in the past 12 months with our clients, and we’re thrilled to finally be able to offer the service in partnership with the team at CollectPlus.”
Red Hot Sunglasses has been using the new technology exclusively since May. Established in 2010, the exclusive online fashion boutique sells a wide selection of luxury, high-fashion designer sunglasses for men and women.
Phil Blackett, Managing Director of Red Hot Sunglasses, said:“Having already established a range of home national and international home delivery options on our website, we are very excited to be adding CollectPlus to our portfolio to enable customers to click and collect. This allows our customers even more freedom of choice in deciding how they have their sunglasses delivered securely and conveniently. ”
CollectPlus is the provider of third party click and collect delivery in the UK. With over 5,500 collection points in supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations nationwide, the company plans to add another 2,000 to its network within the next 12 months. CollectPlus is a joint venture between PayPoint, the UK’s multi-channel payments company, and the UK’s independent parcel carrier, Yodel.
