Doddle will test “neighbourhood agents” model in Haywards Heath and Bromley South
Doddle has informed Post&Parcel that it will begin trialing its new “neighbourhood agents” delivery model in Bromley South and Haywards Heath.
Speaking on the BBC radio programme You and Yours, Doddle’s chief executive Tim Robinson announced yesterday that the company will soon start a five-week trial project which will involve using “neighbourhood agents” to deliver parcels.
Robinson explained that the agents would be people who work from home and are available four nights a week between 18:00 and 22:00 to hand over parcels. The agents would be overseen by a local manager.
The Doddle chief executive stressed that this delivery model would supplement, and not replace, its existing network of parcel stores located in high-footfall locations.
A Doddle spokesperson told Post&Parcel today (21 July) that company was currently looking to recruit between 15 and 20 agents in both the trial locations, and that it was mainly focusing on stay-at-home parents or the retired, who are looking for a supplementary income.
The delivery process will be app-driven and the agents will be equipped with ipads. Customers living in the test areas can choose whether to collect their packages from the Doddle parcel stores of from the homes of the neighbourhood agents.
The agents will undertake to be at home during their agreed collection times, which will probably be Monday to Thursday evenings. They will also have to be available to receive the parcels from Doddle.
The Doddle spokesperson said that the agents will each receive £500 for participating in the five-week trial. It is expected the trial may begin “after the summer”.
