Smartbox launches parcel delivery terminals in New Delhi
New Delhi-based Smartbox has launched its new network of automated parcel delivery terminals for online shoppers. In a statement issued yesterday (18 January), the company said that it has launched the “preliminary phase” of the network with 12 terminals installed at primary metro stations and business centres in Delhi NCR.
Smartbox said that it plans to “expand to 1,000 locations in top 8 major cities in India by the end of 2016”.
The company added: “Smartbox will simplify online shopping experience for shoppers with its mix of technology and smart infrastructure. The first of its kind service proposition will help e-commerce companies reduce high costs and challenges associated with the last mile delivery of parcels. Smartbox terminals will facilitate 24*7 availability of a physical address for online shoppers to collect their parcels as per the time and location of their convenience.
“Smartbox uses cutting edge technology and smart physical infrastructure to store, track, notify and deliver. The cloud-based system is robust and scalable that integrates easily & quickly with e-commerce portals. Partner e-commerce companies will be able to further strengthen their associations with their consumers by offering new and innovative delivery options with Smartbox.”
Amit Sawhney, the founder of Smartbox Ecommerce Solutions, commented: “We are getting an overwhelmingly positive response from most e-commerce companies and are in advanced discussions to partner with several leading eShops. Our mission is to create a large network of terminals at various convenient locations across the country to help everyone in the e-commerce eco system.”
Smartbox claims that it is introducing “India’s first network of automated parcel delivery terminals”. However, Sawhney is not the only entrepreneur who is looking to make a splash in Indian’s new “alternative delivery” sector at the moment. In December, Ravi Gururaj announced that his company – QikPod – was planning to set up a new automated parcel locker network across India and he too was going for an ambitious target: “Our plan is to build the world’s largest parcel locker network with over 50,000 lockers across all major metro cities in India.”
