Tag: Australia

DHL launches Student Express service

Posted by | Oct 15, 2007 | |

DHL has introduced DHL Student Express, an affordable international delivery service designed exclusively for students going abroad for education.

DHL Student Express assures students of speedy and reliable deliveries when sending documents and parcels such as time-sensitive school applications and personal belongings to their new schools and residences.

Additionally, they can benefit by savings of up to 70 pct on excess baggage for deliveries to popular education destinations like Australia and the UK.

DHL Student Express offers up to 15 pct off prevailing published rates when sending parcels via Jumbo or Jumbo Junior or Express Pallet, and up to 20% off on document shipment rates.

Other benefits include 24/7 customer service, free pick-up, free packaging materials, pro-active delivery notification, multiple shipment tracking options, and a destination network of more than 220 countries.

Read More

Lifestyle banking at your service

Posted by | Oct 9, 2007 | |

BankWest joins the growing list of banks and wealth management firms eager to retain customers and win new ones by providing finance-related services in a more relaxed setting, complete with a place to read, cafe and even a mini-shop to buy office stationery.

While lifestyle banking is not new, with some branches decked out like airport lounges complete with a Starbucks café, BankWest takes the promotional strategy a step further by introducing what it calls “retail-inspired” branches. For example, weekday closing hours will be extended to 5.30pm (other banks have done this) and branches will be open on weekends.

But in what it claims is an Australia first, the new BankWest “stores” will sell non-financial products such as books, wallets, address books, writing pads, business card-holders and key-rings.

And just like the children’s play areas common in retail stores, BankWest stores will also feature kids’ entertainment areas and play café-style music.

The bank’s strategy comes at a time when the lines are blurring between how a retail store and a traditional bank operates. In the UK, grocery chains such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco’s have started offering financial products such as credit cards and insurance. WestBank reverses that trend by selling non-financial products. The strategy has worked spectacularly with the likes of the Australian Post Office and Starbucks expanding into books and CDs.

“People will always need banks, but I’d expect that what a bank looks, feels and smells like will change fairly radically. The bank of the future is a combination of convenience and experience,” said trend forecaster Richard Watson of the Future Exploration Network. His comments also reflect the emergence of mobile banking, where people would rather do their banking transactions in the comforts of their own home rather than in an office.

However, the formula is not foolproof. Financial services group Superwoman is yet to gain traction despite opening a head office in the Sydney CBD that is decked out in funky furniture and had planners available after work hours or during lunchtime, supposedly ideal for the CBD’s female workers.

Read More

Australia Post launches rub-and-sniff mail

Posted by | Oct 2, 2007 | |

Australia Post is urging businesses to get up the noses of their customers with rub-and-sniff mail.

“The list of aromas available is extensive with everything from fruits, ice cream and freshly cut grass to wine, pizza and coffee,” said Australia Post product manager, Melanie Kenter.

“Scent-infused ink is printed straight onto a mail pieced as part of the print production process. Once printed, the aroma is released with a simple rub of a finger across the surface.”

The scented mail has been launched in tandem with the Impact Mail service, which allows businesses to send items of almost any shape without the need for an envelope.

“Scented mail and Impact Mail demonstrate the unique nature of direct mail. It is a very personal medium that appeals to all senses. You can hold and unfold it, read and see it, hear it and now even smell it,” said Kenter.

Read More

Post workers set to strike up to 48 hrs

Posted by | Oct 2, 2007 | |

Australian Post workers are set to strike if their claim for a better deal on wages and conditions is rejected.

More than 10,000 staff took part in a ballot, with about three quarters supporting industrial action.

Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) national president Ed Husic said workers would roll out work bans and stoppages if Australia Post refused to negotiate over a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).

He said the union wrote to Australia Post yesterday asking them to return to the negotiating table.

Australia Post last month announced an immediate four per cent pay rise for its employees, rising to 12 per cent over two-and-a-half years.

But the union wants five per cent guaranteed in the first year.

It also wants penalty rates and job security conditions protected and an independent umpire to enforce the EBA.

Australia Post has said the offer was well above inflation and would lock in entitlements and award conditions.

If Australia Post refuses to resume wage talks, workers will start rolling four hour, 24 hour and 48 hour stoppages.

They will also introduce bans on overtime and the checking and collection of unpaid mail.

Mr. Husic has not set a deadline for strike action and was hopeful the dispute could be resolved in days not weeks.

Read More

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

P&P Poll

Loading

What's the future of the postal USO?

Thank you for voting
You have already voted on this poll!
Please select an option!



View ResultsHide Results

Post & Parcel Magazine


Post & Parcel Magazine is our print publication, released 3 times a year. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, Post & Parcel Magazine is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.

Subscribe to the Magazine

 

Pin It on Pinterest