Yodel launches parcel collection service for small and micro businesses

Courier firm Yodel has announced the launch of a new consumer-to-consumer parcel collection service, aimed at individuals and small businesses.

Under the YodelDirect service, small business owners can now arrange for a driver to collect parcels from their own home or office for delivery to addresses across the UK.

Until now, Yodel’s collection service has only been available to larger businesses and subject to a minimum annual parcel volume; the company says the move was in response to consumer demand for an extension of the scheme.

The YodelDirect service is likely to be especially useful for micro-businesses selling on online marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon, who do not have a warehouse and lack the order volume required to access such services in the past.

Yodel says collections can be booked online via its website and collections booked before 10pm will be fulfilled the next day.

Services will include next-day and two-day delivery as well as Northern Ireland and ‘Highland and Islands’ delivery services.

Prices start at £8.99, plus VAT for parcel collection and delivery, with a second parcel collected and delivered for £5.49, plus VAT.

Dick Stead, executive chairman of Yodel, said: “We are very excited to launch a direct consumer collection and delivery service in response to public demand.  While many people, particularly online shoppers, may be familiar with receiving parcels via Yodel, this is the first time that they can directly access our service to send parcels themselves.

“The launch of YodelDirect opens up a whole new market and makes Yodel’s services available not just to consumers wanting to send a birthday present, but also to online marketplace sellers, entrepreneurs and small businesses. It’s a hassle-free alternative for busy people who don’t have time to wait in a Post Office queue.”