On Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:20:29 +0000, Pete Verdon
d wrote:

The Medway Handyman wrote:
geraldthehamster wrote:

The problem I have with ordering stuff from Screwfix, Toolstation etc.
online is the need to be at home to take delivery and sign for things.

This is an issue internet retailers need to address.

Abso-bloody-lutely. I've been playing silly buggers with CityLink all
last week, during which I was actually at home all but Monday. According
to the website my parcel has been on and off the van several times, but
never actually made it to my house until today. When of course I was
back at work. Since they've now tried twice (Monday they dropped off one
of the two packages in the consignment with a neighbour) I have to get
myself over to Fareham to pick it up.

I can only pray that in a few years this sort of thing will be history.
I don't know what the solution is, but there has to be one.


One solution is to use Collect+.

Collect+ is a parcel delivery service run by Home Delivery Network who
deliver for a wide range of mail order companies. The difference is
that Collect+ collects and delivers parcels from/to local retailers
rather than your home.

The retailers are members of the PayPoint network and are usually
local convenience stores that open early and late. You can choose to
receive either an SMS text message to your phone or an email when the
item is ready for collection. You then collect the parcel at a time
to suit you.

Prices are very reasonable, with a flat rate of £4.49 for up to 10 kg.
However, there is currently no service for heavier items.

http://www.collectplus.co.uk/