Evri retailers nationwide are missing out on the seasonal parcel rush after reporting issues with their printers.

Several store owners nationwide told Better Retailing their printers had been malfunctioning over the last month. Common issues include being unable to connect to the internet and paper rolls jamming up.

Simon Grewal, of Premier Crabbs Cross in Redditch, Worcestershire, said: “It’s been a nightmare. There are no other Evri retailers near me, so this should have been a good opportunity when parcel returns are high during and after Christmas. I’ve been told it’s a nationwide issue and the equipment is out of date.”

Since discussing the issue with Evri in December, the parcel firm has agreed to send Grewal a replacement printer.

Maqsood Akhtar, of Blackthorn News & Food in Rotherham, has been turning customers away due to similar issues, but has been assured by Evri a replacement printer will be sent.

He told Better Retailing: “The printer hasn’t been loading properly at all and fails to turn on. It’s only the printer, as I’ve had no issues with the handheld terminals.

“I spoke to Evri who have tried to do something over the phone, but nothing has worked. They said it might take me two weeks to receive a new working printer. I’m having to let a lot of customers down. My parcel volume doubles to 600 – 1,000 a week after Christmas.

“There’s a button underneath the camera which acts a reset. You just need to put a pin in there for a few seconds to wait for a buzz. This has helped temporarily.”

Not all stores are being affected by the issues with Evri printers

However, other retailers across the UK reported they had experienced no issues with their machines.

Natalie Lightfoot, of Londis Solo Convenience in Glasgow, told Better Retailing her store had received a large increase in parcel customers as she has the only working printer in the area.

Posting on social media on 31 December, she said: “We’ve had our second pick up and that’s 282 parcels away.

“We seem to be the only working Evri printer in the area. Please if you don’t mind waiting until tomorrow when we are still open to come in to drop off your returns. No pickup will happen now until 2 December. As we are super busy instore, we would be eternally grateful.

“Your return won’t be processed any quicker so you will be helping us massively.”

An Evri spokesperson said: “Our 9,000-strong ParcelShop network is an important part of our operation, providing pick up and drop off services to customers throughout the UK. 

“Customers can use our locations to return parcels, with the option to either print their own label at home or in-store. 

“We work closely with all ParcelShops, providing a support line and direct point of contact for any issues, and we work hard to repair or replace any equipment as quickly as possible.”