InPost and PayPoint stores to benefit from Yodel deal

PayPoint and InPost partnered stores stand to gain from the latter’s alleged Yodel takeover plans, according to one industry veteran.

According to the Times, InPost is likely to reveal a significant investment in Yodel in its annual report to published on 28 March.

InPost and Yodel began working together last year with a scheme allowing Yodel drivers to pick up parcels to deliver to homes from InPost’s roughly 8,000 lockers. InPost also operates around 1,000 parcel pick up and drop off (PUDO) points in independent stores.

PayPoint had invested in Yodel last year to help the struggling courier avoid bankruptcy, in part because Yodel’s parcels make up a major share of the volume passing through PayPoint’s 13,000-shop-strong CollectPlus PUDO network.

InPost ‘set to acquire’ Yodel

When asked if the deal could see InPost prioritise its own network for handling Yodel volume, the expert responded: “PayPoint will hold some sway as to what happens as an investor and I think there’s an opportunity for Yodel volumes in CollectPlus and InPost sites to both increase. 

Despite PayPoint and InPost operating rival networks, a senior parcel industry expert with detailed knowledge of the different companies involved said there are grounds for mutual benefit from an InPost takeover of Yodel.

All the parties share a common goal – less parcels to the doorstep, and more to PUDO points. The final mile is expensive. While the courier is likely being paid around £1 per doorstep drop, stores are getting around 20 to 30p. Having a greater share collected from lockers or counters could improve Yodel’s viability.

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