PayPoint has partnered with eBay in a bid to help offset a 17.1% annual decline in volume across its parcel collection services.

The agreement, which will initially roll out to 2,500 store owners from September, will allow eBay customers to pick up their orders from any PayPoint retailer in the Collect+ network. It will be extended to more PayPoint sites. eBay will become PayPoint’s second courier partner alongside Yodel.

This deal comes as PayPoint released its first quarter trading update for the three months ending 30 June. Volumes in its parcel service declined annually by 17.1% following decreased deliveries with Yodel. Group net revenue in the same period also fell from £28.4m to £27.7m.

PayPoint chief executive Dominic Taylor said: “In parcels we have now added eBay as a partner to our Collect+ network which we anticipate will drive higher parcel volumes, helping to drive further footfall and commissions for our retailers.

“Convenience stores play such an important role in local communities, providing simple and convenient solutions for those with busy lives. We know that half of the people collecting a parcel are visiting their local stores for the first time. The eBay deal, therefore, represents a significant boost in footfall and possible sales for our Collect+ retailers.”

The trading update comes as Mr Taylor told RN in December last year partnerships with parcel providers such as Yodel can increase footfall for its retailer partners.

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