Zalando and bpost Test In-Home Delivery in Belgium

Online retail has upped convenience and efficiency for customers and traders alike. However, missed delivery windows or busy schedules can get in the way of a perfect delivery. In order to tackle one of the roadblocks in the business, Zalando and bpost collaborated to tested in-home delivery. Installing smart locks in homes across Antwerp, Belgium, Zalando and bpost tested in-home delivery and returns with some encouraging findings. The smart locks could be opened from distance by the owner, who was able to follow the deliverer as well. On top, the solution provided the opportunity to communicate to the deliverer too.

The first results showed that about half of the 750 test-subjects were positive in regard to the new last-mile solution. At the end of the trial, this has risen to 9 out of 10. Remke Bakker, Business Development at Zalando says: "Once you convince people to use the service, they fall in love with it. People were not only using it for Zalando parcels but organically for other deliveries too. And that's where we want to go; an open system where all kinds of deliveries are accepted."

It is yet unclear if the test will be continued. The installation of the technique is relatively expensive and takes a lot of time. Besides, there are many different kinds of doors, which doesn't make the process easier.