The period of the pandemic significantly affected the results of the TSL industry. Globally, the industry's gross value may decline by 6.1% [1]. At the same time, the share of e-commerce in retail is growing and may stabilize at the level of approx. 8%, while in 2019 it was 5.4%. In the first half of July, the level of spending on online purchases amounted to nearly 140 percent of expenses from the same period in 2019. This situation requires the TSL industry to optimize processes and find new ways to handle retail orders.
Every fourth PLN spent on purchases, will be spent in the Internet stores
The estimated impact of COVID-19 on logistics markets varies by region. From a drop of 0.9 percent in China to a decline of 18.1 percent in Italy. Experts predict that in 2020 the global shipping market will shrink by up to 7.5 percent compared to 2019. At the same time, the world's highest increase in e-commerce salles in 2020 will be recorded in Central and Eastern Europe - +21.5%, while the global average is 16.5% [2]. PMR in "Internet trade in Poland 2020. Analysis and forecast of the development of the e-commerce market for 2020-2025" [3] study estimates that in Poland this growth will be even higher and will amount to 26% y/y.
“We are aware of the great challenge that transport and logistics industries are facing. On the one hand, the part of the business that is the most profitable is shrinking, on the other hand, the expectations for the most expensive services, i.e. the distribution of parcels to individual recipients, are growing. We are also aware that stores will try to keep shipping costs as low as possible. The solution for logistics company may be expanding the Click & Collect service"- says Przemysław Wójcicki, Trading Director of iMretail.pl
SelfLockers attacking
What does this mean for a shipping and package delivery company? Creation and operation of own network of devices from which it is possible to collect and send parcels in a much more automated way. Instead of visiting several hundred points a day, a courier can take care of several or a dozen SelfLockers and service them regularly. This solution is also beneficial for large retail chains that maintain their own logistics.
“Of course, not every product - a washing machine, for example - is suitable for shipping to SelfLocker, especially with when it comes together with installation service. However, by optimizing shipment distribution, we can maintain the availability and price of additional services. We also receive more and more inquiries about whether SelfLockers must be placed next to a given store. Our answer is - no, they can be even tens of kilometers away. Such a solution gives the possibility of expanding sales in terms of geography, but also constitutes a new service for companies from the TSL sector "- emphasizes Przemysław Wójcicki, Trading Director of iMretail.pl
SelfLocker are devices that simplify the receipt of ordered products, shortening the path from ordering to collecting. These are machines that can be placed outside or inside the building. The customer making the transaction via the Internet decides on the date of receipt - he can pick up the purchases after work or while settling other things, without the risk of damage in transport, which is important in the case of products such as glass or other which are extremely delicate. It also means no contact with other people and lot of time saved, because there is no need to stand in lines or wait for pickup at the counter. SelfLocker also allows you to handle returns and complaints as well as send parcels.
Availability and competitiveness
SelfLockers are made to order, so they can be adapted in terms of functions, size, design, and materials to the needs of the recipient. Thanks to the IT solutions provided, it is possible to integrate the devices with the IT systems of the ordering party, as well as customer service - both at the time of receipt and potential return of goods.
“The expectations of business and individual customers have changed significantly in 2020, and we do not know what 2021 will bring us. So we have to adapt to these changes and look for solutions that take into account the new reality. Observing the market in Poland, I am convinced that Poles like the Click & Collect formula and devices operating on a similar basis to SelfLockers. They no longer need to be educated or persuaded to use this service. However, the own network of such devices may become a competitive advantage for TSL companies "- summarizes Przemysław Wójcicki, Trading Director of iMretail.pl
I’m Retail is a company from the SelfMaker group, that deals with the design, construction, installation, service and development of software for SelfLockers - automation devices for stores and service points. The company was founded and operates in Poland. For this reason, designers take into account specificity of polish customers and the climate.
[1] PwC, Transport and logistic barometr, https://www.pwc.de/de/transport-und-logistik/transport-and-logistics-barometer-h1-2020.pdf
[2] eMarketer, Raport Global Ecommerce, https://www.emarketer.com/content/global-ecommerce-2020
[3] PMR Market Experts, Raport Handel internetowy w Polsce 2020, https://mypmr.pro/products/handel-internetowy-w-polsce-2020