Out-of-home delivery gains popularity in the UK

As parcel pickup and drop-off networks continue to expand, out-of-home delivery is rapidly gaining traction in the UK. New research from Sendcloud, which surveyed 1,000 UK consumers, reveals that out-of-home delivery is quickly becoming the preferred option for many, offering greater convenience and control.

While home delivery remains the most common choice, with 79.3% of consumers still preferring delivery to their home address, the interest in out-of-home alternatives such as service points and parcel lockers is surging.

In 2024, 26% of shoppers indicated they would choose service point delivery and 33.9% expressed interest in parcel lockers – a significant increase from just two years ago, when only 7% and 13% respectively considered these alternatives.

Notably, serial shoppers (2 or more online purchases per week) show a strong preference for out-of-home options, with 44% favouring delivery to a service point and 46.2% opting for parcel lockers. Similarly, consumers that live in metropolitan areas also display increased interest, with 36.3% choosing service points and 39.5% selecting parcel lockers.

Options, options, options: It’s all about convenience

The shift to out-of-home delivery is primarily fueled by convenience, with 58.3% of consumers citing this as a reason for selecting out-of-home over home delivery. Additionally, many consumers are seeking greater control over how their deliveries are managed:

• 58.1% want the ability to adjust the delivery location or time once the parcel is in transit
• 67.5% want to choose their preferred delivery day and time
• 82.5% want to decide what happens if the first delivery attempt fails

Offering flexibility: The key to staying competitive

As more consumers become aware of the flexibility and ease of out-of-home delivery options, the desire for these methods is expected to accelerate. For retailers, providing these options is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a necessity. According to Sendcloud’s research, almost a third of consumers (28.5%) would consider shopping elsewhere if out-of-home delivery was not available.

Consumers are seeking more control and convenience when it comes to their delivery preferences. They want control over where, when, and how their parcels are delivered. The shift toward flexibility is undeniable, and retailers who provide multiple delivery options, including service points and parcel lockers, are positioning themselves to lead in the evolving e-commerce landscape. Offering a strong alternative to home delivery is not just an advantage; it’s essential for staying competitive.

– Sabi Tolou, Co-founder, Sendcloud