PayPoint and eBay have signed a strategic partnership that will enable eBay sellers and buyers to access the company’s Collect+ network for click and collect parcel services.

The deal means eBay will become the first multi-carrier partner for Collect+ and eBay customers will be able to have their deliveries made via Collect+ retailers, through their own choice of carrier service.

An initial 2,500 Collect+ network stores are expected to start offering services to eBay customers in September and October. This will allow retailers to take advantage of busy online trading periods including Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas. The Collect+ service is available in 7,456 sites across the UK.

Commenting on the deal, PayPoint ceo Dominic Taylor said: “This is an exciting opportunity for our retailer network and for Collect+ as the definitive click and collect solution for UK online merchants with the potential for millions of extra parcels for our store network. Convenience stores play such an important role in local communities, providing simple and convenient solutions for those with busy lives. The reach of our network ensures we’re available wherever and whenever our customers need us, – especially given the increasingly blurred lines between online and offline shopping.”

Vice president fot eBay UK Rob Hattrell added: “24 million customers shop with us every month. We want to make it as convenient as possible for them to get the item they’re looking for. Our partnership with Collect+ is a great boost to our delivery options, giving customers thousands more locations to choose from when they are shopping.”

To coincide with the launch of the partnership, a new Parcels retailer app will be made available on iOS and Android to improve in-store operations. The app will allow retailers to scan parcels away from the till, accept driver deliveries via mobile and create extra capacity to serve customers during busy times.

In its 2018 Q1 results released today (July 26), PayPoint also reported that PayPoint One is now available in 9,260 stores and the company has installed the Epos Pro system at 138 sites this quarter, taking the total number of stores using the service to 292. The roll-out is continuing, following its launch with Nisa and pilot programme with Booker earlier this year.

During the period ending June 30, the company said group revenue decreased by an expected £0.7 million from £28.4 million to £27.7 million reflecting the closure of its Simple Payment Service (SPS), by the Department for Works and Pensions, and the second-year impact of reduced Yodel parcel fees.

However, like-for-like retail revenue in the UK increased by 3.3% driven by rising service fees which jumped 46.1% to £2.3 million. PayPoint also forged a partnership with digital banking service Tide last month.

Taylor added: “We remain on target to have PayPoint One in 12,400 sites by 31 March 2019. In the UK, we have implemented several improvements to enhance our retailers’ experience when working with us, including a new interactive voice response technology.”

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