Australian online retail delivery network startup ParcelPoint have raised $7 million, they will use this in the next financial year to double their network of partnerships and increase the number of staff in which they employ.
The co-founder and commercial director of ParcelPoint Julian Leac says in addition to the commission per parcel that each of those stores receives, it also brings more customers into the store leading to potentially more business within the stores. Mehdi Fassale CEO and company co-founder said ParcelPoint plans to more than double their network and retailer partnerships and expected its headcount to grow by around 50% over the next financial year.” ParcelPoint was launched in 2011, they have signed up more than 1500 retail stores across the country as collection points such as newsagents, pharmacies, convenience stores and storage facilities this enables customers to collect their deliveries from local places out of hours. Now ParcelPoint have created a large network of collection/return points they have created a resolution for allot of internet shoppers as they no longer have to worry about collecting their parcel within the Post office opening hours.
“For small business, many are working out how they can play a role in the developing online marketplace. We pay the stores a commission for every parcel on the network they receive. But a key benefit is the foot traffic for their stores. It’s a great way for the local store to remain relevant and growing,” Mehdi Fassale says .
ParcelPoint has over 100 clients using that network to deliver their products to consumers, including the likes of Adidas, THE ICONIC, OzSale and SurfStich. The startup also licenses its technology solutions to omni-channel retailers enabling them to offer click-to-collect services in their stores.ParcelPoint have also developed software solutions to provide retailers with smart fulfillment capability comprising integrated Click & Collect, Ship from Store and Returns.The funding round was led by Blue Sky Venture Capital and the firm’s investment director Elaine Stead said ParcelPoint was redefining traditional e-commerce delivery and return processes.
“ParcelPoint’s business is so compelling because its solutions remove the friction for all stakeholders in the online retail process – retailers, carriers and most importantly, the consumer. We are backing a team with incredible credentials who, in just over three years have built an incredibly successful business with multiple revenue streams in a market with a huge opportunity for growth.” Stead said.