Packstations are practical, as you can have parcels delivered there directly if you are not at home yourself. However, DHL is now changing the pick-up procedure.
In order to relieve its own shipping structure and to offer customers an additional delivery method, DHL once introduced packing stations. If you are not at home, you can have your parcels delivered there and pick them up conveniently when it suits you. According to Statista, every fifth German has already used the DHL Packstations. In the past, a customer card and a four-digit collection code were required for collection. But now DHL has changed the pick-up procedure at the Packstation.
Collection only with the “Post & DHL” app and QR code
As early as March 2022, DHL announced that customers would now have to download the “Post & DHL” app onto their smartphone in order to be able to continue picking up parcels from Packstations. If you already have the app, you should update it accordingly. The shipping service provider is now informing you about another innovation by e-mail. In future, a scannable code will be required to collect parcels, which DHL will provide via the app. The four-digit pick-up code that customers previously received via the app or by email will then no longer exist.
All available shipments are listed in the “Post & DHL” app. Customers can find the QR code required for collection by clicking on the relevant delivery in the “Packstation” area. As mentioned, you no longer need the customer card. According to DHL, the adjustments at the packing station should make picking up packages even easier and more convenient. DHL lists three reasons for switching from the customer card to the smartphone app:
- Faster to the package – just scan the pick-up code
- One app for everything – all information can be found in the app, not just about packing stations
- No more customer card necessary
Also read: DHL increases prices: Parcels are so expensive from July 1, 2022
Customers without a smartphone are at a disadvantage
So at first glance everything is getting better, you might think. But people are known to be creatures of habit, so the forced switch to an app will certainly annoy some customers. Especially since you still have to register there, of course. Customers without a smartphone look down the drain.
Because, as a spokeswoman for DHL confirmed to TECHBOOK, the customer cards are no longer functional: “It is our goal that all customers use the Post & DHL app to pick up shipments addressed directly to the Packstation. We have therefore been informing our customers since September 2021 in various communication waves about the switch to the app and its advantages – e.g. that it makes receiving shipments even more convenient and also more secure. In the course of this, we will phase out the old procedure. However, there will still be a transition period for all customers who have not yet switched to using the app. Newly registered customers use the new procedure directly.”
Also interesting: The unknown additional task of parcel deliverers
This is how customers use the “Post & DHL” app for Packstations
The following steps are necessary to be able to use the “Post & DHL” app on your Android or Apple smartphone:
- Install the app or update it via the AppStore/PlayStore
- Activate smartphone in the app. In the “Post & DHL” app, tap on the button in the Packstation area Activate.
- Scan collection code. You can find it in the “Post & DHL” app in the area packing station your shipments. Then tap on the Packstation you are standing in front of and your pick-up code will be displayed. On the Packstation screen, select the menu item Collect and scan your pickup code. You can then open the compartment with your shipment directly