For some time now, it has not been necessary to be at home when a package is delivered. The trip to the nearest post office, which may be difficult to reach, offers no parking, or simply has inconvenient opening hours, is no longer necessary. The DHL Packstation has taken care of that. Now, with the DHL Parcel Box, it is supposed to become even more convenient.

What is the DHL Parcel Box?

The personal parcel box can be set up right in front of the door. Essentially, it can be seen as an oversized mailbox. The delivery person has the option to safely place the ordered package in the box, and the recipient can simply take it out. It also offers a good solution for business premises. The advantages are well summarized by DHL:

Different Models

So far, the DHL Parcel Box is available in two different variants. It can be ordered in the "classic" or "modern" design. This way, customers have the option to choose a box that fits their own wishes and ideas.

The Setup

The setup is particularly easy and can also be done by oneself. Those who do not have the time or skill for this can simply book the setup of the parcel box. It can be placed against a wall or freestanding.

Easy Receipt of Packages

Once the parcel box is set up, it can be easily registered. This happens on the DHL website. Now the suppliers are informed and can deposit the packages in the box. No signature is needed anymore. This is particularly practical for all users who are rarely at home and do not always want to pick up packages from neighbors. Although DHL offers a free redelivery, this takes time again.

Sending Returns

The parcel box offers an advantage not only for delivery. Those who want to send returns can also do so. Here, too, DHL is simply notified online, the package is then placed in the parcel box, and is finally picked up by the courier. This also eliminates the need to bring returns to the post office.

Security

The parcel box is built particularly robustly and cannot be opened by third parties. Only the parcel courier and the user have access to the parcel box. This ensures that the shipments cannot be stolen from the box.

The Comparison to the Packstation

The parcel box is an extension of the service already offered with the Packstation. DHL wants to ensure that customers can receive their packages at any time. At the same time, this also relieves the employees. They can leave the packages directly in the Packstation or the parcel box.

The Packstation itself offers similar advantages to the parcel box. Here, too, packages can be picked up at any time. However, it is not always predictable whether the courier will bring the package to the Packstation or to the next post office. One option is to have the package sent directly to the Packstation. It is also possible to send a package via the Packstation. However, if the Packstation is already full, the package cannot be deposited there. The way to the Packstation can also be quite far in some cases. Especially in smaller towns, such a station is not necessarily available nearby. So, while the customer does not have to wait until the next day to pick up the package from the post office, they still have to drive to the Packstation.

A plus point for the Packstation: It does not take up space in the garden or in front of the house. Although the parcel box is, of course, a practical facility, it does require space where it can be set up. Homeowners have it easy, as they can simply place it on their own property. However, those who live in an apartment building would have to get permission from the landlord or the property management company. This can, of course, also be denied.

What are the Costs for the Parcel Box?

Another interesting point is the costs. There are no costs for using the parcel box. Only the purchase incurs costs. Currently, the parcel box is offered at a price of around 300 euros.

Interestingly, the pickup of returns or the shipping of packages via the parcel box is free of charge. However, those who order a pickup from DHL pay between 3 euros and 6 euros. Sending shipments via the Packstation is also free of charge. Information about the shipping costs of the providers can be found in our magazine.

The Conclusion on the DHL Parcel Box

For those who order packages particularly frequently and are just as often not at home, the purchase of a parcel box can definitely be worthwhile. The purchase costs are admittedly high at first glance. However, those who save on fuel and nerves in the long run by not having to go to the next post office or Packstation will definitely benefit here. Basically, the parcel box does not offer more advantages than the Packstation, which can be used free of charge. Above all, the space required for setting up the parcel box can quickly become a problem.

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