A package you can’t receive at home because you work late. A local shop looking to attract new customers and increase revenue. In both cases, the solution starts with understanding what a point of convenience is: a growing model that’s changing the way we receive and return parcels.

Also known as parcel shops or lockers, these locations provide flexibility for both individuals and businesses, and they’re an essential part of out-of-home delivery solutions.

Definition and Types of Points of Convenience
Points of convenience are part of out-of-home (OOH) delivery options—an alternative to home delivery that’s gaining popularity every year. Seven out of ten people in Spain say they prefer collecting their online orders at a point of convenience rather than having them delivered at home.

Their main advantage? They allow consumers to decide where and when to collect their parcel, while shipping companies increase delivery efficiency.

What Is a Point of Convenience?
If you’re wondering what a point of convenience is within out-of-home logistics, it’s simply a physical location set up to receive and store parcels, where customers can collect or return them at their convenience.

Points of convenience come in two main forms:

Parcel Shops: partner stores that handle parcel drop-off and collection.

Parcel Lockers: smart lockers (some available 24/7) that allow autonomous pickup using a code or QR.

Both formats serve the same purpose, though each offers specific benefits.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic and explore the future of out-of-home logistics, you can check out our Consumer Perception Study on habits, preferences, and outlook related to this model.

How Do Points of Convenience Work?

To fully understand what a point of convenience is in practice, it helps to see how it integrates into the delivery flow. There are two ways to use a point of convenience:

1. Selecting it during checkout

When placing an online order, the customer can choose a point of convenience as the delivery destination.

Once the order is processed:

• The parcel arrives at the selected parcel shop or locker.
• The recipient receives a notification with a pickup code.
• You collect the parcel whenever it suits you.

2. Redirecting a home delivery

If the customer initially chose home delivery, they can still modify the option and redirect the parcel to a point of convenience. This is especially useful if something unexpected comes up, if they won’t be home, or if they prefer to collect it at another time.

To redirect your parcel to a Parcel Shop or Parcel Locker, follow these steps:

• Go to the “Shipment Tracking” section or open the My GLS app.
  
• Enter your tracking number and destination postal code.
  
• Click “Collect at a point of convenience.”
  
• Choose the Parcel Shop or Locker that works best for you.

The only difference between collecting from a parcel shop and a parcel locker is that shops follow business opening hours, while lockers are smart units that allow pickup anytime using a code or QR.

Why Choose a Point of Convenience? Key Advantages

Choosing a point of convenience offers benefits for both shoppers and retailers:

• Flexible hours: lockers are available 24/7; parcel shops often have extended business hours.
  
• Fewer failed deliveries: no more frustration from missed home deliveries.
  
• Convenience and proximity: thanks to a highly dense network—over 7,700 locations—points of convenience are typically close to home or work, avoiding long trips.
  
• Security and control: parcels remain safely stored until collection.

How to Decide Between a Locker or Parcel Shop

The best option depends on your habits and lifestyle. There isn’t one right answer—each format offers value depending on what you need:

• Parcel Shop: ideal if you appreciate face-to-face service and need additional options like returns.
  
• Parcel Locker: perfect if you want complete autonomy.

Points of convenience have become an essential solution in a world where immediacy and flexibility matter more than ever. This model not only offers greater convenience for consumers—it also helps optimise logistics operations, reduce failed deliveries, and improve overall efficiency.

As ecommerce continues to grow, points of convenience in all their forms are positioning themselves as a key part of the future of parcel delivery. A smart, practical way to receive and return packages, designed to match the pace of modern life.