Bpost is now allowing consumers to rent lockers for personal use in its Bbox parcel locker network, expanding the range of services offered through the system.
The new service, called Bbox Rent & Store, lets users rent a locker directly from the locker screen for a set period, storing or handing over items for between four hours and a maximum of two days. It is available 24/7 in nearly 400 Bboxes across Belgium, mainly in urban areas and along the coast.
Bpost operates nearly 3,000 Bboxes nationwide, making it the largest parcel locker network in the country. According to the company, the new rental service responds to changing consumer needs, with six out of 10 Bbox users interested in renting a locker for personal use. Its research points to practical applications including storing shopping bags while in the city and keeping belongings safe during a day trip. Bpost said the lockers can also serve as a handover point between individuals, such as when lending personal items, with users able to share access via email or QR code.
To rent a locker, users select the size and rental period on the Bbox screen, enter their email address and pay via smartphone. They then receive a QR code by email to open the locker. Rental prices start at €1.80 (US$2.06) for the initial four-hour period and vary depending on locker size and duration.
Bpost continues to expand its Bbox network in public spaces and has introduced several other B2B and B2C services through the lockers, including Night Delivery for technicians and Click & Collect for retailers. The company’s stated ambition is to have a Bbox within five minutes’ reach of every person in Belgium.
In related news, Amazon partners with MyFlexBox to expand smart locker delivery in Germany