An Post is in the dark ages when it comes to servicing customers. I use Parcel Motel quite a lot. An Post has launched a competiting offerring. Except in An Post's case it invloves going in to a Post Office to collect the parcel. The last time I was in a Post Office I queued for 45 minutes. The AddressPal FAQ says it all:
If An Post was the innovator here I'd say something if a competitor copied and made improvements, but to think that the details below come from someone
entering the market is just insane!
https://addresspal.anpost.ie/Home/FAQ
You will be provided with a card containing a unique address code, your AddressPal address, which is to be used whenever you use the service.
So presumably if you want to change your pick-up Post Office you have to get a new card? And also it's another card to be carrying around..
An Post will notify you by e-mail that your AddressPal item is available for collection. SMS notification is also available.
Email first and SMS "available" ! Sounds like SMS is a special feature! Dear God!
You go to your selected Post Office, with photo ID and your AddressPal card, pay the delivery charge and collect your item
Sounds like going to the airport. Alternatively I can go to a Parcel Motel locker that's open 24x7 and I'm done in seconds.
Your AddressPal item will usually be delivered to your selected Post Office within an estimated 3 to 4 working days of receipt to our UK Address
3 or 4 working days!! I track my packages from Amazon to Parcel Motel and have never waited more than 2 days, including weekends
A charge of €25 will apply for oversized items.
Parcel Motel charge €7 for oversized items. That's a steal. I'm doing up my house at the moment and have brought everything from radiators to light fittings to even hedging (I kid you not!) via Parcel Motel for €7 a pop.
How do I apply for a card
Simply complete an online application at AddressPal.
We will post your AddressPal Card to you when we have processed your application.
Simply? Simply would mean that it's all done online.
How can I pay
Payment must be made at the Post Office when you collect your items. Cash or Debit Card will be accepted.
Wow. With Parcel Motel I can either top up or register my card. An Post want me to either carry cash or to use a POS. All to facilitate online purchases!
Can I get the item delivered to my home address
No. You can only collect items from your selected Post Office.
A parcel delivery system by the national post office that won't deliver to your house!!!! With Parcel Motel I can get oversized items delivered to my home. Which kinda makes sense if you think about it!
Can I track my item online
AddressPal items cannot be tracked online
No words for this!
Can I nominate another person to collect my AddressPal item
Yes you can nominate another person (an agent) to go to the Post Office to collect your AddressPal item. They must have
The AddressPal collection confirmation e-mail.
Their own photo identification (such as a Passport / Driving Licence / Employer photo ID / Student photo ID from a third level college).
The Agent Authorisation form which you must sign.
Wow. That's some effort. I'm surprised someone from Customs doesn't need to be there!
I presume the logic by An Post is along the lines of: "let's get them into Post Offices", but really they should be asking what would their customers really want. Parcel Motel works a treat and if An Post wanted they could easily replicate. God knows they already have the expensive bit (distribution) in place...