As soon as the ordered goods are ready to be shipped, recipients receive an e-mail containing information about the upcoming delivery of GLS parcels – including an estimated time frame for the delivery.
This way, recipients can make arrangements to take the delivery of the goods early. Alternatively and if desired they can choose from a variety of delivery options online: for example, a new date for the delivery, a different address or redirect the parcel to a GLS ParcelShop. In various cities in Germany delivery in the evening and on Saturdays is also available.
Receiving parcels becomes flexible, making the shipment of goods to private households less complicated. The number of enquiries and complaints to the sender decreases, customers satisfaction on the other hand increases.
Delivery options – selectable before start of shipment
Drop off permission (also available for parcels to several European countries)
Delivery to a GLS Szybka Paczka point
Delivery to a new address
Delivery to the same address on a specific date
Collection at a GLS depot
Refusal of acceptance
Delivery in the evening or on Saturdays (available in various German cities)
The process in detail
Step 1: Information at the start of dispatch
Senders receive orders, prepare the dispatch and transfer the usual data to GLS via the dispatch system – and additionally the e-mail address of the parcel recipients. This way, they activate the flexible delivery options for this parcel. GLS informs the recipients by e-mail about the upcoming dispatch and standard delivery time.
In most cases, recipients are also notified of the estimated delivery time frame. Now they will be better able to assess if they can accept the parcel personally.
The e-mail contains a link that leads recipients to the GLS Mobile App or the website – directly to the delivery options for their parcel. The system recognises the parcel and authenticates the respective recipient. Without having to register or log in, an option can immediately be chosen.
The e-mails are generally provided in the national language of the country in which the recipient resides
Step 2: Information about the estimated date of delivery
After GLS picks up the parcel at the sender’s, it is scanned when it arrives in the GLS depot. Now it is possible to estimate the date of delivery. GLS sends out two e-mails with this information and the estimated delivery time frame to the parcel recipient (in most cases). It also contains a link which leads directly to the selection of delivery options.
Step 3: Recipient stays up-to-date till delivery
After the first delivery attempt, GLS continues to inform recipients by e-mail. They learn for example that their parcel has been delivered to the desired GLS ParcelShop or to a chosen delivery address