Table of Contents Toggle Parcel lockers as the dominant delivery method in e-commerceThe development of parcel locker infrastructureThe growing role of out-of-home deliveries in EuropeDelivery as part of the shopping experienceThe absence of a preferred delivery method as a purchasing barrierWhat does the popularity of parcel lockers mean for your sales strategy?The need to offer multiple delivery methodsLogistics cost optimisationA better post-purchase customer experience In the Polish e-commerce market, parcel lockers have reached a scale that many European countries are only beginning to develop. For customers, this means that collecting a parcel from a locker has become the most predictable delivery method — regardless of the store, product category, or logistics operator. However, this scale changes something more significant than just the way parcels are collected. In practice, it influences the design of the entire shopping process: from how delivery options are presented, through the structure of logistics costs, to managing returns and order handling. How is the dominance of parcel lockers changing customer behaviour, and what are the consequences for e-commerce operations and sales strategy? Parcel lockers as the dominant delivery method in e-commerce Research on e-commerce shows that over 80–85% of online shoppers in Poland use parcel lockers, making them the most frequently chosen delivery method for online purchases. At the same time, customer preferences are clearly shifting towards out-of-home deliveries. According to logistics market analyses, around 68% of Polish consumers say they prefer collecting parcels from lockers rather than ordering home delivery. Such a high adoption rate means that Poland is often cited as one of the most advanced markets in this regard in Europe. Parcel lockers have become a standard element of e-commerce logistics infrastructure here, and for many customers they have long been the default method of receiving orders. The development of parcel locker infrastructure One of the most important reasons for the popularity of parcel lockers is the very rapid development of logistics infrastructure. According to analyses, Poland currently has around 1.08 parcel lockers per 1,000 residents, making it one of the most developed markets for this type of infrastructure. Such high availability of collection points has a direct impact on customers’ purchasing decisions. The closer a parcel locker is to a customer’s home, workplace, or daily routes, the greater their inclination to choose this delivery option. Consumer research also shows that 84% of customers are more likely to shop online if there is a parcel locker nearby, confirming that the availability of logistics infrastructure is now an important element of the shopping experience. The growing role of out-of-home deliveries in Europe The trend of growth in out-of-home deliveries is visible across Europe. E-commerce logistics reports indicate that around 35% of European consumers choose deliveries to collection points or parcel lockers instead of home delivery. The expansion of collection point networks is changing the way last-mile logistics is designed. Rather than delivering individual parcels to thousands of home addresses, logistics operators can consolidate shipments in a single location, which increases operational efficiency and shortens delivery times. Delivery as part of the shopping experience Consumer behaviour reports show that customers are increasingly evaluating an online store through the lens of the entire shopping process — from the moment an order is placed to the moment the parcel is collected. In this context, the following are particularly important: availability of the preferred delivery method, predictable order fulfilment time, convenience of parcel collection. The absence of a preferred delivery method as a purchasing barrier E-commerce market analyses indicate that around 42% of customers abandon a purchase if the store does not offer their preferred delivery method. In a situation where the majority of customers are accustomed to collecting parcels from lockers, the absence of this option may be perceived as a limitation on shopping convenience. What does the popularity of parcel lockers mean for your sales strategy? The growing popularity of parcel lockers is not merely a logistics shift. For online stores, it also means the need to adapt sales strategy, customer experience, and logistics operations to new consumer preferences. In practice, this means that the delivery method is no longer just an operational element. It is increasingly becoming a factor that affects conversion rates, operating costs, and post-purchase customer satisfaction. The need to offer multiple delivery methods One of the most important conclusions from consumer research is the growing significance of delivery method variety. Customers today expect the ability to choose a collection method that best fits their lifestyle. For stores, this means that the absence of popular delivery methods can limit sales. Logistics cost optimisation The growing popularity of parcel lockers also matters from an operational cost perspective. Out-of-home deliveries allow logistics operators to consolidate multiple shipments at a single collection point, which increases last-mile transport efficiency. Compared with deliveries to individual home addresses, this means: fewer stops on the courier’s route, more predictable delivery routes, the ability to handle a greater number of shipments in less time. As a result, deliveries to parcel lockers are often less expensive to carry out than traditional courier deliveries. From the perspective of online stores, this may mean an opportunity to optimise logistics costs or offer customers more competitive delivery fees. A better post-purchase customer experience In many cases, it is the moment of parcel collection that determines how a customer evaluates the entire shopping process. Parcel lockers significantly simplify this stage. Customers can collect their shipment whenever it is most convenient for them, without having to wait for a courier or rearrange their day. Solutions of this kind increase the sense of control over the delivery process and reduce typical logistics problems, such as failed delivery attempts or the need to reschedule delivery. Sources:https://delante.co/most-popular-delivery-methods-in-polandhttps://www.exorigo-upos.com/blog/key-trends-in-e-commerce-quo-vadis-e-commerce-2024-reporthttps://nshift.com/blog/eu-parcel-locker-growth-in-2025-what-it-means-for-retailershttps://lemon-media.pl/en/the-size-of-the-polish-e-commerce-market-how-did-poles-shop-online-in-2024https://inpost.pl/aktualnosci-kantar-kazdy-konsument-zna-marke-inposthttps://www.dhl.com/global-en/microsites/ec/ecommerce-insights/insights/e-commerce-logistics/2025-out-of-home-trends.htmlhttps://lastmileexperts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/OOH-REPORT-2025-TEASER.pdf ALSENDO Leading technology platform for managing shipping and delivery for your business. Alsendo is a technology leader across the CEE markets in shipping and post-purchase process management. We help businesses simplify logistics, scale sales, and expand successfully into international markets. Discover Alsendo solutions: Alsendo Business Pro – a SaaS platform designed for growing e-commerce businesses, supporting customer communication, returns management, and post-purchase process analytics. Alsendo Enterprise and Alsendo Innoship – advanced, dedicated solutions for comprehensive delivery and returns management, cost optimization, and SLA control in complex operational environments. Alsendo International – end-to-end support for cross-border logistics and international expansion, including post-purchase processes. One API integration – access to multiple courier companies and over 400 e-commerce integrations. Gain full control over your logistics and returns. GET AN OFFER Adam Zając Cross-border Director At Alsendo, he is responsible for the development of international services, building partnerships, and managing sales. He has been active in the e-commerce and CEP industries since 2014, specializing in urban logistics (same-day delivery) as well as domestic and international transport. He gained key experience in cross-border e-commerce at Packeta, where he worked with both small online stores beginning their international expansion and the largest Polish and German e-commerce brands. This experience taught him the importance of proper preparation and a well-defined growth strategy already at the planning stage — to avoid costly mistakes.