Collect Plus - not impressed

[My Little Customs]

Just a warning really, I was interested to know more about Collect+ as it is offering a great rate, Ebay has teamed up with them and there are PayPoints littered all over every town so figured it would be a great alternative to more pricey courier alternatives.

Thought we would give them a try but they are terrible!

My husband ordered something from Ebay which we needed before Halloween. We paid the extra for Collect+ and it the package was dropped off at the point in Lincoln on Saturday Oct 24th. Collect + said it would be delievered to our local PayPoint by Wednesday 28th at the very latest.

We waited and waited until finally, we tried chasing the package on Saturday. Collect+ could not give us any information about it so we had to turn to the seller. After 4 phonecalls from the seller to Collect+, the package was tracked down.

It had not moved an inch and was still sitting in Lincoln after a week!

To cut a long story short, the package finally left Lincoln yesterday and arrived with us today, November 3rd.

On speaking to the seller today to let her know it had arrived today, she informed us that she has sent over 30 other packages with Collect+ recently and not a single one has yet to make it to its destination.



I am exceptionally pleased that I decided to hold off using Collect+ until after we had tried them from the customer perspective. They are shocking and I certainly won't be using them again, as either buyer or seller!

 

[alanc]

I've never used Collect+ and I don't know anything about them, but the OP's experience may be due the higher-than-usual volume of parcels they are probably enjoying at the moment.

 

[parcelpark]

The beauty of ParcelPark is that parcels go directly to your preferred collection point, NOT via a central hub.

This meansthey arrive quicker and they don't get loaded/unloaded repeatedly risking loss or damage. (Possibly important as *I believe* their insurance is just £50 per parcel (max).)

If there's not one near you yet, then why not ask your local shop/pub to apply online for more info? they can do it in the 'business partners' section on the parcelpark.com website (top right-handside)

(or you can do it for them even - all they need is a computer connected to the internet at the shop)

 

[Raw Rob]

The beauty of ParcelPark is that parcels go directly to your preferred collection point, NOT via a central hub.

This meansthey arrive quicker and they don't get loaded/unloaded repeatedly risking loss or damage. (Possibly important as *I believe* their insurance is just £50 per parcel (max).)

If there's not one near you yet, then why not ask your local shop/pub to apply online for more info? they can do it in the 'business partners' section on the parcelpark.com website (top right-handside)

(or you can do it for them even - all they need is a computer connected to the internet at the shop)

Because ParcelPark isn't actually a delivery service? As far as I can see it's just an alternative address the receiver can use if they are going to be out, the sender of the parcel sill has to send it with either RM or another carrier.

Rob

 

[parcelpark]

Because ParcelPark isn't actually a delivery service? As far as I can see it's just an alternative address the receiver can use if they are going to be out, the sender of the parcel sill has to send it with either RM or another carrier.

Rob

You're right Rob - ParcelPark is for receiving parcels (via ANY carrier), not sending them, however I was responding the the original posting and my understanding was that the customer had had problems receiving a parcel that was being delivered via collect+

 

[My Little Customs]

I've never used Collect+ and I don't know anything about them, but the OP's experience may be due the higher-than-usual volume of parcels they are probably enjoying at the moment.

This was our thinking until we discovered that our package was the only one dropped off!!

 

[Fuzzy]

Thanks for sharing that with us. I was tempted I have to say.....now I'm not
​

 

[Blush]

I tried them too, but luckily only sent one parcel!
Won't be returning.
we got a good deal with FEDEX instead and we are now using them instead of Royal Mail.
But even then our local depot couldn't send us any large mailbags as they have run out due to unusuaL HUGH DEMAND! But we can use our own instead.
The postal strike will put extra pressure on the courier firms also but the larger firms I feel will cope.

 

[My Little Customs]

took a quick peek at the Ebay forums to see what they were saying considered Ebay is advertising them all over the shop - seems that my experience is typical of Collect+ - a lot of people complaining with a very small percentage actually saying they had no problems and would use them again.

The running theme seems to be the package not actually moving from the drop off point for days.

 

[Derek Eddlestone]

I trusted Collect+ with a parcel on Dec 19th 2009 with the understanding that the 72 hour service would get it to its destination before Christmas. Both I and the recipient received SMS messages explaining that it had been picked up by the recipient on Dec 23rd but it hadn't and on Jan 1st 2010 the parcel is still in limbo. The latest news suggests it may be available by Monday 4th Jan some 16 days after it was dispatched. I've emailed Collect+ but have had no reply and the recipient only made contact through being 'persistent and forthright'.
Would I use them again? No chance of that and it's back to the Royal Mail in future. Sometimes the bargain prices don't deliver bargain services.

 

[south lancs couriers]

Just a warning really, I was interested to know more about Collect+ as it is offering a great rate, Ebay has teamed up with them and there are PayPoints littered all over every town so figured it would be a great alternative to more pricey courier alternatives.

Thought we would give them a try but they are terrible!

My husband ordered something from Ebay which we needed before Halloween. We paid the extra for Collect+ and it the package was dropped off at the point in Lincoln on Saturday Oct 24th. Collect + said it would be delievered to our local PayPoint by Wednesday 28th at the very latest.

We waited and waited until finally, we tried chasing the package on Saturday. Collect+ could not give us any information about it so we had to turn to the seller. After 4 phonecalls from the seller to Collect+, the package was tracked down.

It had not moved an inch and was still sitting in Lincoln after a week!

To cut a long story short, the package finally left Lincoln yesterday and arrived with us today, November 3rd.

On speaking to the seller today to let her know it had arrived today, she informed us that she has sent over 30 other packages with Collect+ recently and not a single one has yet to make it to its destination.



I am exceptionally pleased that I decided to hold off using Collect+ until after we had tried them from the customer perspective. They are shocking and I certainly won't be using them again, as either buyer or seller!

if we can ever help try us we are a small man and wife team but we cover most areas try us 0161 737 5156 we will do the job first if your happy then send the payment cant say also check us out on pigeon chat fourm under south lancs

 

[APC RoadLink]

Please use a courier / carrier who is in a network not a broker. We may not be the cheapest, but we provide the service to enable us to retain our customers. I don't meen to be rude but the old addage still applies
"You pay for what you get".

Andy

 

[libmum43]

Hi all, I too have had a very frustrating experience with Collect Plus and would strongly recommend you think carefully before using them. I dropped off a parcel to my drop in point on 27/1/01. On checking it I found it had been sat in Carrickfergus all weekend! It only left northern ireland on wednesday 2/2/11 and today (the eight day) it has finally been sorted-(I have been assured it will probably be delivered within the next few days!-very helpful, NOT!!!) The company I were returning to have a returns policy of 10 days so I will probably miss out on that too. 2 emails to customer services and 2 very unsatisfactory and patronising replys and very little help. I had parcel addressed correctly as I have it on my printout receipt yet "Tom" argued with me on the phone that the address was incorrect. I asked about the claims department which of course is by letter only. All in all a very bad experience with this company and I definitely wouldnt recommend. I'd rather pay the few pounds extra with royal mail.

 

[Twiggy69]

I will never use them again. They were recommended by a company I had purchased some ice skates from. I needed to return the skates as they were the wrong size. I paid £5.99 which included £1 to insure them for £100 and the package needed to go to Romsey. I took them to our local Londis store on Tues 20th Sept at 6.35am, they were collected on 21st Sept. They got to Southampton on Saturday 24th and they stayed there until 29th Sept as they lost the parcel. It was found in a container so I dread to think where it was going. I have emailed Collect+ to complain and haven't even received an apology. I have also asked them to refund my money.

 

[alterego]

I will never use them again. They were recommended by a company I had purchased some ice skates from. I needed to return the skates as they were the wrong size. I paid £5.99 which included £1 to insure them for £100 and the package needed to go to Romsey. I took them to our local Londis store on Tues 20th Sept at 6.35am, they were collected on 21st Sept. They got to Southampton on Saturday 24th and they stayed there until 29th Sept as they lost the parcel. It was found in a container so I dread to think where it was going. I have emailed Collect+ to complain and haven't even received an apology. I have also asked them to refund my money.

Did you parcel get delivered? My parcel was sent 18th Oct and is yet to reach its destination...

Have you heard back from Collectplus (collect+)?

 

[Henry Osadzinski]

Collect+ have contacted us, asking that we post this on their behalf. Hope it helps anybody experiencing issues.

We are sorry to read this. We take all customer complaints extremely seriously and continually look for ways to improve our service. As a result, we actively monitor forums to see what our customers are saying so that we can feed back internally and pass on any issues to our customer service team.

If you have any questions and would like to get in touch, please contact Paul on [email protected].

 

[mailboxexpress]

Have you considered just using a courier service for the urgent deliveries?

If delivery was more important than cost a courier might be the better option in the future. As someone stated above many delivery services use different hubs, using a courier cuts out the hubs and ensures collection and delivery without the middle men.

 

[d_taddei2]

customer WARNING. this has to be the worst service ive ever used, my items didnt arrive on time and when i did go to pick up the item i was told i couldnt get it as it wouldnt scan. in the end i managed to get it a week later, my other two parecls where lost by the company and they didnt have a clue where they were, they even had the cheek to ask me if i had and idea where they were and where they were posted from, something they should know from there so called tracking system, what a complete joke, they eventually found them and was told they would be with in a couple of days 9 days have passed and still no parcel or explanation. my advice do not use this service, you will only be disappointed. better spend your money on any other delivery service but this is extremely unreliable and seems very much like a mickey mouse operation.
dominic taddei.

 

[Deleted member 128861]

I sent 4 parcels last week following sales on eBay. I followed up a week later to check everything had arrived OK and to prompt for my feedback. 2 replied saying that they had received nothing, when I checked the tracking they were both marked as being delivered at exactly the same date & time. I am now awaiting contact from Collect + as there is no response on the phone, just music playing. Keep well away, they boast about opening their 4,500 th branch but don't seem to have their act together yet.

 

[Deleted member 128861]

As suggested in this Forum, I contacted paulg (Sorry, I'm not allowed to post his full contact details as I'm new here, just go back a couple of messages) He was more than helpful, explaining the problems that had occurred and keeping me informed as to the delivery dates & times of my 4 parcels. This enabled me to keep my customers in the picture, consequently although there was a delay in delivery, I received no complaints. I was also given a free delivery as compensation. Very pleased (eventually) so I will give them another chance as their prices are so competitive, especially on small packages.

 

[Deleted member 150137]

Never ever use Collect Plus. I have set up a Facebook page for everybody to share negative stories. I have experienced this myself and many others with me.

Please share your negative story and don't forget to like:

facebook.com/bancollectplus

Thank you

 

[PaulG-CollectPlus]

Tim,

My name is Paul I work for CollectPlus, please could you email me your telephone number so we can speak directly. - paulg AT collectplus dot co dot uk

Sorry about the spaces, it wont let me post the email address.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[SuffolkDesigns]

Tim,

My name is Paul I work for CollectPlus, please could you email me your telephone number so we can speak directly. - paulg AT collectplus dot co dot uk

Sorry about the spaces, it wont let me post the email address.

Thanks,

Paul

You might be a tad on the late side if you look at the post dates on page 1 & 2 of this thread.

 

[PaulG-CollectPlus]

Glad to report Tim's issue is resolved now. If anyone else has any queries please feel free to email me anytime. Thanks

 

[monkfish1]

Hi

I needed a drop parcel service have sent 130 odd parcels by collect plus with a 50/ 50 chance it will get there on time or even get there.
My latest is a parcel sent customer July 16th was not in so they sent back to northampton first then on to there hub where it has been since aug 8th and still in a container waiting for them to send me a email as they cant do anything till they send one to ask me if i want it returned but when!!!!!!!!!
Just lost my rag to a sweet girl but why have a customer service that cant help they just tell me its in a container, Now customer P***** off and put a claim in to paypal and She will slag me off in feedback but its not my fault ahhh.

Sent some a few weeks ago and guy at shop told me they may get delayed as courier came in a car day before and could only take 5 parcels !!!
I guess you get what you pay for but maybe they should state it could take 6-8 weeks to return a parcel if customer not available. Shame as the odd one gets there in 3 days but very rare indeed.

Thats better. ahhh

 

[johnnysheffield]

Yes unfortunately I'm just echoing some of the previous posts. We've had items go to customers super quick and super slow with collect+, we found the service to be very good at first for shipping lower value products. But now it's not a service you can rely on for timely deliveries. Some shop owners have shown us piles of parcels and said they'd been there for almost a week waiting for the agent to collect - the concept is a good idea to reduce costs but with increased throughput it sounds like more agents might be needed in certain areas.

If you are going to use Collect+ I would advise you go to them direct rather than through a broker (parcels2go etc) as the included insurance cover is higher and it's easier to communicate with the courier should anything go wrong.

 

[raineshoe]

I wouldn't touch Collect+ with a barge pole. Tried them for my business and sent a test parcel to my parents. Two weeks later it hadn't arrived so tried to track it down. Turned out it hadn't even left the pick up point. Also, when I went to the pick up point the people had no idea what to do either I don't think.

I complained bitterly and they said they'd refund my money and never did.

I have to say I think they are even worse than Rotten Mail and that's saying something.

 

[raineshoe]

Tim,

My name is Paul I work for CollectPlus, please could you email me your telephone number so we can speak directly. - paulg AT collectplus dot co dot uk

Sorry about the spaces, it wont let me post the email address.

Thanks,

Paul

Just seen this - feedback for you Paul - I used the service once and I'd never ever use it again and I would never ever recommend it. As I said in my other post its worse than Rotten Mail which is bad, but this is appalling. Never got my refund that they said they'd give and couldn't manage to deliver the parcel. Not only that the pick up point that my father had to go to the guy was completely useless there and didn't seem to know what he was doing. So nothing would pursuade me back, I value my customers much more than Collect+ clearly do and want to keep them and if I used this service I'd be out of business in 5 minutes!

 

[dodlestonian]

WARNING - COLLECT+ IS AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE!
My parcel arrived at my local depot.
Out for delivery three times on Saturday - they never came near my house, we were in all day, looked on our CCTV, nothing.
Nothing put through our door.

The following day my parcel left my local depot and went back to the hub - tracking it, that's where its stayed, no movement, days passing! its now been over a week no movement.

I ring them, average wait time has been 1 hour 35 minutes.
I email them - just get a standard fobbing off reply.
I offer to collect it - not allowed.

Do yourself a favour and give these people a very wide miss.