River Island is among the launch customers for a new dedicated international home delivery service launched by DPD.
The fashion retailer is to send its overseas consignments to markets including the US and Australia through DPD Direct, which the parcel delivery company has launched in a bid to reduce the cost and ‘hassle’ factor of shipping to overseas customers.
The new service aims to simplify customs and duty issues for retailers, provides a tracking and returns service, and also generates in-country notifications for the end customer in their own language.
So far the service is serving the 12 largest international markets for UK etailers, including the US, Australia and key European markets.
Its launch customers include River Island and Rocks TV.
“UK brands are in demand worldwide and UK etailers are in a fantastic position to exploit these key markets,” said DPD chief executive Dwain McDonald. “However, historically, global shipping has been expensive and often complicated by delivery delays due to customs and excise, and as a result many UK based e-tailers have been reluctant to target overseas customers. Our mission is to help retailers break down the barriers to growth in ecommerce and DPD Direct gives etailers a fast, cost-effective solution to the challenge of international home delivery.”
He added: “Through DPD Direct our aim is to make it as easy for UK etailers to sell to customers living in Sydney as Southampton.”
