New research from Collect+ reveals that nearly half (45 per cent) of UK consumers have purchased goods from international online retailers in the past 12 months, placing significant pressure on UK delivery networks to manage growing inbound volumes and increasingly complex returns.
The returns process is now a leading concern for those receiving international deliveries, with 34 per cent citing it as a worry, second only to additional costs such as customs fees (43 per cent). Delays remain the most commonly cited issue overall (51 per cent), while nearly a third (30 per cent) expressed concerns about parcel security during transit.
Younger consumers are driving the surge in cross-border purchases. More than half (53 per cent) of 18-24 year olds and 54 per cent of 25-34 year olds have bought from international retailers in the past year, compared to just 32 per cent of those aged 65 and over.
While home delivery remains the preferred option for 81 per cent of international shoppers, the data suggests a growing role for out-of-home collection points. Among those who have received international deliveries, 11 per cent said they would prefer to collect from a local shop or parcel point, with this figure rising to 21 per cent among 25-34 year olds.
Location and accessibility continue to shape consumer preferences, with 88 per cent of all respondents saying it is important for parcel collection and drop-off points to be located close to their home or workplace.
Sam Holden, Director of Parcels and E-Commerce at PayPoint, commented: “The growth in international eCommerce is reshaping how UK delivery networks operate. It’s no longer just about getting parcels into the country it’s about what happens once they arrive and, critically, how efficiently they can be returned.
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