Startup ViaTim lets neighbours not only accept parcels, but also deliver them. Consumers can tell ViaTim when they want to receive the neighbour's parcel.
"It's the age-old story of the chain and the weakest link," says Michiel Nieuwkerk, founder of ViaTim about standard parcel delivery. Online, you can buy anything 24/7 at your time, but delivery is at the delivery driver's convenience. ViaTim is going to change that with neighbourhood delivery."
Finely meshed network of neighbourhood points
ViaTim previously set up a finely-meshed network of neighbourhood points. These neighbourhood points accept parcels for neighbours for a fee. This way, the delivery man can always drop off his parcel and consumers can also pick up their order in the evening, something that is not possible at many parcel points.
Deliver in the evening
ViaTim is now expanding that service to include delivery by neighbours. The neighbour, the so-called ViaTim Point, receives the parcel during the day. In the evening, he delivers the parcels on foot or by bike. If the recipient is not at home at that time, the parcel can be picked up that same evening at the ViaTim Point in the neighbourhood.
