Stop Charging Click‑&Collect Fees This Holiday Season
ParcelHero calls it a “Shop‑on‑High‑Street” false‑duty. Retailers are urged to ditch extra charges on store pickups and let shoppers feel the true warmth of the high street.
Why it hurts the season
- Small fee, big disappointment – turning the High Street into a “ticketed zone” feels far from inclusive.
- Consumers are already feeling unsure; a tiny coin for a simple pickup is the worst thing you can ask them for.
- It’s a slap on the ego: fans who already have the product are being penalised for just coming to collect it.
What ParcelHero says
David Jinks, Head of Consumer Research, ramps up the message: “Charging for a store pick‑up when you’ve already ordered is lazy, or in the worst case, a misstep that could push shoppers straight away to competitors.”
How to keep the High Street thriving
- Free up-to-date pick‑up holidays and offer flexible times.
- Use the “No‑Fee” message as a new brand promise on your marketing.
- Build trust by keeping the love for the local shops strong – the more people return, the more future growth for everyone.
In short, ditch the fee and let the High Street shine brighter than ever. Christmas is already packed with holiday spirit. Nothing beats a free, friendly, face‑to‑face pickup.
Is Your Click & Collect Fee Turning a Shopping Trip Into a Gold Mine?
Picture this: you’ve ordered your favorite sweater online, you know the checkout button feels like a dream. Fifteen minutes later, you rush outside to the nearest store, only to hit the real cost of the adventure: the in‑store pickup fee.
Retailers across the UK put a price on the convenience of Buy Online, Pick Up in Store (BOPUS). Some peers have realised that charging extra is a recipe for lost footfall and lost impulse buys. Still, many others charge what feel like a small fortune for a bag of things you already paid for.
Some Notable Fees (and where the free zone is)
- House of Fraser: £4.99
- The White Company: £3.50 (free if you spend over £50)
- Cotton Traders: £2.99 (free over £35)
- John Lewis: £2.50 (free over £30)
- Urban Outfitters: £2.00 (free over £30)
- New Look: £1.99 (free over £19.99)
- Next: 25p during peak times; free otherwise
Retailers That Cut the BOPUS Fees… Where It Counts
Guess what? Plenty of retailers have hopped on the zero‑fee bandwagon when it comes to picking up smaller items:
- Argos – All in‑store pickups are free.
- Currys – Price? A beautiful zero.
- Harvey Nichols – Free between the sale and estate shop.
- M&S – Light as a feather – no charge.
- Pets at Home – No fees for you, too.
- Selfridges – The luxury of free pick‑up.
- Zara – All the fast fashion goodies, zero fee.
What If You Prefer Home Delivery?
Winter’s cold can be a harsh reminder that stepping outside just to avoid an extra charge may not be worth it. Many shoppers, especially during the holiday rush, opt for door‑to‑door delivery instead. The delivery deadline often precedes the final store collection window, making it a convenient choice for those who don’t want to brave the weather for a few pounds of convenience.
Bottom line: the next time you place an order, glance at the pickup fee. If it’s a luxury to the point of obsession, you might as well stay home and let that delivery driver do the heavy lifting. Otherwise, grab a coffee and enjoy a quick, fee‑free jaunt to your local store.
