Let´s talk Z-BOXes | Eduseries episode 2
Episode 2 of our educational content series is going to be all about Z-BOXes. A couple years ago when we introduced these revolutionary self-service delivery boxes, we had no idea how much popularity they would gain in such a short period of time. So let´s dive in!
Where it all began
We launched our first Z-BOX back in 2020 in the Czech Republic. Back then, box delivery was already pretty common, so we went the extra step and developed a solar-powered, highly accessible solution that would shift the limits of parcel delivery even further.
Since then, we grew our network extensively to more than 9 000 Z-BOX locations and expanded the product across 4 international entities. Today, Z-BOXes can be found in Czechia (where we have over 5 000 locations), Slovakia (where we extended our network to over 2 000 Z-BOXes), Hungary, and Romania.
As quick and easy as it gets
Efficient, modern, and sustainable. Packeta delivery solutions always aim for simplicity and customer comfort. With Z-BOXes, customers have the luxury to pick up their parcels whenever they want. Z-BOX is the ideal delivery solution for those who have to work nights, study late, for those who prefer to pick up their parcels very early, or for those who want maximum freedom. Why?
📦 Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
📦 Accessible thru keypad or contactlessly via Packeta mobile app
📦 Entirely self-sufficient
📦 Fully solar-powered
The installation of a Z-BOX is relatively simple which allows such rapid network growth. The size of a Z-BOX varies depending on the number of columns and locker slots, which makes them flexible to different space conditions and requirements.
Over the years, we´ve also established cooperations with several business partners, at whose locations Z-BOXes are regularly installed because of high demand. Such partnerships include for example popular grocery chains Lidl or Tesco, retail stores such as Okay or CPI, as well as very important local power plants Temelín and Dukovany in Czechia.
Beyond possibilities
Launching our Z-BOX network opened many doors for us. Thanks to Z-BOXes, we can satisfy a wide range of customers by being available 24/7 and offering a fuss-free pick-up + shipping delivery solution.
How exactly does one pick up a parcel?
- When notified that your parcel is ready for pick-up, you can set off to the Z-BOX you selected for your parcel to be delivered to.
- At the Z-BOX, you have 2 choices: manual pick-up using a keypad or contactless pick-up using our mobile app and Bluetooth.
Pick-up using Packeta mobile app
- When at the Z-BOX, it´s necessary to enable Bluetooth and location services on your phone.
- Everything else is sorted through Packeta mobile app. The app pairs itself with the Z-BOX via Bluetooth and guides you through the pick-up process.
- In the app, using a simple visualisation, you can see the locker containing your parcel clearly marked in red. Based on the location showed in the app, you can see exactly which locker will open for you.
- When the locker that stores your parcel opens, take your parcel and close the locker door. That’s it!
Pick-up using a keypad
- When your parcel is ready for pick-up, you will receive a 9-digit code via email (also via the app and text msg).
- Enter the code using the keypad, press confirm, and the locker with your parcel will open.
- When the locker opens, take your parcel and close the locker door. That’s it!
We reacted to customer feedback and added the option to share one’s parcel with any other user in our app. Customers can now have their parcels picked up by somebody else when they can´t or don´t have the time to do so. All it takes is sharing the parcel data through Packeta mobile app with the particular user.
The parcel information will then be synced with that user’s phone, including the tracking number and the password for pick-up, which enables them to pick up the parcel for the original recipient.
PS, we have a thorough step-by-step manual described in THIS article.
End consumers can use our contactless Z-BOXes for parcel pick-up as well as parcel drop-off. It´s simple and saves lots of time! The process of parcel drop-off is sorted in a few simple steps.
Shipping via Z-BOXes using Packeta mobile app
- Download the newest version of Packeta mobile app in the AppStore or Google Play.
- Pack the parcel you are shipping—ideally in a cardboard box.
- Create a shipping order in the app by clicking on “Ship a parcel”. After you pay for shipping, click on “Go to parcels”.
- Here, click on “Parcel drop-off” a select the “At Z-BOX” option.
- A digital password will pop up. Write this password legibly on the parcel. If the parcel is wrapped in plastic, use a permanent marker or write the password on a note and attach it with a piece of clear tape.
- Before you head to the Z-BOX, go to the “Pick-up points” section (pin pictogram) to locate your nearest Z-BOX, and select one with available capacity.
- Set off to the Z-BOX.
- At the Z-BOX, make sure you have mobile data turned on, Bluetooth enabled, and location services turned on.
- The app will locate the Z-BOX you are standing at and pair it with your phone.
- By clicking on “Select locker”, view the parcel lockers that are currently available. Choose one that fits the size of your parcel.
- Click on “Open Z-BOX” in the app.
- Insert your parcel into the locker that opens, close it and confirm by clicking on “Parcel inserted”.
- Confirm once more. And you´re done!
For those who prefer visual content, here´s our video manual 👇
Installling keypads to be even more accessible for customers
In 2024, we started installing keypads on Z-BOXes to create even more inclusivity and to offer self-service pick-up as an option to customers with non-digital preferences. We are continuously responding to customer feedback. Increasing the accessibility of services is key for us. This was a big topic for our customers—they wanted it, we delivered! Picking up parcels via automated delivery boxes will now be even simpler.
“When we built the first Z-BOX in 2020, we truly believed our customers would love the product. I’m extremely glad this has proven right. Our services, products, and innovations are built on customer feedback and this is no exception. These keypads make Z-BOXes even more accessible and parcel pick-up even easier. We believe this innovation will be appreciated by people who are not fans of smartphones or simply do not own one. Now, anyone, anywhere can pick up their parcel from a Z-BOX,” comments David Soukup, CNO of Packeta.
Sounds interesting? If you want to learn even more, read this.
Introducing new designs of Z-BOXes that blend into surroundings
Packeta was the first in the industry to introduce several new designs for self-service delivery boxes. With new white, grey, beige, or green designs, Z-BOXes blend in with their surroundings. It’s important for us to keep the environment around Z-BOXes undisturbed, to keep their appearance in a given location as natural as possible.
Customers will continue to see our typical red Z-BOXes, but for the newly installed ones, we will always choose the most suitable option for that placement. Packeta also plans to launch limited-edition Z-BOX designs for exclusive cooperations with selected retail partners.
Want to read more about this? ⬇️
Interested in some fun facts? 🙂
- It takes 6 hours on average for a customer to pick up their parcel since receiving the initial notification.
- We´ve managed to build the biggest network of automatic delivery boxes in Czechia.
- We are able to install up to 25 new Z-BOXes a day!
- Plus, our Z-BOX team also expands and increases the capacity of already-built boxes every single day.
Looking red, thinking green 🌿
Sustainable delivery solutions are the future of e-commerce. Respecting the environment and creating ways to lower our carbon footprint is a very important pillar for us. Z-BOXes portray a parcel delivery option that is friendly towards the environment as well as beneficial for our customers.
Z-BOXes are innovative delivery locker boxes. Packeta Z-BOXes are sustainable thanks to running on solar energy which they absorb by solar panels located on the roof.
You can read more about our mission and journey toward sustainability here.
