Parcel Collection vs Drop Off: Which Delivery Option is Right for You?

22 April 2025 | Editor's Pick | Most Popular | Parcel Deliveries

Author: Parcel2Go.com

When you have orders to send out to your customers, Parcel2Go can help you find a service that’s reliable and affordable. But have you considered how the choice between parcel collection or drop off could save you time and money?

Let’s look at whether you should use drop off or parcel collection or services for your business delivery.

What is Drop Off Delivery?

For small businesses that need flexibility and minimal hassle, drop-off delivery is a quick and inexpensive choice. Once you’ve booked delivery, all you need to do is take your parcel to your local drop off shop and your courier will collect it from there.

For some services, you’ll need to print a shipping label at home. If you don’t have a printer, you can select the ‘Print in Store’ option when completing your quote. After you make your booking, we’ll send you a QR code by email. Simply show this code when you drop your parcel off and they’ll print a label for you in store. Simple.

How Can I Find a Parcel Drop Off Near Me?

Find your nearest drop off point in just a few clicks. Simply enter your postcode into our simple form and we’ll show you a map with the local drop off shops marked.

What is Parcel Collection?

Parcel collection is a convenient choice for businesses—especially if you have a lot of packages to send or a tight schedule to meet. With parcel collection, a courier will come to your home or business address to collect the parcel (or parcels!) and deliver them to your customers.

We’ll send your shipping labels with your confirmation email. Couriers such as DX, Parcelforce and Royal Mail offer ‘No Printer Needed’ services—to find these services, just look for the no printer logo in your quote results.

4 Key Differences Between Collection & Drop Off Services

Whether you choose drop off or parcel collection will depend on several factors. We’ve outlined the main differences below so you can choose the best delivery service for your business.

1. Price

For budget-conscious businesses, drop off delivery is a brilliant choice.

With prices starting from just £1.99 exc VAT, drop off services are generally cheaper than collection services (especially if you only send a few parcels), and still offer premium features such as QR code labels and

Get a quote to find out how much you could save with drop off delivery. Once you’ve found the service you need, you can set up a PrePay account to make even greater savings.

2. Convenience

There are over 25,000 drop off shops across the country, some of which are open late at night. They’re convenient too, with most drop off shops located in petrol stations, corner shops, supermarkets, and on the high street.

However, if you’re sending a lot of parcels or you’re unable to get to a drop off location, parcel collection can be a very convenient option.

When you book a collection service, the courier will give you a collection window so you will know when to expect them. This can help to avoid any surprises and allow you to easily work your shipping around your schedule.

3. Speed

There are options for express delivery with both drop off and collection services.

If you want to send your parcel in a hurry, we have affordable options for next day as well as timed deliveries which are guaranteed to arrive by 9am, 10am or 12pm.

4. Availability

Most of the UK has great availability for drop off and collection services. Most of the top couriers in the UK such as Royal Mail and Evri offer both collection and drop off services for delivery worldwide.

For drop off delivery, you can easily check where your local drop off point is to check that it’s convenient.

What Collection Services do Parcel2Go Offer?

We’re proud to offer some of the best parcel collection services in the UK, with options for express delivery, large and heavy parcels, international services, and collection services without a printer.

Here’s one of our top parcel collection services:

Royal Mail Parcel Collection

Royal Mail parcel collection starts from just £2.25 exc VAT, making it one of the most affordable options for reliable collection.

Send parcels up to 0.75 kg with a maximum size of 35x25x2 cm and you'll also get £50 of Parcel Protection included, free parcel tracking, and you won’t need a printer for your shipping labels.

What Drop Off Services do Parcel2Go Offer?

There are plenty of drop off services to choose from, all of which are covered by our Lowest Price Guarantee, so if you find the same service cheaper elsewhere, we’ll match it.

Our most popular drop off services include:

Evri Parcel Drop Off

Our cheapest service, you can book an Evri parcel drop off for just £1.99 exc VAT.

With Evri, you’ll get access to over 7,000 drop-shops across the country, parcel protection of up to £5,000, free parcel tracking, and optional label printing in store. You’ll also be able to send parcels up to 15 kg.

Yodel Parcel Drop Off

Yodel parcel drop off starts from just £2.45 exc VAT.

You’ll be able to send parcels up to 10 kg from one of over 6,000 drop off shops.

DHL Parcel Drop Off

One of the most reliable couriers in the UK, you can save money on your DHL delivery by choosing DHL parcel drop off.

Starting from £4.25 exc VAT, this convenient service allows you to leave your parcel at one of over 3,500 DHL service points. Find your nearest DHL drop off point when you make your booking with Parcel2Go.

Which Courier Option is Best for You?

Which courier option works best for you will depend on your budget and how many parcels you’re sending.

Drop off services are the cheapest option and are ideal for small businesses who are sending only a few parcels.

Collection services are perfect if you’re sending high volumes of parcels or bulky items and want the convenience of a timed collection slot.

Get a quote to find out which service provides the best options for you.