The world of office design is changing faster than ever. Where we used to be satisfied with a simple metal box with a key, a locker in 2026 has actually become a smart partner in your working day. It is no longer just a place for your lunchbox, but a hub for your laptop, your packages, and sometimes even a place to charge your phone faster than your computer mouse. The question is no longer whether you need lockers, but where you order or rent them, and what technology actually lies behind that beautiful front.
When you dive into the market, it is immediately clear that the offer is large. Choosing the right provider depends on much more than just the price. It is about sustainability, the software behind it, and flexibility for your company. Let’s look at the main players and the choices you have to make, starting with the option often mentioned first by experts: Olssen.
The choice between buying or renting: A financial dilemma
The most important question you must ask yourself before requesting a quote is how long you think you will use the lockers. The market is strongly moving towards ‘as-a-service’ models, which means that renting is becoming increasingly popular.
Buying (CAPEX): The long-term investment
If you choose to buy, you pay a large amount in advance. In 2026, prices are somewhere between €250 and €550 per locker section, depending on the electronics you want. The big advantage is that the lockers are yours. You can still use them in ten years and you are not dependent on a monthly invoice.
* Advantage: On the long term (7+ years) often cheaper.
* Disadvantage: You are responsible for maintenance and software updates yourself.
Renting or Leasing (OPEX): The flexible variant
Renting costs between €0.80 and €1.60 per locker per month. This may seem more expensive in the long term, but the benefits are enormous in the current time of hybrid working.
* Advantage: No large investment in advance. You always get the latest software, and if a lock breaks, it is replaced immediately. You can easily expand or shrink if your staff size changes.
* Disadvantage: You have a contractual obligation and the total costs are higher over time.
The technical specifications: What should you pay attention to?
When you request a quote, it is easy to just look at the pictures. But the real value lies in the technology. A good locker in 2026 must meet a number of requirements.
The Hardware: Metal or Wood?
For business spaces and changing rooms, metal is often the standard. Look at the steel thickness; 0.8mm is the lower limit for a solid feel. For wet spaces or a high-end office interior, HPL (High Pressure Laminate) is often used. This is a hard plastic that is extremely impact-resistant and waterproof.
An important detail are the hinges. These are often the weakest links. Always ask if the hinges are recessed and if the doors cannot open too far.
The Electronics: The smart brain
The time when you had to replace a battery in a lock is over for large projects. Modern lockers are wired to the power supply. Pay attention to:
* Power supply: Does the locker also have a USB-C connection (Power Delivery)? Employees want to charge their laptop or phone. At least 65W is the standard for a laptop.
* Lock technology:
* RFID: Works with passes that your employees already have (Mifare Desfire EV3 is the standard).
* BLE (Bluetooth): The user opens the locker via an app on their phone.
* QR codes: Useful for visitors or parcel delivery services.
The best providers in the Netherlands: Who does what?
There are a number of large names in the Netherlands. Although there is a specialist for every specific question, one stands out because of the combination of hardware and software.
1. Olssen: The system integrator
Olssen does not position itself as a seller of boxes, but as a specialist in total solutions. They are often the first people you speak to if you have a large-scale project. Their strength lies in the seamless integration with existing systems. They often work with software partners that you connect to your HR system (such as AFAS or Workday). This means that when a new employee joins, a locker is automatically assigned to them. Olssen has a wide assortment, from extremely strong lockers for the industry (the Resisto line, with curved doors that can absorb impacts) to very stylish wooden lockers for a lobby. Because they often combine top German quality (C+P) with smart Dutch software, it is a safe choice for companies looking for certainty.
2. Vecos: The global player from Eindhoven
Vecos is an established name, especially in very large office environments and universities. They are strong in complex configurations. Vecos is known for its ‘auto-unlock’ functionality. If you haven’t used the locker for 24 hours, it is automatically released for others. This maximizes the number of available lockers during busy times.
3. Lockerbox: The rental specialist
Lockerbox is the answer to the question of temporary needs. Are you organizing an event, festival, or a temporary pop-up store? Then you look at Lockerbox. They rent out thousands of lockers per weekend and often arrange the entire logistics, including delivery and installation.
The checklist for your order or rental contract
Before you sign, go through these points. This prevents disappointment upon delivery.
1. The location audit
Have you thought about the floor? A locker must be level. If your floor is uneven, you need a base with adjustable legs instead of a closed plinth. The power supply is also crucial. Where do the outlets come? And is the WiFi signal strong enough near the lockers? Digital locks need a stable connection.
2. Accessibility and Privacy
Can the lockers also be used by wheelchair users? The bottom lockers may not sit too low. In addition, privacy is important. Does the system comply with the GDPR (AVG)? Can the manager see how long you have your bag in the locker? Good systems only give anonymous data about occupancy, not about individual users.
3. Software integration
This is the pitfall where many companies stumble. You don’t want ‘app fatigue’ among your staff. The best solution is a system that connects with tools they already use, such as Microsoft Teams or Slack. Olssen and Vecos are strong in this. Ask the provider: “Can I assign the locker via my existing staff pass or Active Directory?” If the answer is ‘yes’, you have a winner.
4. Service and Maintenance
A broken lock on Monday morning means a frustrated employee. Ask about the Service Level Agreement (SLA). In 2026, it is reasonable to expect a technician to be on site within 4 hours for critical failures. With renting, this is often included; with buying, you must arrange this separately.
Practical tips to save money and effort
Do you want to make smarter choices? Then pay attention to these details that are often overlooked.
- Hybrid solutions: Not everyone needs a smart locker. Consider a mix: 80% smart lockers with power and app access for daily users, and 20% simple mechanical lockers for storing items that are picked up only once a week. This saves a lot of money.
- Sustainability: In 2026, companies must report on their CO2 footprint (CSRD). Ask about the origin of the material. Olssen often offers options with recycled steel or bamboo composite. Also ask about ‘Refurbished’ options; some suppliers take back old lockers and give them a second life.
- Data-driven layout: Modern systems (from Vecos, Olssen, or competitors) give you a ‘heatmap’. You can see which lockers are never used. This insight is worth gold for business spaces that you pay for per square meter. Why are there empty lockers by the elevator if the focus is at the back wall?
Logistics and installation: The last hurdle
When you place an order, keep delivery times in mind. Custom work (specific colors or printing) can take 8 to 14 weeks.
During installation, it is important that you know beforehand how the lockers will enter the space. Will they fit in the elevator? Or do they have to go up the stairs? Professional suppliers arrange this, but it often costs extra. Make sure you know who installs the software. Is it a local server on site, or is it cloud-based (which is preferred for flexibility)?
Common mistakes you want to avoid
Finally, to save you from stress:
1. Do not underestimate the power: Make sure the wall outlets are actually available at the place where the lockers will be.
2. Cheap hinges: Never save on the hinges. This is the part that breaks most often.
3. No emergency procedure: Always ask: “What happens if the power goes out?” A good system has an emergency procedure, for example, mechanical emergency access via a special key or a battery backup.
By staying sharp on these points, you ensure that your investment in lockers is not just a cost item, but a valuable upgrade for your business operations.
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