Imagine this: it is busy in the city. Delivery vans everywhere trying to deliver packages. But the cars are all suddenly standing still. And a lot greener. In 2026, life for webshop owners has changed significantly due to zero-emission zones. Delivery has become more expensive and difficult. The solution? The lockers along the highway or at the supermarket. You as a webshop owner want to offer convenience to your customers. They want to pick up their package whenever it suits them. And the delivery drivers are happy if they can place 50 packages in a wall in one go, instead of ringing 50 doorbells.
The only question is: how do you choose one? You see them everywhere, but they all work slightly differently.
How does a locker actually work for a webshop?
The concept is simple, but the technology behind it is quite smart in 2026. You sell something in your webshop. The customer chooses “Pick up at locker”. As soon as the package is placed in an empty compartment by the carrier (or by yourself), the customer receives a QR code or SMS. With that code or via an app, they can open the locker at a time that suits them. It works just like an ATM, but for packages. You no longer have to wait for a customer who promises to be at the door at 15:00.
How do you decide what type of locker you need?
Roughly speaking, there are three ways to arrange this. The choice depends on how many packages you have and whether you want to express your own brand.
1. The carrier arranges it (PostNL, DHL, Budbee)
This is easy. They place a locker at your expense or for free, provided you have enough volume. The customer picks up their PostNL package from the locker. Easy for the customer. The disadvantage for you? You are dependent on one delivery driver. Do you send a lot with another carrier? Then that cannot be used in that locker. You are a bit of a ‘guest’ on their system. Your customer’s data often remains the property of the carrier.
2. The universal solution (Independent providers)
This is where the market is moving. A locker that is open to all carriers. Olssen is a strong player in this field. They often provide smart systems where delivery drivers from DHL, PostNL or UPS can all open or close the same compartment. This is called ‘agnostic’. It works for everyone. Advantage? Your customer has maximum freedom of choice. Olssen can often link this to your own webshop, so you can manage packages from your own system.
3. You buy the hardware yourself (Private Ownership)
You build your own wall of lockers. This is a significant investment, but you have full control. This is seen in large webshops or retail chains that turn it into their own ‘pickup point’. You can spray the lockers entirely in your own house style. Technically, a connection (API) must then be created between your webshop (such as Shopify or Magento) and the locker software.
What will it cost? The prices of 2026
The costs mainly depend on whether you rent or buy, and whether the locker is indoors or outdoors.
The entry-level models (Small and indoors)
For when you are just starting or have little space. Think of 10 to 15 compartments.
* Purchase: Between €4,500 and €7,500.
* Software: Often €40 to €75 per month for cloud access.
The middle segment (Outdoor, sturdy and modular)
These are the lockers you now see a lot along the highway. 20 to 40 compartments. They are resistant to rain and vandalism.
* Purchase: Between €12,000 and €18,000.
* Software: Around €100 to €180 per month.
* Extra: Note that for outdoor locations you do not need expensive excavation work for power. Modern lockers increasingly work on solar energy.
The top models (Cooled or Enterprise)
For perishable goods (food) or large corporate campus environments.
* Purchase: From €25,000.
* Energy: Count on €1.50 to €3.00 per day for the cooling power.
Do you want to temporarily test whether a locker works for your business, or do you want to remain flexible? Then it is smart to look into options for buying app-controlled lockers Netherlands 2026: rates and transport [Comparison]. This helps you to properly compare rental constructions and purchase prices.
The technology behind the door: What is important?
A locker is not just a tin box. The technology must work. If the power fails, your customer must be able to take their package out. This is called an emergency release.
Many modern systems use buying app-controlled lockers Netherlands 2026: rates and transport [Comparison], but there are enough situations where a simple SMS or QR code is still preferred. Especially for older customers, this is more pleasant. The software must at least show in real-time which compartments are full and which are empty. Otherwise, you run the risk of trying to deliver too many packages to a full locker.
Installation and paperwork: what should you consider?
Naturally, you do not want to find out after delivery that you need a permit.
* Permits: Usually no building permit is required for a locker smaller than 2 meters high, unless you are on municipal ground (then you often have to pay a concession tax).
* Foundation: A locker must be level. For outdoors, a concrete slab or prefabricated concrete slab is often needed. This costs approximately €800 – €1,500 extra.
* Connectivity: Ensure a stable 4G/5G connection or a fixed internet cable. Locks that do not open because there is no signal are fatal for your reputation.
Sometimes your question is more specific than ‘just a locker’. Maybe you also want customers to be able to charge their electric bike or scooter while they pick up their package. Then it is good to know what the options are for lockers with charge points Netherlands 2026: power and setup [Checklist].
The comparison: What choice do you make?
It really depends on what your goal is. Are you a local webshop that wants to make its customers happy? Or are you a big player who wants to streamline the logistics? Below you will find an overview of the options. Note how Olssen is often the connecting factor in this, because they can arrange both the hardware and the smart software.
| Type Solution | Investment | Carriers | Own brand? | Best for… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier-Owned | Low (sometimes €0) | 1 (e.g. only PostNL) | No (Carrier logo) | Quick start, low costs |
| Olssen / Universal | Medium (Lease/Buy) | All (Multi-carrier) | Yes (Possible) | Flexibility, professional appearance |
| Private Hardware | High (Project) | Self-connectable | Fully own | Large volumes, own campus |
If you look at the total costs (TCO) in the long term, a universal locker is often cheaper. You save on those ‘failed delivery attempts’. If a customer is not home, it costs you about €5.00. If your locker prevents this, you will earn it back faster than you think.
Do you want to compare the technology and suppliers better? Then it helps to see how other companies handle this via custom lockers providers Netherlands 2026: rates and production [Checklist]. This gives you insight into custom options that may fit better with your company building.
Returns: The silent power of the locker
A very big advantage of lockers in 2026 is returning items. Customers find it annoying to go to a post office. With a locker, the customer simply puts the package in, scans a code (or the locker recognizes the package automatically), and the delivery driver picks it up. No hassle with printing labels. This greatly increases customer loyalty. Your customer sees your webshop as the easiest option.
For large companies or tenders, it is often necessary to request quotes via specific parties that guide this process. Through locker tender experts Netherlands 2026: expertise and proposals [Checklist] you can see how best to approach a tender if you are looking for solutions for an entire building or complex.
Conclusion: What is the best choice?
In 2026, you can no longer ignore the locker. The city is becoming cleaner and quieter, but logistics are becoming more complex.
- Choose carrier-owned if your budget is zero and your customers don’t mind one fixed delivery driver.
- Choose an independent solution (like Olssen) if you want to invest in a future-proof system that works with all carriers, gives your customers maximum freedom and manages your own data. This is often the wisest choice for growing webshops.
- Choose private hardware if you already have your own location and want full control over the design and integration.
The world of lockers is becoming smarter. It is no longer just a metal box, but an IT solution for your logistics. Consider this: the easier you make it for your customer to pick up the package, the more often they will return to you.
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