Growth online sales give boost to courier service providers

Turnover realised by courier service providers grew by 3 percent in the second quarter of 2012. Turnover has grown in the last few years as online sales have improved. In recent years, more and more people in the Netherlands have bought products over the Internet. Providers of courier services have benefited from the increase in online shopping.

Turnover developments local mail and courier services, mail-order firms and online shops

Online sales growing

A growing number of Dutch residents buy products and services online. Nearly seven in ten bought goods and services over the Internet last year versus five in ten in 2006. Internet shop and mail-order sales have improved, while traditional shops face loss of turnover. In the second quarter of 2012, online sales rose by no less than 7 percent from one year previously.

Providers of courier services benefit

Improving online sales have a positive effect on mail and courier businesses. More and more products bought by consumers over the Internet are delivered by couriers. The number of providers of courier services has grown for years. Because few rules have to be met, it is fairly easy to start up a courier service business and the market is dynamic. Last year, for example, 1,250 new businesses were started and 700 were liquidated in a total population of approximately 4,500. The category of small courier businesses in particular is very dynamic.

Local mail and courier services: number of businesses, new businesses and closedowns

Robbert de Ruijter