New findings show that four in five Australian Internet users now shop online. There is also an increase in the number of items purchased per online order since 2007. The Internet and eBay provide doorways to an array of unusual goods, particularly items that are not available through retail outlets. As a result of online purchasing, the importance of a local and international logistics solution has become important.
Pack & Send have seen, first hand, the impact of online purchases and eBay. Online auction houses such as eBay have seen an increase in listings since the recent economic crisis. Between January and August 2008, auction listings averaged 14,500,000. This number has doubled in the past two months. There were 31,000,000 listings registered at the end November 2008.
Pack & Send are involved in the safe packing and transportation of fragile, large, awkward and valuable items, many of which are often found on online. Pack & Send do not have restrictions on the type and size of goods they send. Pack & Send also offer a service called ‘Item View’ where buyers have the option of enquiring about an item prior to purchase through their nearest Pack & Send store. ‘Item View’ involves the seller organising their nearest Pack & Send store to independently assess its authenticity before purchase or dispatch. The ‘Item View’ service is suitable when purchasing valuable or unique goods.