PAXI from PEP: Logistics to Partner with for Parcel Delivery

The courier that’s making an impact in the lives of SMEs across South Africa started a decade ago as a response to the needs of their customers. PAXI from PEP launched in 2015 as a document transportation service for Unisa students. But this quickly grew when clients begged for more. Today, it is a fully fledged courier service.

PAXI claims to be one of South Africa’s most convenient and affordable parcel delivery services. It boasts 2800 points where parcels can be sent, collected and delivered. This includes stores from PEP, PEP Home, PEP Cell, Tekkie Town, and Shoe City. With this large footprint, SMEs are able to reach customers in remote locations.

The PAXI Service

When parcels were introduced into the market, parcels were placed on the same trucks heading to the same destination for collection. Pepkor IT developed its own in-house technology system that integrates Pepkor Logistics and other courier infrastructure.

Today, PAXI relies on third-party logistics suppliers while still using their fully integrated online service. SMEs can log on to the business portal, load their parcels and drop them off at their nearest point.

The business owner can avoid long queues in the store by purchasing bags online and packing them at their business address, before booking them for delivery and handing them in in-store. The online portal allows you to register as many parcels as you need, and manage and track the parcels.

Although there is an API available that integrates with an SME’s website, you need to send a minimum of parcels per month to qualify for the integration.

Once a parcel arrives at the designated PAXI Point, the business customer and the recipient receive SMS notifications to inform them of the delivery progress. The recipient will also receive a unique PIN with their SMS notification. This PIN is used upon collection to ensure the right person collects the right parcel.

Pricing

PAXI parcel’s pricing is charged per size and according to delivery priority (3-5 business days, or 7-9 business days).

Standard size bags (450mm x370mm; max 5kg)
3-5 business days for R 109,95;
7-9 business days for R 59,95.

Large size bags (640mm x 510mm; max 10kg)
3-5 business days R 139,95;
7-9 business days for R 109,95.

Parcel Insurance

Any type of insurance exists to help protect your business – or products – against unforseen issues, such as damaged packages. For this reason, PAXI also offers PAXI Insurance. It covers all your parcels for up to R 500 in case of loss.

Should the business have higher value packages, or the items that the business is selling are more expensive, there’s additional insurance vouchers are available too.

Insurance vouchers for R 10 provide cover for up to R 2 500. Vouchers for R 20 per package provide cover up to R 5 000. However, business owners must note that all insurance vouchers must be activated within 7 days of purchase in order to be claimed. Only one voucher claim per parcel is allowed.

Customer Returns

Returns are a natural part of business. Perhaps the colour of the product was not what your buyer envisioned, or they purchased the wrong size. Returning and exchanging products is just another part of serving your client.

PAXI has tried to make this as effortless as possible.

Buyers who are returning products can head to their closest PAXI point. Here, they obtain a token bag that has a unique token number. This contains the details for the business to which the package is being returned.

The process is made possible by the API integration, allowing the buyer to insert the product into the bag. That’s it. One of the courier partners will collect the parcel and return it to the business.

PEP’s PAXI has made reaching clients in remote areas not only possible, but also affordable. It offers businesses exactly what they need: from parcel insurance to returns. This means that businesses can reach new markets and grow their national footprint far beyond what they expected. As long as businesses don’t ship illegal items, fluids, or dangerous goods, money (or any type of it), medication or electronics, PAXI will be at your service!