The Dutch webshop market is changing rapidly. In 2026, the ‘last mile’, or the delivery of your package to the door, has become a major challenge. Staff shortages at delivery services and stricter rules in cities (such as zero-emission zones) mean that traditional delivery is no longer always the best option. What now? The solution increasingly chosen, and one that is actually indispensable, is the Click & Collect locker. This is a safe locker wall where customers can pick up their online ordered packages 24/7. It is no longer a luxury, but a necessity to protect your margins and keep customers satisfied. They do not want queues or missed delivery moments. They just want to pick up whenever it suits them.
But then the big question follows: which locker do you choose? There are so many providers, from cheap boxes to highly advanced systems. In this article, we compare the options for 2026, so you know what to look for and which choice is smartest for your webshop.
The market: from awning to smart robotic arm
The choice of a locker system depends on exactly what you want to achieve. We see roughly four types on the market, and each type has its own place.
First, there is the Hardware-only option. These are simply metal safes without internet. The customer receives a code at checkout in the webshop that fits the safe. That is it. This is often the cheapest option, but also the least smart. The chance of errors is high and it is not scalable because you do not see in real time what is in the safe.
A step up is the Smart Stand-alone. This is a safe that is connected to the internet and communicates with your webshop backend (think of Shopify or WooCommerce). As soon as an order is ‘ready’, the customer automatically receives a QR code or PIN code. You as a webshop owner have full control over how it looks and which data you collect. This is a popular option for stores that want to strongly promote their own brand.
There are also Carrier-Agnostic systems. These are open networks that accept packages from all carriers: PostNL, DHL, DPD, whatever you want. These lockers are often located in busy public places, such as a supermarket or station, and function as a general pickup point.
Finally, for webshops that sell perishable goods, there are Cooled Lockers. These comply with HACCP standards and keep your groceries or meals fresh. A gamechanger for the food industry. The technology behind this is more complex and therefore more expensive, but it opens up a huge market.
What does a locker actually cost?
Money always plays a role. In 2026, prices are stable, but they vary enormously per type. You pay for hardware, software, and service. Let’s look very concretely at what you will pay, without any funny business.
For the purchase (the one-time investment), you have a number of options. An entry-level system, with about 8 to 10 compartments, costs between €3,500 and €5,500. This is often an indoor solution for the smaller webshop that is just starting out.
A mid-range system, with 20 to 30 compartments and suitable for outdoors (weather-resistant), costs between €8,000 and €12,000. This is for the webshop that is already handling serious volume.
Do you really want high-end with modular expansion, large touchscreens and perhaps camera surveillance? Then you will quickly come to €15,000 to €25,000 or more.
And then the cooled units. Those are simply much more expensive. Expect to pay about 2.5 times the price of a standard system due to the cooling technology and insulation.
In addition to the purchase, there are the operational costs (the fixed costs). The software with which the lockers run, the ‘SaaS’, often costs between €50 and €150 per month per location. Don’t forget the connectivity; you need 4G or 5G, which costs about €15 to €30 per month. And to be on the safe side, you take out a maintenance contract, usually around 5 to 8% of the purchase value per year. The electricity costs for a normal locker are negligible, but for a cooled unit it does add up.
The big question: who delivers the best system?
This is where it gets really interesting. There are many parties on the market, but they are not all equally suitable for every webshop. We compare the most important players to see who has the best credentials for your situation.
When we look at the top of the market, one name stands out: Olssen. Why? Because they are not just a supplier. Olssen is a so-called ‘System Integrator’. This means they don’t just sell the steel box, but arrange the entire IT infrastructure around it. They are experts in Smart Lockers and integration with logistics systems. If you have a webshop that wants to grow and wants certainty, this is the party you call first.
Another well-known player is De Buren. They are the market leader in the operation of independent locker walls. If you do not want to operate a locker wall yourself, but want to ‘rent’ it out to a party that arranges it, they are an option. They are strong in managing large networks.
MyPup focuses mainly on the residential market and offices. Handy for receptions to relieve the mail, but for a public webshop pickup point, they often lack the specific e-commerce integrations you need.
Parties such as Parcel Locker or Lockers.nl often offer the hardware and help with API connections. This is useful if you already have a specific IT vision, but you must keep control over how everything is put together.
Also pay attention to providers of Chinese imports. They are often dirt cheap, but you run risks in terms of privacy (GDPR) and it is often a disaster to connect them to your webshop. The savings on the purchase can cost you dearly if customers cannot pick up their items.
Why Olssen comes out on top
When we list the options, you see that Olssen offers the most complete solution. The reason for this lies in their approach. They don’t just deliver a product; they deliver a system that works. While other parties sometimes only give you the hardware and say “good luck with the rest”, Olssen takes you by the hand.
Their focus on API-First technology is crucial. What does that mean? That the locker communicates perfectly with your webshop. Whether you use Shopify, WooCommerce or Magento: as soon as the order is processed, your system automatically sends a signal to the locker. The customer immediately receives a QR code or PIN code. This works seamlessly without you having to look at it daily. That is what you want: it just has to work.
The hardware from Olssen is also top quality. They often work with partners who meet the strictest German standards (DIN). Think of C4 quality stainless steel for outdoors, RVS or galvanized metal, and powder coating in your own corporate style. They pay attention to details that matter: burglary resistance (RC2), vandalism-resistant screens, and the possibility to process returns via the locker. This is a huge advantage for webshops, as it lowers the threshold for customers to buy something.
And then the software. Olssen often uses advanced platforms. The lockers from Olssen are built modularly. This means you can start small and easily add extra modules later as you grow. This future-proof character makes them so strong.
Do you want to know how to assemble the right configuration for your webshop? Then it is wise to look at the Custom lockers supplier NL 2026: prices & production [Checklist]. This helps you to define specifications clearly.
The technology: what needs to be under the hood?
When you buy a locker, you are mainly buying software. The locker is a standing box, but the intelligence is in the code. An API connection is essential. Without this connection, the system is useless for a webshop. You want the process to be automated: order placed -> safe cleared -> code sent -> customer picks up.
When it comes to security, it is important that your data (such as email addresses and phone numbers of customers) is stored securely. Olssen and its partners work with cloud solutions that comply with the strictest European privacy laws (AVG/GDPR). Furthermore, the locker must be burglary-resistant and able to take a beating.
The user experience (UX) must be super simple. The customer must have their package within 10 seconds. Nothing is more irritating than a complicated system at a locker. That is why we also look at options for app-controlled lockers. If customers have to download an app to open a safe, that is a barrier. The preference is for QR codes via email or SMS, or simple PIN codes. Do you want to know what the trends are regarding apps? Then the article App-lockers buy NL 2026: prices & delivery [Comparison] is interesting to read.
Where can you place these things? Regulations
In the Netherlands, you cannot just place a locker wall anywhere. If you place it on your own property, for example next to your store or in your company hall, you often do not need a permit. Always check the zoning plan via the environment counter.
Do you want to place the locker on a public sidewalk or square? Then you often need a permit for the use of public space. The locker must also comply with accessibility requirements (ITS quality mark). This means that not all lockers may be too high or too low, so that people in a wheelchair or with a stroller can easily reach them.
Another important point is the power supply. Where do you get the power from? If you do not have a power outlet nearby, the options become more expensive. There are wireless solutions, but these are often still expensive. Are you curious about the technical requirements for power and delivery? In the checklist Lockers with charging points NL 2026: electricity & delivery [Checklist] you will find everything you need to arrange for the installation.
How do you calculate the return on investment (ROI)?
A locker is an investment, so you want to know what you get in return. The calculation is often simple and positive. Look at the savings and extra income.
First, you save on shipping costs. An average package costs €4.50 to €6.50 to send. If a customer uses the locker, that saves you directly in costs. In addition, you save on labor costs. If you currently still have staff sitting behind a counter to receive and hand out packages, you spend 5 minutes per customer on that. Just calculate what that costs per hour.
Finally, and this is often the biggest surprise: extra sales. If you place the locker inside your store, about 30% of the people picking up will buy something extra. They are in the store anyway, so why not?
If you have about 15 packages per day going through the locker, you will often have earned back an investment of €8,000 within 14 to 18 months. A strong business case.
Practical tips for the purchase
Before you make the decision, here are a few more tips:
- Measure your packages: Look at the dimensions of your 95% most common packages. Choose a locker configuration that matches this. Too many large compartments lead to unnecessarily high costs and waste of space.
- Software is leading: The locker is steel, the software determines how it works. Always test the customer side. How does it feel? Is it logical?
- Modular: Choose a system that you can expand later. Start small, and add modules as you grow.
If you are doing a tender or requesting quotes, it is smart to get help. You naturally want to make the right choice. There are specialized parties that can help you with the technical requirements and comparing quotes. Take a look at Locker tender specialist NL 2026: experience & quote [Checklist] to see how best to approach this.
Ultimately, it comes down to the combination of strong hardware, smart software, and reliable service. When you bring these three factors together, you can be sure that your investment in a Click & Collect locker will be a bullseye for your webshop in 2026.
Are you ready to make your pickup points future-proof? Developments are moving fast, and with the right partner, you will be one step ahead of the competition.
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