What Is a Relay Point?
A relay point (or "Point Relais®" in French) is a local business — such as a newsagent, pharmacy, dry cleaner, or convenience store — that partners with a delivery network to act as a secure parcel collection and drop-off location. Instead of waiting at home for a courier, you simply pick up your package at a nearby relay point at a time that suits you.
Mondial Relay operates one of the largest relay point networks in Europe, with tens of thousands of locations across France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
How Does Relay Point Delivery Work?
- You choose a relay point: When shopping online or booking a shipment, you select a nearby relay point from a map widget.
- The parcel is shipped: The seller or sender drops the parcel into the Mondial Relay network, which transports it through its sorting hubs.
- Parcel arrives at the relay point: The relay point shop receives the parcel and logs it into their system.
- You're notified: You receive an SMS or email notification that your parcel is ready to collect.
- You collect it: Bring your notification (or ID) to the relay point within the holding period (typically 10–14 days) to pick up your parcel.
What Types of Businesses Are Relay Points?
Relay points are deliberately located in businesses that have regular foot traffic and extended opening hours. Common types include:
- Tabacs (tobacconists) and newsagents
- Dry cleaners and laundromats
- Convenience stores and supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Florists and gift shops
- Automated parcel lockers (in some areas)
Advantages of Relay Points vs. Home Delivery
| Feature | Relay Point | Home Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally cheaper | Higher (fuel/time) |
| Flexibility | Collect any time during opening hours | Must be home at delivery time |
| Failed delivery risk | Very low | Common if you're out |
| Parcel security | Signed in/out by staff | Can be left on doorstep |
| Environmental impact | Lower (batched deliveries) | Higher (individual trips) |
How to Find a Relay Point Near You
Finding a relay point is straightforward:
- Visit the Mondial Relay website and use the Point Relais® locator tool
- Enter your postcode or city to see nearby points on a map
- Filter by opening hours if you need early morning or evening access
- Many e-commerce checkouts embed the relay point map directly
What Happens If You Don't Collect in Time?
If you don't collect your parcel within the holding period (typically 10–14 calendar days), it will be returned to the sender. You should:
- Check your notification emails and SMS messages promptly
- Contact Mondial Relay customer service if you need an extension
- Ask a trusted person to collect on your behalf using your notification reference
Are Relay Points Safe?
Yes. Every parcel is scanned when it arrives at the relay point and again when collected. The relay point staff are responsible for storing parcels securely. However, very high-value items or fragile goods may be better suited to insured home delivery with a signature requirement.
Summary
Relay points are a smart, flexible, and often cheaper alternative to home delivery. They work with your schedule rather than against it, and they help reduce the environmental footprint of last-mile delivery by consolidating multiple parcels into one stop. If you haven't tried relay point delivery yet, it's well worth considering for your next online order.