The South African Post Office (SAPO) says its e-business initiative that was started last year is starting to pay off.
SAPO created a Virtual Post Office in 2011 for customers to perform various transactions online. “This focus on e-business has begun to pay off; for example, online post box renewals grew by 10% year on year, while our online philately offering grew exponentially after its launch,” says acting group executive for E-Postal, Velasen Naidoo.
He adds that this initiative was created to keep abreast with business trends.
Online services
“At the Virtual Post Office (www.virtutalpostoffice.co.za), our philosophy is 'no queues, no fuss'. We offer a convenient alternative to traditional Post Office retail stores, as well as other mainstream online offerings. The Virtual Post Office creates a new dimension in online transactions and redefines the online customer experience,” says Naidoo.
Customers are required to register an online profile to login and make use of the range of services offered within the service. “Its secure online transaction platform offers registered online users a selection of online payments and purchasing options.”
These currently include philately, post box renewals and postal code look-up, and the updating of plans are in progress to include a number of additional products and services like receiving and paying bills online, e-registered mail, and personalised stamps.
Exploiting convenience
“Major corporations are rethinking their businesses in terms of the Internet and its new culture and capabilities, and the South African Post Office is no different. It consolidated all its information and communications technology and electronic-related offerings into a single offering and today it is beginning to reap the benefits of this decision,” says SAPO.
It explains that companies are using the Web to buy parts and supplies from other companies, to collaborate on sales promotions, and to do joint research. “Exploiting the convenience, availability, and worldwide reach of the Internet, many companies, such as Amazon.com, have been using the Internet successfully for several years.”
The post office says it will this year continue to expand its range of products and services through its e-business unit, aimed largely at the SMME market, as well as consumer products that would normally have been available only at postal outlets.
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