Connecting PostNL
With the PostNL integration you create shipping labels in Picqer that are pre-registered with PostNL straight away. The integration runs on your own PostNL contract.
On this page
Preparation
Picqer connects to the PostNL API, so you need an API key, which you create in the PostNL API Manager. Already using a PostNL API key, for example in your store? Then use the same one for Picqer.
You also need these details from your PostNL account manager:
- Customer number
- Customer code (4 letters, also called the barcode range)
- Location code (also called BLS or collection location)
- GlobalPack barcode range (2 letters and 4 digits), only needed if you ship outside the EU
Connect the shipping provider
In Picqer, go to Settings > Shipping providers > Add new shipping provider > PostNL.
Give the shipping provider a name and fill in your PostNL details. Under 'Barcode range', enter the same 4 letters as under 'Klantcode'.
Did you get the GlobalPack barcode range in two separate parts? Join them into 2 letters followed by 4 digits, such as CD9999.
Under 'Type producten', choose 'Standaard (aanbevolen)'. Picqer then picks the product code for each shipment itself, based on the delivery country and the delivery option your store passes on. That way, one shipping profile covers all your regular shipments. Only choose 'Bijzondere producten' if you want to use a fixed product code. These options stay in Dutch in the English interface.
Set up a shipping profile
Once connected, Picqer takes you straight to creating your first shipping profile. There you set the sender address and fill in a product code for each situation, such as a parcel to Belgium, a pickup point or evening delivery. Check with your PostNL account manager which codes to use, as negotiated rates usually apply per product code.
If your store doesn't pass on a delivery option, Picqer uses the regular code for the country. Which stores and plugins pass the delivery option on is listed in shipping options per store.
Pickup points across the border
The 'Ophalen bij PostNL locatie' codes apply to pickup points in your own country. For a pickup point across the border, Picqer always uses a fixed code: 4936 from the Netherlands to Belgium and 4898 from Belgium to the Netherlands.
Insured value
When you choose a product code with 'Extra cover', Picqer passes the cost price of the products in the picklist to PostNL as the insured value, up to € 5,000. For a product without a cost price, Picqer uses the selling price from the order instead.
Special products
Rather not have Picqer pick the product code? If you want to send a shipment in one particular way on purpose, such as a mailbox parcel, a cargo product, a shipment with an age check or an international mailbox packet, you create a shipping profile with one fixed product code.
Next to your standard connection, add a second PostNL shipping provider with the same details and choose 'Bijzondere producten' under 'Type producten'.
In the shipping profile, choose the code you want under 'Productcode'.
Select this profile when completing the picklist, or let a rule assign it automatically, for example a mailbox parcel for small orders.
Shipping outside the EU
Shipping to a country outside the EU customs zone, such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland or Norway? Then Picqer automatically creates a GlobalPack shipment (product code 4909). PostNL needs to know what's in the parcel for customs.
For a GlobalPack shipment you need:
- A 'GlobalPack barcode range' filled in on your PostNL connection.
- An HS code, a 'Country of origin' and a price on every product in the shipment.
- A 'Printer for shipping documents' on your packing station, for the A4 customs documents.
Next to the shipping label, Picqer prints one document containing the two CN23 customs declarations and the commercial invoice. Sign it and put it in a clear envelope on the box. A GlobalPack shipment always consists of a single parcel.
Registered as a Trusted Shipper with customs in the destination country? Then enter your number under 'Trusted Shipper ID' in your shipping profile.
United Kingdom with prepaid import fees
For the United Kingdom, PostNL offers a product where you pay the import fees upfront (product code 4905). The parcel clears customs faster and your customer pays nothing extra on delivery.
Request this product from your PostNL account manager.
Add a PostNL shipping provider and choose 'Bijzondere producten' under 'Type producten'.
In the shipping profile, choose '4905 - Great Britain Delivery duty paid (DDP UK)' under 'Productcode' and enter your UK VAT number under 'Trusted Shipper ID'.
The order needs an email address or phone number for the recipient. Without one, Picqer can't create the shipment.
