Shop and Ship service Aramex is testing a new feature that would allow Qatar residents to bypass queues by paying for their packages online and then picking them up at store locations.

The company has been contacting select customers to try out eBox, which requires users to input a PIN number that is sent to their phones or email addresses.

According to Qatar resident Brian Candy, an Aramex representative contacted him on the phone to ask him to test the service, which is free of charge. Another employee told him that payment for the packages should be made online before they reach Qatar.

Aramex confirmed to Doha News that it is testing out eBox in Qatar, but declined to give more details until the service goes live.

Frustrating service

The logistics of picking up a package from Aramex have been a longstanding complaint among Qatar residents.

In addition to long lines, finding Aramex proved to be a challenge last year, after the company moved its headquarters from Abu Hamour to an office near Wholesale Market. It also shifted its Qatar Foundation branch and shuttered its Landmark Mall kiosk.

To serve the customers affected by that closure, a new West Bay location is expected to open sometime this year.

Meanwhile, the company fueled discontent among residents by announcing in January that it was raising its prices for the third time in five years.

Would this new service make you more likely to use Aramex?

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by Brian Candy