Abholcode

Abholcode is a code used to authorize the pickup of goods at a designated location, such as a store, parcel shop, or parcel locker. It is commonly employed in online shopping and logistics to streamline the process of collecting a shipment without requiring additional paperwork or payment details at the counter.

The code is typically generated by the seller or courier system when an order is placed or dispatched. It is then delivered to the customer through a channel such as email, SMS, or a mobile app notification. At the pickup point, the customer presents the code, which is scanned or entered to verify the order and release the items. Codes may be numeric, alphanumeric, or represented as a barcode or QR code.

Security and privacy considerations are central to Abholcodes. They are usually single-use and time-limited, with recipients instructed not to share the code. Expiration periods vary from a few hours to several days. In some cases, the pickup may require additional identity verification or a matching order number to prevent unauthorized retrieval.

Abholcodes are widely used in German-speaking regions and beyond, spanning services from postal carriers and parcel delivery networks to retailers offering Click & Collect or locker pickups. They help speed up the collection process, reduce handling at pickup points, and support contactless workflows, while relying on the integrity of the code and associated order data.

See also: Click-and-collect, parcel locker, pickup point.