2025.10.25 – Managing a Parcel Locker Shipment with PostNL in Spijkenisse—even When Chat Support Fails

Key Takeaways

• A parcel destined for the locker at Mizarstraat 2, 3204 VG Spijkenisse, Netherlands via the national carrier PostNL.
• The sender estimated the parcel’s value at under €20, a low-value shipment.
• During the online chat on the PostNL site, an error occurred and the user was directed to call 088-86 84 978.
• This case highlights how automated chat support may fail and why knowing the manual fallback and locker procedure is useful.

What Happened

A sender accessed the PostNL account portal and started a chat. The sender asked:

• “Locker location:”
• The response: “PostNL Pakketautomaat, Mizarstraat 2, 3204 VG Spijkenisse.”
• Then the sender said: “Less than 20 Euros, I guess.” (indicating the estimated value of the parcel).
  Shortly thereafter the chat showed a red-error box in Dutch:

“Oeps er is iets misgegaan. Je kan ons op dit nummer bereiken: 088 – 86 84 978.”
(translated: “Oops, something went wrong. You can reach us at this number: 088-86-84-978.”)

The device’s clock showed 13:58 (Europe/Amsterdam time). Given the chat failure, the user must call the given number to proceed with support and ensure the shipment continues.

Locker Address and Shipment Info

• Locker address: PostNL Pakketautomaat, Mizarstraat 2, 3204 VG Spijkenisse, Netherlands.
• Parcel estimated value: Less than €20 (low-value).
• The sender intended to drop off via the locker rather than attend a staffed counter or service point.

When Chat Fails – What to Do

• If an error message appears in the chat with a phone number, note that number and call it directly.
• Make sure you have the locker address, your shipping label or barcode (if generated), and a clear idea of the value and contents.
• Be aware of standard customer-support hours for PostNL (chat or phone) and plan your action accordingly.
• Even though automation is convenient, a human call remains a necessary backup when systems glitch.

How the PostNL Parcel Locker (“Pakket- en Briefautomaat”) Works

According to official guidance:

• Print or purchase a shipping label online and attach it to the parcel.
• At the locker, scan the barcode on the parcel.
• Place the parcel in the indicated compartment and close the door.
• You receive an email with the scan-proof.
• Many lockers operate 24/7 and are spread across the country.
  This makes lockers a flexible option for sending and receiving parcels.

Translations & Definitions

“Oeps er is iets misgegaan…” (translated)

“Oops, something went wrong. You can reach us at this number: 088-86-84-978.” (translated from Dutch)

Parcel locker (Pakketautomaat)

Definition: A self-service automated cabinet used for the sending or collection of parcels.
Origin: Dutch term combining pakket (“parcel”) + automaat (“machine/automated cabinet”).
Usage: Widely implemented by PostNL and other Dutch carriers; professionally accepted infrastructure for parcel logistics.

Estimated value (under €20)

Definition: Sender’s approximate declaration of the monetary value of the parcel’s contents.
Usage: Indicates the shipment is low value, which may affect liability or insurance considerations.

Practical Advice

• Photograph your label and locker location before leaving for drop-off.
• If the barcode doesn’t scan at the locker, try repositioning it or cleaning it—and if it still fails, call customer support.
• Keep proof of postage and relevant tracking/reservation numbers.
• For low-value items, lockers are convenient—but ensure you follow the required steps (label, scan, secure drop-off).
• Save the contact number provided in the error message since automation may not always succeed.

Sources

• https://www.postnl.nl/en/customer-service/our-customer-service/contact-customer-service-opening-hours/ — PostNL customer-service contact information and hours.
• https://www.postnl.nl/ontvangen/pakket-ontvangen/pakket-en-briefautomaat/ — PostNL instructions on using parcel- and letter-lockers (pakket- en briefautomaat).
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOravX-Sva0 — YouTube: “PostNL Pakket- en briefautomaat – How to send a parcel” (Dutch original video by PostNL).
• https://www.postnl.nl/en/sending/sending-a-parcel/domestic-parcel/ — PostNL domestic parcel sending instructions.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxzXM91K-Ws — YouTube: “Pakket versturen? Dit moet je weten!” (PostNL official video, May 31 2023).