Key Takeaways
- A Dutch auto-message from Marktplaats (translated from Dutch) confirmed a prepaid PostNL shipping label and explained that the barcode can be scanned from a phone or a printed PDF.
- The attached label matched official PostNL formatting and referenced a prepaid (“franco”) flow often used in Marktplaats transactions.
- Clear, human translations were provided for the Dutch and Spanish parts that appeared in the exchange, keeping all details while protecting private addresses.
- Practical options in Spijkenisse include staffed PostNL “Pakketpunt” (parcel points) and a 24-hour “Pakketautomaat” (parcel locker) at Mizarstraat, useful for late or early drop-offs.
- Track & Trace works with standard barcodes beginning with “3S” and shows status after the parcel has been processed by PostNL.
Story & Details
What the Dutch Message Said (translated from Dutch)
“Ready to send?” The Marktplaats system email explained that the shipping label sits in the conversation under “Messages,” that a PostNL location can scan the barcode directly from a phone, and that printing the PDF is optional. It also outlined two steps: bring the parcel to a PostNL point and have the barcode scanned, then follow progress via Track & Trace in the app. It closed with links to a privacy statement, terms, and help pages (translated from Dutch).
What the Label Contained (with privacy safeguards)
The PDF showed a standard PostNL label produced via Marktplaats with prepaid (“franco”) postage. It identified a sender in Heiloo (Netherlands) and a recipient in Spijkenisse (Netherlands). The item description read “Organizer with jumper wires – electronics set.” A barcode reference following the usual 3S-pattern appeared as 3SMKPL7955••••• (partially redacted for privacy). The overall structure matched the PostNL label style used in Marktplaats flows.
What the Spanish Questions Asked (translated from Spanish)
Two short prompts asked for a simple Spanish explanation and where to present the label. The clarifications confirmed that any local PostNL parcel point can scan a phone or printed barcode, and suggested typical venues (supermarkets, bookshops, convenience stores). Practical phrasing in Dutch was provided for the counter interaction (translated from Dutch).
Where to Drop Off in Spijkenisse (Europe/Amsterdam time)
PostNL maintains staffed “Pakketpunt” locations—often inside retail shops—with published opening hours, plus automated lockers (“Pakketautomaat”) that can be used around the clock. The 24/7 option below is especially helpful when store counters are closed (hours in Europe/Amsterdam).
- PostNL Pakketautomaat — Mizarstraat 2 (3204 VG, Spijkenisse)
A self-service parcel and letter machine that operates day and night. The flow is simple: choose “send,” scan the barcode, and deposit the parcel in the assigned compartment. Ideal for prepaid Marktplaats labels. (translated from Dutch) - Additional staffed choices in town
Public listings show multiple staffed points in Spijkenisse—such as Gamma (Constantstraat) and Jumbo (Groenewoud)—with broad daytime and evening hours. These are useful when a paper receipt or in-person assistance is preferred.
How the 24/7 Locker Works (quick guide)
- Prepare the parcel and ensure the barcode is scannable (on-screen or printed).
- At the locker, choose the “send” option and scan the label.
- Place the parcel in the indicated compartment and close the door.
- Keep the on-screen confirmation or receipt if needed.
Notes on Tracking and Posting Windows
Track & Trace updates after the parcel is accepted into PostNL’s network. Barcodes starting with “3S” are entered without spaces and typically require the destination postcode for look-up. Peak-time cut-offs and evening collections vary by location; locker drop-offs outside staffed hours register once the next collection occurs.
Conclusions
A Dutch system email, a prepaid Marktplaats × PostNL label, and a few local choices are enough to ship reliably—even without reading Dutch. The essentials are: scan from phone or print, choose either a staffed Pakketpunt or the 24/7 locker, and watch Track & Trace once the parcel is collected. The documented label structure, the standard 3S barcode pattern, and the availability of all-hours lockers make the process flexible and predictable for senders in the Netherlands.
Sources
- PostNL Location Finder — official tool to find nearby parcel points and letterboxes: https://www.postnl.nl/en/locationfinder/
- PostNL point: opening and collection times explained: https://www.postnl.nl/en/customer-service/postnl-point-nearby/opening-and-collection-times/
- PostNL Track & Trace — how to look up a 3S barcode: https://www.postnl.nl/en/receiving/parcels/track-and-trace/
- PostNL Parcel & Letter Machine (“Pakket- en briefautomaat”) — official page (translated from Dutch): https://www.postnl.nl/ontvangen/pakket-ontvangen/pakket-en-briefautomaat/
- 24/7 locker in Spijkenisse (Mizarstraat 2) — public listing with hours (translated from Dutch): https://www.openingstijden-post.nl/PostNL%20Pakketautomaat%20SPIJKENISSE%20Pakket-%20en%20briefautomaat/3204%20VG/Spijkenisse/LTLVsVoSQma0Ev6I
- Marktplaats Help — “How shipping via PostNL works” (translated from Dutch): https://help.marktplaats.nl/s/article/hoe-werkt-verzenden-met-postnl-via-marktplaats
- Marktplaats Help — “What to do with the shipping label” (translated from Dutch): https://help.marktplaats.nl/s/article/wat-moet-ik-met-verzendlabel-doen
- YouTube — PostNL: “Pakket- en briefautomaat Versturen” (how to send via the locker; Dutch, operational visuals): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOravX-Sva0
Appendix
What “Verzendlabel” Means
A “verzendlabel” is a shipping label used by postal and courier services in the Netherlands. In e-commerce, it encodes the destination, return, and product data in human-readable fields plus a machine-scannable barcode (translated from Dutch).
What “Franco” Means on a Label
“Franco” indicates that postage is prepaid; the sender does not pay at drop-off. The term is common in European logistics language and aligns with prepaid flows in Marktplaats × PostNL shipments.
What “PostNL Pakketpunt” Means
A “Pakketpunt” is a staffed PostNL parcel point inside a retail shop that can scan barcodes from a phone or paper, accept parcels, and issue a receipt (translated from Dutch).
What “Pakketautomaat” Signifies
A “Pakketautomaat” is an automated parcel locker for sending and collecting items without staff, typically available 24/7. It supports scanning prepaid barcodes and placing parcels into assigned lockers (translated from Dutch).
How “Track & Trace” Works in This Context
“Track & Trace” is PostNL’s parcel status look-up. It normally uses a 3S-prefix barcode and the recipient’s postcode to show the latest handling events and expected delivery milestones.
About “AVG (Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming)”
“AVG” is the Dutch name for the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Labels or system notices sometimes reference it to indicate compliance with data-protection rules (translated from Dutch).
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 