DHL For You vs. DHL Europlus: how does it work?

Sendcloud gives you access to several carriers and shipping options, including DHL. DHL keeps developing its network, and that's why it splits shipments into deliveries for consumers and deliveries for businesses.

We've noticed some confusion about which shipping option to use and when. We're happy to help you make the right choice so you save time and money. So it's about time for an article with some useful information.

• DHLForYou vs. DHL Europlus

• When should I choose DHLForYou?

• When should I choose DHL Europlus?

• DHL shipping costs

• What if my shipment doesn't meet DHLForYou or Europlus requirements?

• DHL Parcel Connect for European shipments

• Final tips for online retailers shipping with DHL

DHLForYou vs. DHL Europlus

DHLForYou, better known as DHL Parcel, delivers to homes within 24 to 48 hours. This shipping option is aimed at deliveries to consumers.

DHL Europlus delivers to business addresses across Europe. In short: DHLForYou shipments go to consumers, and Europlus shipments go to B2B customers.

Why does DHL use multiple shipping methods? We'll explain, because it brings more benefits than you might think.

The benefits

Splitting the service into two separate networks means delivery is better matched to your customer. With DHLForYou, for example, you can have orders delivered Monday through Saturday.

DHL Europlus offers two delivery attempts, only during the day on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. That gives you a higher chance of a successful, accepted delivery, which keeps both you and your customer happy.

When should I choose DHLForYou?

The DHLForYou network is mainly built for consumers. Choose DHLForYou if:

• You're shipping to consumers (in the Netherlands or Belgium).

• The package weighs no more than 31.5 kg (a surcharge applies for packages over 23 kg).

• The package is no larger than 80x60x50 cm, with a maximum volume of 150 liters.

How does DHLForYou work?

• Two delivery attempts in the Netherlands, one delivery attempt in Belgium

• Delivery Monday through Saturday (except on holidays)

• Does your customer miss the delivery attempt? Then the package goes to a DHL parcel shop, where the customer can pick it up for 7 days.

• If your customer doesn't pick up the package within 7 days, it's returned to the sender and costs €1.25 plus the regular shipping costs.

You can also choose signature on delivery and rule out delivery to neighbors. That's useful, since you stay responsible for the product until your customer has received the package.

When should I choose DHL Europlus?

DHL Europlus is built for the business market. So if you ship to business customers in the B2B market, DHL Europlus is the answer. Choose DHL Europlus if:

• You deliver to businesses, which works well given the delivery times.

• Your packages weigh up to 23 kg.

• Your packages meet the 120x60x50 cm size limit.

• Note: the package must measure at least 15x11x3.5 (l, w, h) cm.

How does DHL Europlus work?

• There are two delivery attempts between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

• Missed both delivery attempts? Then a return to you as the sender costs €8.50 plus the regular shipping costs.

Tip: always include the company name and a contact person when shipping to a business. That makes delivery less error-prone.

DHL shipping costs

DHL's shipping costs depend on several factors, such as the shipment's destination as well as the package's size and weight.

Want to know what it costs to ship a package with DHL through Sendcloud? Download our discounted rates below to see the shipping options and prices available through Sendcloud.

What if my shipment doesn't meet DHLForYou or Europlus requirements?

Choosing the right shipping method matters. If you don't, the carrier can charge surcharges, and nobody wants that. Here's what to do in each situation.

Consumer shipment heavier than 23 kg or larger than 80x60x50?

Plan for a surcharge of €3.20. Don't choose the Europlus network, since it's not suited for consumers and increases the odds of a failed delivery.

Just make sure the package doesn't weigh more than 31.5 kg.

Extra-large or extra-heavy packages?

Plan for a surcharge of €45. This applies to packages in both the DHLForYou and DHL Europlus networks. So packages heavier than 31.5 kg and up to 50 kg get a €45 surcharge.

Business delivery in a residential area?

You have two options here, but surcharges apply either way. Choose DHL Europlus and you risk a €3.70 surcharge, since you're using the "wrong" delivery method for a delivery to a residential address.

DHLForYou might be the smarter choice, but you only get 1 delivery attempt, and you'll need to account for Saturday deliveries, which your business customer is more likely to miss.

Package smaller than 15 (length) x11 (width) x3.5 (height) cm?

Plan for a surcharge of €3.50. At that size, the package can't be sorted automatically.

More DHL surcharges

Nobody wants surcharges, and they're never fun. So it's best to plan for them. If a package doesn't meet the requirements or exceeds the dimensions, there's a good chance you'll get a surcharge. Packaging type matters too. With DHL, for example, marking a package "fragile" adds an extra surcharge of €5.40.

Want to know exactly which surcharges apply when you ship with DHL for your business? In this article, you'll find the DHL surcharge criteria that apply within the Netherlands.

DHL Parcel Connect for European shipments

Besides DHLForYou and DHL Europlus, there's another shipping option available. DHL Parcel Connect is built for European shipments to consumers (residential addresses).

How does DHL Parcel Connect work?

• Delivery to home or parcel shop

• At least 1 delivery attempt, 2 possible at the recipient's request

• Includes signature on delivery

There are two options available. With DHL Parcel Connect, you can ship for pickup or through a service point. The maximum dimensions and requirements differ between the two.

You'll find all the details in our Help Center article on shipping with DHL through Sendcloud.

Shipping from the Netherlands to Belgium? Then you can use DHLForYou for consumer goods. DHL Parcel Connect isn't available for Belgium yet.

Final tips for online retailers shipping with DHL

Hopefully this article gives you a better sense of which shipping option to choose and what to watch out for. To wrap up, here are a few more tips to keep in mind, so you're never caught off guard.

What time will the carrier reach the customer?

Did you know DHL built a handy tool that gives customers an idea of what time their delivery will arrive? By entering a zip code, customers can see what time packages are typically delivered in their area.

Share this link with your customers, for example in a Track & Trace email, so they know to be home when the carrier arrives. That means a better chance of a successful delivery.

You can also use Sendcloud tracking emails and pages to give customers more insight into their package status. That's another way to boost the odds of a successful delivery. And you can do it in your own branding, which keeps you top of mind with customers and drives repeat purchases.

DHL pick-ups

Shipping more than 100 packages a month? Then DHL's pick-up service is available to you. With it, you can have packages picked up every day. There's one condition: you need to hand over an average of at least five packages.

You can choose which days you want your packages picked up. So if you don't have five packages every day, but you do have at least five packages three times a week?

Then you can request the pick-up service through Sendcloud.

P.S. For international shipments, check out our article on DHL GLOBALMAIL, or for extra-fast shipments, read our article on DHL Express.

Not sure which shipping method suits your shipments best?

Don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can advise you on the best shipping method or alternative, so you avoid unexpected high surcharges from DHL.

Want to figure out yourself which carrier and shipping options fit your shipments best? Check out our full overview of PostNL, DHL, DPD, UPS, Homerr, Budbee, and Trunkrs.