The activity has only really been launched since October but it is already attracting a “very large” number of customers. And intrigues at least as many curious people. It must be said that the specialty of Flamingo Box, a company based in Orne, between Rouen and Le Mans, has something surprising: the resale of lost parcels. Initially ordered on the Internet, these packages did not reach their recipient due to a change of address or a labeling error. Nor have they been picked up by their suppliers due to the prohibitive cost of a return trip. Tens of thousands of misplaced parcels thus constantly roam among carriers. “These packages are kept for at least 30 days, the legal duration for any complaint, explains William Mourrière, co-founder of Flamingo Box. But, then, the logisticians send them to destruction. It was while visiting a large French warehouse that I became aware of the scale of the phenomenon. Whole pallets went to the incinerator. A real waste and an ecological aberration. »
Since the law of January 1, 2022 prohibiting the destruction of unsold non-food items, French operators must theoretically recycle this merchandise or donate it to associations. La Poste resells part of it at auction. William Mourrière and his partner have entered into a partnership with a “very big logistician” wishing to “remain secret”. They buy back his stock of lost parcels from him every week and then resell them by weight, in batches of at least 10 kg, at price of 108 euros.
But the most surprising thing is that these are not unpacked. The buyer therefore does not know what is inside! It can fall on inflatable balls as well as ultra modern wireless headphones. “This is what makes the strength of the concept, is convinced William Mourrière. There’s the excitement of what you’re going to find in the package. It’s the same effect as the lucky bag or the Christmas present at the foot of the tree. »
“Some faithful make it their main activity”
According to the 44-year-old entrepreneur, the diversity of finds seems indeed immense: decorative objects, electronic accessories, computer equipment, tools, beauty products, linens, cultural items… Most come from market places. AliExpress, Amazon, Wish or Joom. “We can find absolutely everything, confirms Xavier Mourrière. These are just new items ordered recently. We have a lot of clothes or shoes. It is, on the other hand, rare to find products of great value or of big brands because, in this case, the suppliers prefer to have the goods returned. »
Nevertheless, the hope of a winning bet quickly attracts customers. Word of mouth does the rest. Since January, around 700 kg and a ton of mystery parcels have been resold by Flamingo Box every day. “I did not expect this enthusiasm at all,” says Xavier Mourrière. The closest or most motivated customers come to see us directly at the warehouse. Some make the trip from Poitiers or Brittany. But the most order online [frais de livraison à leur charge]. »
Profiles fall into three categories. “There are curious customers who buy for them. Those who do it to give. And those who buy only to resell the products via merchant sites like Leboncoin, Ebay or Vinted. They are by far the most numerous. We have, for example, followers who take orders of 80 or 100 kg per month. Some even manage to earn a sufficient salary to make it their main activity. As you buy by weight, it can quickly pay for itself with lightweight items. You can multiply by three or even by four the purchase price of a lot. »
Larger premises to develop
On the Internet, the comments are nuanced. There are the delighted, like Salah. “I have ordered twice and have not been disappointed. I received gadgets and some clothes that I could easily resell. We don’t know what we’re going to receive, it’s never the same thing, I find the idea great. “I should easily recover my expenses,” also rejoices Marie. Others are rather disappointed. “The parcels unfortunately have no value, everything comes from China, badly made, almost unsaleable… I don’t think I’ll recover 50% of the amount invested”, regrets Eric. “Our interest is that customers find themselves there, defends the entrepreneur. If people don’t make a living, our model won’t work. »
Critics also target the concept itself, accusing Flamingo Box of making money thanks to the misfortune of the first aggrieved customers. “In 99% of cases, those who ordered the undelivered parcel were reimbursed by the merchant site or the supplier, they did not lose any money, assures William Mourrière. And then do you prefer to pollute by destroying these products or having them return to the circuit? I know we create jealousy. There’s nothing we can do about it. We think we are doing something good. »
To support demand, Flamingo Box, which also sells parcels to discount professionals from a warehouse near Versailles (Yvelines), is preparing to move to much larger premises in Eure. “More and more people buy on the Net, therefore, necessarily, there will be more and more lost parcels. The potential is enormous”, is convinced William Mourrière.