Australian Courier Sendle’s Collapse Sparks Anger and Confusion
The abrupt collapse of Sendle, an Australian shipping company, has left its customers and employees stunned. Many have expressed feelings of being “ghosted” as they navigate the aftermath. Investors are voicing concerns and confusion regarding the future of the once-prominent business.
Background of Sendle’s Decline
Founded in 2014 by James Chin Moody, Sendle was celebrated as Australia’s first 100% carbon-neutral shipping service. The company rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, marketing itself as an affordable option for small online retailers, notably those using platforms like Shopify and Etsy.
Over the years, Sendle secured approximately $70 million (or $100 million AUD) in private equity. This funding was intended to strengthen its business model by connecting customers with couriers. According to company claims, Sendle facilitated billions in sales for retailers, although exact customer numbers remained undisclosed.
Immediate Impact on Customers and Employees
On January 10, 2026, Sendle sent an email to customers announcing an immediate halt to all parcel pick-up and delivery services. Jewelry designer Natasha Wilton, a loyal customer for six years, found herself stranded with several parcels worth over $350. She stated, “It feels like a break-up,” highlighting the emotional turmoil faced by many.
Diana Gligorov, who had recently launched a reusable straw brand that gained traction on TikTok, reported being similarly affected. She had already paid for shipping labels when she received the news. “There’s absolutely no communication with small business owners,” she lamented.
Job Losses Amid the Chaos
Simultaneously, Sendle’s Australian staff learned of their job losses, leaving many in a state of disappointment and anger. Details regarding the total number of affected employees are uncertain, but reports indicate that recent redundancies had already been a concern within the company.
Moreover, at least 80 employees at Sendle’s call center in the Philippines also faced redundancy. Digging deeper, it’s revealed that the outsourcing partner ZigZag Offshoring could no longer sustain these jobs. The firm expressed sympathy, noting that many of these workers had dedicated several years to the company.
Challenges Leading to Collapse
Despite its innovative offerings and expansion into North America, Sendle encountered troubling challenges. The company primarily booked shipping jobs at volume with transport firms, promising lower prices than competitors like Australia Post.
However, a merger with two US companies, ACI Logistix and FirstMile, resulted in significant complications. Issues arose post-merger relating to financial disclosures and supplier relationships. Investigations revealed ACI Logistix had misrepresented its financial standing during the merger process.
Future Prospects for Stakeholders
As stakeholders grapple with uncertainty, former Sendle employees and investors are left questioning the company’s future. Financial backers, such as Federation and Touch Ventures, expressed concerns after seeing investments written down to “nil.”
In response to the chaos, Federation affirmed it is acting on behalf of its investors to pursue potential recoveries. Investors remain skeptical about reclaiming their contributions, echoing sentiments from multiple sources that the path ahead is fraught with difficulties.
Conclusion
The fallout from Sendle’s sudden collapse reveals substantial repercussions for its customers, employees, and investors. As the shipping industry navigates this crisis, the implications of Sendle’s demise will likely be felt for some time to come.
