> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://sendcloud.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Service points overview

**Service points** are carrier-supported locations where parcels can be dropped off or collected, such as post offices, parcel shops, lockers, and retail stores. For delivery, they provide an alternative to door-to-door shipping by allowing a parcel to be delivered to a selected location for later collection by the recipient.

Supporting service point delivery comes down to two things: selecting the service point to use and creating a shipment to that location.

## Choosing a service point

There are two main ways to integrate service points into your flow: use Service Points API v3 for a custom integration, or use Sendcloud's hosted service point picker in your checkout.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Find service points with the API" href="/docs/service-points/find-service-points-with-the-api" icon="magnifying-glass">
    Search for service points and integrate them into your own flow, whether a customer selects one or your system does.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Integrate the hosted service point picker into your checkout" href="/docs/service-points/integrate-the-hosted-service-point-picker-into-your-checkout" icon="map-location-dot">
    Integrate the Sendcloud-hosted service point picker into your checkout and let customers choose a service point from the map or list.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Creating a shipment with service point delivery

Whichever approach you use to select a service point, keep its Sendcloud `id`. You'll use it to find a compatible shipping option and create the shipment.

<Card title="Create a shipment with service point delivery" href="/docs/service-points/create-a-shipment-with-service-point-delivery" icon="truck-fast" horizontal>
  Use the selected service point to find a compatible shipping option, then create and announce the shipment.
</Card>