Would you give Amazon the key to your house?

[GrimJack]

Yep. The boxes are often way, way bigger than the item being shipped. I assume it's just an efficiency thing. Grab a box and ship. Don't waste time trying to find the right size for every item.

What bothers me more is that they often don't adequately pad items in those big boxes. It's not only important for fragile things. I hate getting a book, for example, with the corners all bent because it was banging around in a big box. And at least twice, we've had bottles of shampoo or conditioner leak in the box, probably from getting knocked around without adequate padding.

I worked for Oxford University Press in the late 90s; even back then they 3d scanned every new item accepted for inventory so when an order came for shipping (picking was done on a complex conveyor system went to different areas for picking as opposed to a person going to different areas to pick). When the order was complete, the appropriate sized box was used; keep in mind that shippers charge by a complex formula that considered space usage more than weight - I believe that there is a minimum box size that keeps rates flat. Something that is can-sized would cost more that the can-sized item in a regular sized box.

[GrimJack]

I wonder if more houses will start to be built with vestibules (not sure if that is the right word) where you have an outer door, a very small space where deliveries can be left, and then an inner door with a different key leading to the main house?

In colder climes, that room is used as an airlock keeping as much warm air in as possible.

[GrimJack]

Not to mention UPS drivers work 12+ hour days. They practically run packages to doorsteps because they have so many to deliver. Do you really think they want to deal with fumbling with keys, typing in a special code to unlock door or contacting the homeowner and having them remotely open/unlock a door with a smartphone. UPS will need to hire a lot more drivers if thats the case. There wont be enough time in the day for them to deliver all the packages.

Although if amazon continues to grow and take over...they'll probably start their own delivery service and cut out ups/usps. Like everything else it will start in major metro area/major cities and spread like wildfire.

USPS already have to use keys to deliver mail to all the security buildings so this would not be a stretch for them but no way would I give my keys out to a random collection of strangers.

[GrimJack]

I have absolutely no idea what that photo is supposed to represent. Obviously some reference I'm not getting.

I had an apartment-hotel that had a small door next to the apt door. It was for deliveries of bedding, packages and so on. It was a very convenient thing; sort of like a doggy/kitty door but has an inside door that can be locked.

[Nutria]

In colder climes, that room is used as an airlock keeping as much warm air in as possible.

And in hot climates, malls and other large buildings use them to keep the cold air in.

[moneybags]

Although if amazon continues to grow and take over...they'll probably start their own delivery service and cut out ups/usps. Like everything else it will start in major metro area/major cities and spread like wildfire.

We already have this where we live. Amazon has certain cities that have individuals delivering your package instead of the usual UPS, USPS, or Fed Ex. Sometimes my packages are delivered late by this service, so I make sure to check my porch.

It's not a bad part-time gig if you're looking for some extra money. Supposedly you can make $25-$30/hour.

[scfr]

In colder climes, that room is used as an airlock keeping as much warm air in as possible.

Yes. I've heard that. And it's very sensible. It can also be an area for removing shoes in cultures where removing shoes before entering the residence is customary.

Lots of reasons to have such a system. Maybe it will become more popular as home delivery becomes more commonplace. (Cutting edge home builders, take note.)

[disneysteve]

Amazon has certain cities that have individuals delivering your package instead of the usual UPS, USPS, or Fed Ex.

Even more reason not to give out access to your home. How well vetted and background checked are those people?

And again, I've been having this discussion both here and in another group and so far, I'm the only person who has mentioned having an alarm system. In fact, I think I'll post a thread about that.

[maryadavies]

I wouldn't. There's even a smart mailbox now so if I had trouble with package theft, I'd think about checking that out more or alternatives to it, like non-lethal booby traps. (We don't have a package theft problem here, thank goodness.)

But I can see why some would allow it with the package theft problem out there.

[rob62521]

We saw this article and DH and I agreed -- no thanks. Why open up your home to even better chance of having strangers come in. And with all the security breaches in supposedly safe sites, who knows what can be tapped into with an electronic door knob and lock if a company has access to deliver packages. Another reason to shop local when you can. i realize there are times you can't, but unless one lives in the middle of nowhere, there are still some items you can purchase and bring home yourself.

Years ago we lived next door to an apartment house and each tenant had a small mailbox that the mailman had a key to their mailbox. Maybe we need to start going back to that system and having larger locked mailboxes for those who need lots of deliveries instead of opening the home to them.

[AJ444]

I would consider allowing it, I have security cameras that send an alert to my phone the second they see motion. It keeps video of the motion and I can talk through the cameras speaker, sound an alarm or call the cops from the app.