Make Sure You Get All Your Packages

I have a neighbor that was a delivery driver partner with Amazon for a while.  She shared with me some things she had learned that we can do to ensure we don’t lose packages to porch pirates.

These tips can be used for any packages you get delivered to your home, not just Amazon.

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Tip 1

No one and no company can put your packages in your mailbox other than the United States Postal Services.  Our mailboxes are actually considered the property of the USPS.  The only packages you will find in your actual mailbox will be those delivered by your mail carrier.  And please note that not all Amazon deliveries are delivered to us by Amazon drivers.  Amazon packages can also be delivered by USPS, UPS or by Fed-Ex.

Tip 2

Amazon delivery drivers are instructed to never leave a package in plain view, such as in front of your door.  If this happens, feel free to report it to Amazon immediately, even if your package isn’t stolen.

You can actually find out who delivered your package in the order section of the Amazon app; or by using the tracking numbers needed to submit complaints to the proper carrier.

Tip 3

Did you know that you can update your Amazon delivery instructions?  I didn’t until my neighbor told me.  Just get on Amazon and go to where you find your orders. You can actually dictate EXACTLY where your package should be left in the event you are not home. Now, you may be wondering why does this work?  Apparently, when the delivery driver clicks on your address and/or your package details, your delivery instructions come up on their scanner screen.  And this happens before the driver can scan your package to deliver it.

In the Amazon app, go to settings>address> add delivery instructions> do we need additional information to deliver your packages, to leave instructions for where they are to leave the package.

Amazon will also let you indicate a “prime day” in your settings.  This is a specific day of the week that you want to get any of your Amazon packages delivered. This way you can get all Amazon deliveries on a particular day so that you can make sure someone is home to receive them.  This is a free service.

Tip 4

You can also update delivery instructions with USPS and UPS by enrolling in USPS’s “informed delivery” program; there’s an app for this.  “My choice” is the program form UPS’s and they also have an app to enter your preferred delivery information. Informed Delivery with USPS shows you your mail and tells you when to expect a USPS package.   UPS’s “my choice” will notify you when you will be receiving a UPS package and gives you options to set a delivery location, day and time. Unfortunately, these delivery companies (USPS and Fed-Ex) do not have the option for a specific day delivery to receive your packages.  But UPS gives you the option to set a delivery time and location with their “my Choice” program.

There is an app available to download that tracks packages and will keep you informed of what is going on with any of your packages.  It does this by monitoring your emails and is called the “Arrive” app.  This app will notify you whenever you will be receiving a package, regardless of the carrier.  “Arrive” also works for your automatic shipments and gifts.  If a package is coming to your address, you will know about it!  

Tip 5

You may want to think about printing or buying a delivery sign for your door that says, “please do not leave packages in front of the door.”  My neighbor’s sign states to specifically leave them in the designated delivery box directly next to her door. She learned this from our awesome postman.  Even the USPS has to abide by a sign like that when delivering packages.

You could also go one step further and place the same sign, only smaller, inside your flip top mailbox so your mail carrier knows what you want done with your packages.

Invest in a cheap tub or delivery box to keep on your front porch or near your delivery door for packages to be left in.  Make this your designated delivery box. Make another sign that labels it, “delivery box,” and even write instructions like, “please leave all packages in this box!”  You may also want to add instructions for over-sized packages.  You can buy delivery boxes on Amazon or deck boxes from Walmart or anywhere else.

Depending on your type of aesthetic, you can use a cheap Sterlite tub or a nice-looking huge flower pot.  Think outside the box and have some fun with the idea.

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I see a new home project for me—I’m going to keep a look out for some type of storage bench to redo for the outside and put on my front porch for packages. 

Whatever you decide to use, make sure there is a sign on it so delivery people know what to do.  Having your packages put into some type of container, keeps your packages out of plain sight; therefore, much less likely to be taken. 

You can also get very advanced versions of a delivery box and lock that requires the delivery person to scan the package before opening the box and depositing a package.

Reviews of these products vary, but could be worth the money you spend if it saves your peace of mind.

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Tip 6

Amazon has another delivery option that involves giving the delivery drivers the ability to use a one- time code to place a package right inside your home or garage.  But be prepared for the extra cost of installing the Amazon key system and may not be available for use by other carriers. Every Amazon package is tracked via Amazon and many times you can see a picture of the delivered item by going into your orders on your app.

If you come home sometime and see that a package was placed in front of your door or somewhere else unsafe, you may want to enlist a neighbor to grab it for you.

Amazon Has Us Covered

Finally, I have to say that Amazon has us covered.  If you have tried any of these suggestions and you still lose a package, remember – Amazon guarantees all packages.  So just call Amazon and let them know your package wasn’t received.  Amazon will either send a replacement or refund your money.

If you implement any of these suggestions, I hope it helps keep your packages safer from porch pirates   But, remember, THIS HAPPENS IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD!

For myself, I’m going to do like I said and keep my eyes open for any possibilities that I can use just for this sort of thing on my front porch.

Good Luck and Stay Awesome!

Cher

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