(BPT) - Since the pandemic more and more consumers have been shopping online. In 2020, online sales jumped nearly 32% compared to the prior year, with online sales on track to outpace that record in 2021, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
If you're one of the many that forgoes the shopping malls for online shopping at home, you might find yourself thinking more about how to keep your package deliveries safe. To make sure your cyber shopping experience is even more rewarding and stress free, here are five ways you can ensure you never miss a delivery.
1. Get deliveries inside your garage
Back in July, Mina Starsiak Hawk, owner of Two Chicks and a Hammer, had some packages repeatedly stolen off her front porch and she decided to play a prank on the thieves. However, when she looked to get serious about the issue, she turned to her garage. 'I have a myQ Smart Garage Door Opener by LiftMaster and a myQ Smart Garage Camera, which both work with Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery,' said Mina. 'Instead of having packages sitting on my front porch, I now have them delivered to my garage where they are out of sight until I get home. I can even watch the deliveries happen in real time from my myQ app.' For less than $30, homeowners can easily upgrade their existing garage door opener into a smart garage opener with a myQ Smart Garage Control hub. Once the garage door opener is connected to the myQ app they can link to Amazon Key in the myQ app for convenient and secure In-Garage Delivery of Amazon packages and groceries.
2. Give specific delivery instructions
Most delivery services allow customers to set instructions on where, when and how to deliver packages to the intended destination. Ask your mail carrier to knock or ring the doorbell to alert you when a package arrives. If snow, rain or any other weather conditions are a concern, request that your mail carrier place packages in an out-of-sight dry spot. Get creative and use other delivery points such as back porches, patios and exterior basement stairs.
3. Sign up for delivery alerts
Major mail carriers and delivery services have systems for tracking packages. You can use tracking numbers to determine where an item is and when it should be delivered. Check with your delivery provider to see if you can sign up for email or text message alerts when your package is shipped, out for delivery and delivered.
4. Team up with a neighbor
Work with a trustworthy neighbor to look after each other's packages. If a neighbor is at home during an anticipated delivery, ask if you can send packages to their address or have them hold deliveries that come to your front door. Return the favor whenever possible and bake a treat or give a small thank-you gift to show your appreciation.
5. Request a signature
If you are ordering expensive items online, it's smart to require a signature for delivery. By requesting a signature, you can ensure that your online purchases are never left unattended. If you're not at home during delivery, the mail carrier will typically leave a note with options for rescheduling the delivery or picking up the package in person.
Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by trying out some of these package delivery tips and spend more time enjoying the moments that matter.