The launch of Amazon Lockers in 2011 was intended to address several issues the business was having with delivering products to its clients.
After eleven years, lockers are now in over 2,800 locations in more than 50 US cities. As a result, small businesses now have a fantastic chance to increase foot traffic to their stores by hosting lockers.
Although Amazon‘s delivery system is among the most reliable across all e-commerce platforms, porch pirates are quickly ruining the delivery experience.
With rising porch pirates across the globe, Amazon needs a solution to protect its 310 million consumer base and its ongoing initiatives; Amazon Hub Lockers and Counters could be the right step. What are these lockers, and how can your business grow with them? Let’s find out!
Why Did Amazon Need its Hub Lockers and Counters?
Despite Amazon’s ease of use, the company does have a few flaws you might find annoying. You may only be able to receive deliveries on certain days if you are a working professional.
Also, leaving packages on the porch can be risky due to the possibility of “porch piracy.” As of 2021, 23 million Americans have reported stolen shipments from their homes.
To address problems like these, Amazon created the Lockers program. We’ll explain how Amazon Lockers function in this article and how to utilize them to ensure you never miss a box again. Additionally, we will also talk in detail about how to host an Amazon hub locker.
What is an Amazon Hub?
Amazon Hub is an international network of pickup locations. With the help of the initiative, any business with a physical location may offer safe package pickup and returns to Amazon consumers, thereby boosting foot traffic and sales at their establishment.
Additionally, to assist clients in their neighborhoods, the Hub partners can choose from various product solutions, such as Lockers and Apartment Lockers.
What is an Amazon Hub Locker?
Amazon, one of the biggest online retailers, constantly looks for new ways to enhance the shopping experience for its customers.
The Amazon Locker kiosks are a new addition to the Amazon team. These lockers are self-service package delivery locations that increase their shipping alternatives and add many benefits for the consumer and the host.
Now, Amazon customers can choose to have their packages shipped to a locked box at their desired location rather than having them delivered elsewhere or to their doorstep, which may be less convenient but extremely secure.
Multiple secured boxes are present at an Amazon Locker kiosk. A consumer can ask Amazon to deliver a parcel to a nearby Amazon Locker, and when it does, Amazon notifies them and sends them a six-digit code they can use to pick up their package from the locker.
Where Can You Find an Amazon Hub Locker?
Amazon Lockers can be found in various locations, including retail lobbies, convenience stores, supermarkets, office buildings, transportation hubs, residential complexes, and universities.
Furthermore, with lockers available at various pickup locations, customers can better select a locker conveniently located for their package deliveries.
How Does Using Amazon Lockers Benefit the Consumer?
There are several benefits to having things delivered to a locker rather than a person’s home. One advantage is that it helps prevent porch thieves. Packages can be stolen if left on a front porch or in an apartment lobby.
Convenience is another factor that influences certain Amazon customers’ locker usage. You can pick up the box at a nearby locker, for instance, if you’re not at home and want it delivered to where you are.
However, even if you aren’t traveling, you should have a box delivered to a locker close to your place of employment or another location.
Shipping options for Amazon customers include two-day, one-day, and even same-day delivery. Additionally, they might choose a nearby Amazon Locker delivery location as the shipping address during checkout if they are at work.
Reasons to Use Amazon Lockers
There are several possible causes, but they can all be boiled down to two key elements:
Security
Starting with security, there may be better options than having your products delivered to your home. It is possible for someone to steal a package from your porch if you live in a house and go to work.
There is little chance of you getting your property back, even if you have security cameras to catch criminals.
Things only get more difficult if your apartment doesn’t have a front desk or doorman who can watch out for packages being stolen.
Even if your building does have some regulated access, many Amazon packages are left at the door if no one accepts the package. In such cases, the package becomes open to opportunistic burglars who may also reside in your building.
Convenience
Even if your company has a front desk to receive deliveries and keep them safe, those hours may only sometimes coincide with your schedule.
For instance, a box may arrive while you are still at work on a Friday at 1 p.m. It may take you until Monday to pick up your item if the office shuts at 5 p.m. and you get home from work at 5:30.
Amazon Lockers fix the two issues mentioned above. They are quite secure, to begin with; access requires a unique code. A determined burglar might be able to pry one open, but given the specialized equipment needed and the amount of attention it would draw, it is quite unlikely.
The lockers are self-service and convenient for businesses interested in hosting an Amazon locker.
You can pick up your delivery whenever suits you because they are open around the clock. We hope this has persuaded you to at least think about utilizing an Amazon Locker, but how can you locate one that is practical for you?
Amazon Hub Counter vs. Locker
You need to know some important differences between Amazon Hub Counter and Locker. Let’s talk about them in detail.
Service
An employee in a store keeps an eye on Amazon’s Hub Counter. When you pick up the item, shop staff scan your barcode before releasing it. There is no need for you to present any identification. To put it another way, no identification is required.
The Amazon Hub Locker is an analogous idea. However, they are self-service and don’t require staff to assist customers. Amazon lockers are frequently seen in busy locations, including supermarkets, educational institutions, and transit hubs.
Pick Up Packages
You can specify that Hub Locker location as your mailing address and tell Amazon to send your item there rather than your home if you live close to the Amazon Hub Locker location and your purchase complies with Hub Locker’s requirements.
In the case of a Hub Counter, Amazon will email you a pickup barcode after the courier has delivered your box.
Return Items
The Amazon Hub Locker facility accepts returned goods and is a place to pick up packages. At a Hub Locker, not all returns are, though. During the returns process on Amazon.com, if your item qualifies for return to a locker, Amazon Hub Locker will show up as a drop-off option.
On the other hand, Amazon Hub Counters do not offer self-service; they offer assisted return services.
Availability
United States, Germany, Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Australia, Austria, and UAE residents can use the Amazon Hub Locker service.
The following nations have access to Amazon Hub Counter: the USA, Canada, the UK, Mexico, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Italy, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
Operating Hours
Some Amazon Hub Lockers are available 24/7, whereas others close at a specific hour, such as 7 or 9 p.m. Each Hub Locker location’s hours of operation are listed next to its name on Amazon Hub Locator.
Whereas the large shop where each Hub Counter is located maintains the same hours of operation.
How Does Hosting an Amazon Counter or Locker Benefit Your Business?
Every day, new companies of all sizes join Amazon’s network of hub sites. So you have nothing to lose by signing up for Amazon’s locker program, and you could get many advantages.
The primary benefit of becoming an Amazon Hub is increased foot traffic to your business. Customers from Amazon who come to your location to pick up their parcels might notice anything on your storefront and decide to purchase from you because of how convenient it is.
Retail sales in Chicago-area Kohl’s stores with Amazon lockers recently increased to 9%. As a result, more individuals will enter your store, and it will be simpler to attract new consumers the more people stop by to pick up Amazon packages.
Improve Brand Awareness
Additionally, the increased foot traffic aids in raising brand awareness. Customers will see your company name when they choose your location as their package pickup location or enter your establishment.
This helps your company’s name gradually enter its consciousness. As a result, your company’s name will stand out among competitors when they need the goods or services you provide, and their familiarity with it is more likely to direct them to you.
Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty
Amazon Hub Locker makes nearby visits to your establishment more convenient. Customers can have a type of “two for one” convenience by having their needs served by you and their items picked up all in one spot by designating your location for package delivery at no additional cost.
This makes your goods and services more practical than those of rivals. As a result, your clients will be more content and likely to buy from you again.
Reliable Customer Support
Amazon goes above and beyond to satisfy customers. Therefore, if you decide to host a locker at your store, you automatically receive free 24/7 customer assistance.
You will only need to spend time or money on client support if you integrate yourself into their business. In addition, customers can contact Amazon with any questions or grievances to rectify their problems.
How to Host an Amazon Hub Locker/Counter?
By joining the Amazon Hub network, your business can surely draw in more clients and open up prospects for more revenue. For this, visit the Amazon Hub website, select “partner with us,” and then respond to a few brief questions to get started.
Requirements
You need room for one in your business as the primary prerequisite for hosting an Amazon Locker. When completing the Amazon questionnaire, you will be asked to explain your location type, whether it is in a shopping center, your hours of operation, and where you are located. After providing your contact information, you will receive a response in around two weeks.
However, only a few applicants will be accepted. In addition, depending on local customer demand for lockers, your business’s location, and operating hours, Amazon may or may not approve you for an Amazon Locker.
How Does Amazon Hub Locker/Counter Work?
If your application for an Amazon Locker is accepted, Amazon will make arrangements to have a suitable-sized Amazon Locker placed at your place of business. The lockers contain a touch screen self-service kiosk where consumers can retrieve their parcels, and delivery people may leave deliveries.
The Hub network is free to join. The manufacturing, delivery, setup, and maintenance of Amazon’s lockers are all taken care of.
A phone number is printed on each locker and available to clients around-the-clock if they experience problems using it. If customers approach you with queries or complaints, direct them to the customer service hotline.
What Sizes Do Amazon Lockers Come in?
The lockers come in various sizes. Thus the space where your business is located must be big enough to accommodate the locker. Lockers are available in lengths of 6, 9, 12, and 15 feet and are 6 feet tall.
A regular 110-volt, 15-amp circuit is also required at the locker location to power the self-service kiosk. Using cellular modems by the lockers eliminates the need for wired data. However, hardwired electrical cables are necessary for outdoor installations.
Is Amazon Locker Safe?
Yes. Because only you have the locker’s exclusive pickup code, you are the only one who can access it. Additionally, lockers contain safety features like touch screens, CCTV, and strong steel doors. Your package may be stolen from an Amazon parcel locker. But the likelihood of that happening is extremely low.
Furthermore, Amazon’s A-Z Guarantee shields you from defective or unreasonable delayed goods. You can lodge a report using your Amazon account in case of a missing package.
How Long Can Items Stay in an Amazon Locker?
You have three calendar days to retrieve your stuff from the locker, according to Amazon. Amazon will mail your things back and refund your money if you don’t pick them up within three days.
Call Amazon Logistics or Customer Support to request an extension if you cannot pick up your belongings from the locker within three days. Although there is no assurance, it is worth a shot that they will permit your package to stay in the locker.
FAQs
How much does it cost to host an Amazon Hub?
The global Amazon Hub network is free to join. Amazon pays for lockers’ manufacturing, delivery, installation, and maintenance, allowing you to focus on what you do best: providing for the new clients who walk through your doors.
What if a customer has an issue using a Hub Locker?
If you have any issues with an Amazon Hub Locker, you can contact the Amazon support team 24/7. The Amazon team can track and assist the Amazon Hub Locker near you and assist you in understanding the system.
Additionally, customer support may also let you know if the Hub Locker isn’t functional at that given moment.
Final Words
With the introduction of Amazon’s lockers and counters, you don’t need to worry about being away from home when the shipment is delivered. Instead, you can pick up your favorite things whenever you want.
This is the most convenient option for people who work and need to pick up their stuff at a convenient time and location. Additionally, shop owners can get more footfall and increase their business by utilizing the massive Amazon customer base.
Next, you can learn how to use Amazon Hub Counter/Locker to fight porch piracy.
