Anyone have any experience with "locktin" or any "secure parcel delivery" boxes? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2014, 07:05:39 pm
content: I get a lot of deliveries and it's annoying to be out when couriers arrive, so today I have been looking at solutions to this problem.There's a company called Locktin that produces secure boxes with an electronic access code system that couriers can leave parcels inside when you're not at home. They look like this:http://www.locktin.com/You can also arrange to have parcels collected from the box and delivered elsewhere.I wonder if anyone here has used a similar system of locking box/parcel system for when you're not at home? Any good alternatives to this particular company? Any 'gotcha's?

author: krish2487
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2014, 07:40:52 pm
content: Just a potential gotcha I see :-The idea sounds right in theory, but is the PIN a one time use pin for delivery or remains the same till you change it?If it remains the same, there is no saying if the courier guys just enters it once to deposit and reenters to simply retrieve it and walkaway with the package, while recording valid proof that you have received the courier.Just a what if scenario.It would be a better system if the secure box could allow to setup two independant pins, once for 'master' and one for 'courier'. The courier pin is disabled as soon as they enter it once and deposit the parcel, thus effectively disabling them or anyone to use the pin again to open the box.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2014, 07:53:42 pm
content: Yeah, I see what you mean.As far as I can tell, there is one code for the owner and another for the courier, so you can change the courier code if you need to, but I don't think it will prevent immediate 'double access'. But if the courier was going to do what you suggest they could do it without even putting the parcel in the box in the first place, since the proof code is inside the lid, so they would only need to open it once.I was thinking that in addition to the box, I could get a CCTV camera overlooking the area which would show any courier taking from the box what they shouldn't, should provide proof if needed to the company should the event ever arise.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2014, 07:54:58 pm
content: From the web pageQuoteMuhahahahahahaWhen was the last time you had a courier delivery guy reading any kind of instruction printed on a parcel? Muahahaha.And that assumes the online retailer actually gives a rat's ass about putting any kind of instructions on the parcel. And it requires the retailer to manage to exactly reproduce your instructions on the parcel.And if all that instruction stuff works well and is read by the delivery guy the delivery guy still has to find that box, operate it correctly, stuff the parcel into it without breaking anything and managing to correctly closing and locking the lid.Good luck with that. I hope the average IQ and work ethics of courier drivers is much higher in the UK than what I am used to.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2014, 07:59:46 pm
content: I agree, this may be an issue, B@W.Given that a lot of retailers do give you the option of giving delivery instructions, it would seem pointless to do so if they're ignored, so perhaps a note on the door in addition would be enough? Obviously not including the access code on the door.I can't say I've ever tried to give couriers any special instructions so I have no idea how it would go in reality. That said, some companies seem better than others when it comes to customer focus/service, with the big names on top (UPS, FedEx, DPD, etc.) and the smaller ones below (yodel, etc.).

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2014, 08:09:08 pm
content: Couriers generally only have to be capable of breathing and walking, and not necessarily doing both at the same time. Good idea with the CCTV camera as added insurance though.When I first saw the topic header, I thought you were referring to those security cash transit boxes. Current models here have both a belt mounted printer, a PDA for data entry and signature and a securitainer with an electronic lock, a pushbutton held pushed by the operator's thumb and a siren and dye charge that will both stain the surrounds bright pink along with anybody within 5m and incinerate the contents after it is 10m away from either printer or PDA. They are pretty impressive to watch when you detonate a time expired one in a safe place where the smoke plume can be carried away. Cooks whatever is nearby as well.

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 14, 2014, 09:27:58 pm
content: Quote from: krish2487 on February 14, 2014, 07:40:52 pmThere is nothing to stop the courier marking a package as delivered and just taking it home with them now. Or calling their friend to say "Hey, I just left a package at ABC address, it's at the front door... go get it!".The "don't trust the courier" angle isn't a valid criticism of the product, IMO.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2014, 09:39:50 pm
content: We've had customers ask us to mark the package with a phone number to ring when the courier delivers. As if the courier is going to do that!Couriers just want to dump the package off at its destination (as quick as possible) and move onto the next one. They are not your personal assistant.As for the lock box, is it secured down in any way?What happens if you get more than one delivery before you clear it? Can the second courier take the first item?

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2014, 10:25:54 pm
content: If there's a self store place nearby then most of them will take packages in for you for a small charge.UPS and others let you select a drop of to a local store, link below to the UPS detailshttp://www.ups.com/content/gb/en/resources/service/ups-access-point.htmlSome of the lower end couriers have a reputation for throwing the delicate valuable parcel into the vicinity of your property, marking the delivery as "left in a safe place" and running away.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 10:11:31 am
content: No experience with locktin but I have made such items for farmers etc. The problem always seems to be deliveries come in multiples, so the first one comes then an hour or two later next one and by that time the lid or door is locked so the delivery is left on top, that is assuming that the first delivery driver decided to use the device and not in the puddle next to it. I have seen delivery drivers do some stupid things including on one occasion deliver heating oil into a septic tank.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 10:55:12 am
content: Quote from: David_AVD on February 14, 2014, 09:39:50 pmIt's secured to the wall or whatever you have it in front of.Each delivery has full access to the box, but then we get into the same territory as Corporate666 mentions. I would hope I could trust the courier not to steal my stuff, but there will be the CCTV just in case.Quote from: KJDS on February 14, 2014, 10:25:54 pmThe problem is, I can't use a different address, I want to use my own. So delivering elsewhere and then collecting is out of the question.If a courier leaves the package randomly around the place the CCTV would catch it, probably.Quote from: G7PSK on February 15, 2014, 10:11:31 amLol, I bet that was fun to fix! Or did they just write it off and have more oil delivered since it was in the waste system already?If multiple deliveries come they can still open the box - because they will all have the access code.

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 11:02:43 am
content: Most, if not all, of the couriers I've used recently, require a signature before they'll leave a parcel.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 11:10:28 am
content: Quote from: GeoffS on February 15, 2014, 11:02:43 amThe boxes have a code on the inside of the lid, and the courier is supposed to write it in place of the signature, then you at least know that the box has been opened, or (if the delivery is missing) you can view the proof of delivery and if it doesn't have the code you know they didn't open it.Of course, whether couriers would do this is another matter...

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 12:13:13 pm
content: You can usually sign a release form to authorise leaving package on doorstep.Download from courier website, print out, and put on doorstep.If its regular mail, you can put DO NOT CARD as part of your address.Works for AusPost. Not sure about couriers.One of my previous employers had a giant pencil case thing, that would be couriered between offices everyday.They would just put a padlock on the zipper to stop people peeking inside.As for your secure box, im sure you could forget the pin stuff, and just have a letter box that latches shut.eg, padlock.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 12:29:57 pm
content: Quote from: 8086 on February 15, 2014, 11:10:28 amThis is something else I don't get. Every courier service has their own way of marking the parcel as being delivered. Some use paper, some scan a code (provided by them in the first place) and the rest use a portable scanner / signature surface.I can only assume you'd be limited to using companies that supported this 3rd party scan code. Sounds like you'd be locked into a "system" that could be more expensive than others, unless there is a push for them to all use a common receipt method. yeah... right.

author: nihilism
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 02:50:36 pm
content: i thought about building something like this a few times, my idea was for it to be unlocked until someone put a parcel in an then it would lock. The "human" factor is one of the main reasons i have't bothered yet. too hard to train the couriers to put the parcel in the box.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 03:04:12 pm
content: If I'm not at home for a delivery (98% of cases, because they deliver 9-18) they default send it to the nearest post office, which is 5 minutes of walk away. Than I'm supposed to collect it from the post. Which is open from 9-18, conveniently choose hours, exactly when I'm working. Belgium FTW.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 05:06:22 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on February 15, 2014, 03:04:12 pmSigh. Here the local delivery office is a 20 minute walk, or 5 minute drive away. But if you drive, there is no parking anywhere near except one that you have to pay a minimum of £1.20 to use. Even if you're only there for 5 minutes.On top of that, the office is open from 7:30am to 12:30pm, so you're not going to get a chance to go there after work.And that's Royal Mail. The courier companies' offices are all at least 5 miles away. Some are more like 10/15.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 11:30:38 pm
content: Quote from: GeoffS on February 15, 2014, 11:02:43 amMost providers I have used (amazon, Chinese ebay sellers, digikey, sparkfun, OSHPARK, etc) do not require signature and the drivers here are happy to leave the packages.A few providers such as PCB Pool insist on marking their packages as signature-required but I try to avoid them. It's annoying to have to go to the post office and stand in line to claim a package.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 12:22:44 am
content: Quote from: zapta on February 15, 2014, 11:30:38 pmI just signed up for FedEx delivery manager and UPS My Choice, and I just authorize a shipment release or have it driven to my UPS/FedEx store.

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 04:47:12 am
content: A few facts some folks might not know (applies to the USA).It used to be that for UPS/FedEx, they were not supposed to leave your package, unless the driver specifically felt it was safe to do so. A couple of years back, that changed... now the driver is supposed to leave your package unless he specifically feels it is unsafe to do so. This only applies for residential deliveries - they are not allowed to leave any commercial deliveries.If you ever report an item stolen to UPS and it was one they left for you - then no package will ever be left again, even if you sign a shipper release... so if anyone ever was thinking of pulling a fast one and claiming they never got something... it means forevermore you will be going to the depot to pick up packages.

author: Locktin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 11:09:59 am
content: Hi bloggers,I see you have been discussing my product the Locktin secure package delivery box. I really appreciate all your comments and would like to answer a few points you had about the product.4 Digit Access Code for the CourierI see a few concerns about the one time use of the pin code for the couriers. The 4 digit user code can be changed very easily and as often as you want. I also notice that a number of you raise the question about the courier having the access code so could potentially steal your package after scanning the POD, which is inside the lid of the unit ?Well I think there does have to be an aspect of trust with people and in my opinion if the courier wanted to steal your package and potentially lose his job then he has a van full of parcels regardless of using the Locktin. The bottom line is that if someone steals your package after having opened the Locktin and scanned the unique POD “digital signature” pin code, it would come to light very quickly as you wouldn’t have your package and then it would be obvious who took it as the POD would have been registered. It would have to be a pretty dumb courier to do this.In our experience the feedback from couriers so far using the Locktin is that its great for them as they can deliver 100% of their packages everyday using Locktin. Its quick and easy for them to jump out the van and use the Locktin. Some couriers have to be introduced to the concept and how it works but after this they realise its actually making their life easier.Courier + Retailer instructionsWith regards to the couriers and retailer not complying with instructions ? Well most online retailers now offer a special instructions facility for the courier within the ordering process. In that facility you simply write “Leave package in lockbox with access code 1234” as this information is relayed to the courier successfully in our experience. Alternatively, simply build the courier instruction into your own delivery address when processing your online order as follows : Mr Mike Smith, Put delivery in lockbox, access code 1234, 53 Waterloo Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire, RG23 2PL.Locktin is used very successfully every day for countless deliveries. It’s a great product with many couriers even handing out our sales leaflets to the clients they know are never at home ! We also have our local Royal Mail depot distributing leaflets at their front desk showing they fully support the product and the concept.Thanks again for your interest. From the Locktin team.

author: tjb1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 11:53:29 am
content: I like when things get shipped FedEx with "Indirect Signature Required" which means they will leave it with anyone in the vicinity that will sign for it. First package I got with this said delivered, had a "Signature Required" note on the door with something scribbled on it in doctors handwriting and no package to be found. I called FedEx and threw a fit because of course it was something expensive and I guess they left it with my neighbor....in an apartment complex...who I do not know. I continued to throw a fit and work my way up the levels but I guess they feel it's ok to just leave a package with a random person.Had to send my Macbook Pro back recently to have the battery fixed, noticed it was on the way back with indirect signaturehad that held for pickup before they could drop it off with the local squirrel or something.I actually avoid FedEx like the plague, they have the dumbest shipping model I have ever seen. They have 3 different "services" located around me. You have Express in it's own building, Ground in it's own building and Home Delivery in some other building. I can have Express packages held locally, but I can only have Ground or Home Delivery packages held in a town that is 40 miles awayThen you call 1-800-GO-STUPID and one service rep will tell you they can't hold packages at the Ground terminal so you hangup and call again and magically they can now hold the package there...The best one is a sample I had from TI coming, checked the tracking, out for delivery. Checked a little later, "Address incorrect - Can not deliver". So this went on for 2-3 days before I got time to call them and they told me the driver couldn't find the address, the same address this facility delivers to almost weekly. I had to verify the address (which was the same as the one on the package) and magically it got delivered the next day.Lastly, goodluck getting a number of a local FedEx terminal. Always "Private" or "Unlisted" unless you get lucky and one of them leave the number in a voicemail. I'd continue but that's a rant for another time.Also, I can't use Fedex Delivery Manager because I don't have a landline and the service can't verify I live at the address even though I've been here a year and had many packages delivered. No one at FedEx seems to have any idea how to fix it either.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 03:48:39 pm
content: FedEx will leave packages for me. But UPS won't leave anything valuable without a signature.And any shipper can require signature to deliver (and you don't always know before the fact.)FedEx will divert to a local FedEx Office storefront, and that has come in handy.But UPS charges extra for diverting delivery to a UPS storefront.I have been ordering some things from Amazon because they have a lockbox in my area where they will deliver and then they email you an unlock code.Punch in the unlock code, and one of the locker doors opens, and there is your package. No fooling around. Rather convenient, IMHO.I have had more than one delivery stolen from my front porch and I am getting tired of it.

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2014, 04:32:25 pm
content: When I order from Farnell I put my phone number in the address and notes .. the UPS guys even call ahead and ask me if I'm at home or not (if I don't answer they skip my street and call in a couple of hours again).Sometimes they ask me if I can go to the end of the street (about 50 meters or so) because it's easier for them to park there and continue on their way, and I don't mind that.The local post system... it's getting slowly worse.. there's lots of interest from rich people to buy it cheaply and take advantage of infrastructure (buildings, offices, cars, railway contracts) so it's like it's killed on purpose slowly. It's very poorly managed, there's few employees in the post office, the printers are old dot matrix ones that take 20s to print an invoice, if you want to send a package you have to fill two forms and then the employee has to fill a form on his computer that has the same info so it takes 10 minutes to send a package ..Basically you're guaranteed to wait 20-40 minutes in line at the post office to do anything, even buying stamps (which in itself is ridiculous, i once wanted to buy a sheet of stamps and they refused, they said i could come with the envelope to be weighted, they didn't want me to risk sending envelope with too little postage).