How to manage Amazon deliveries in a brownstone

I did see the Amazon key thing. Frankly, I have only lost a couple of packages (both Amazon) and they replaced them quickly. I assume that Amazon and their delivery services have made the business decision that replacing stolen packages is cheaper than taking a few extra minutes per delivery to ring the bell, etc. As long as they have made that decision, there is not much incentive for me to invest time or money in getting additional systems set up.

SoSlope

in General Discussion 5 years and 11 months ago

16

Please log in, in order to post replies!

16 replies

Newest Oldest

Guest User | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "200728"

Hello, I am renovating a brownstone and I am thinking of how I will manage deliveries from Amazon. My set-up is similar to most brownstones where there is a small vestibule between the two doors atop the stoop.
I was thinking of putting some kind of smart doorbell+smart lock on the first door and having a regular key lock on the second door. The idea would be to give the smart lock code to USPS and other frequent delivery people and use the smart doorbell+lock to remotely open for Amazon and other delivery people that are different every time.
Has anyone tried this setup successfully or any others that work? How do you manage to get your deliveries?
I’m also interested in any feedback for perishables deliveries like Blue Apron.

greenworks | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5074 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5077 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193898"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "greenworks"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BvxiXeodyQysgcTYowSaAwPkHGvc1S0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "greenworks"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(38) "greenworksconstruction936962@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 12:31:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your first name Your last name Your first name Your last name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193898)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Your solution sounds a little complicated for delivery people. There are often subs or reinforcements on routes who won’t know the code.

We put a wood deck box on our stoop and directed delivery people to use it with a small note near our doorbell. It has worked great for four years and we get a high volume of packages. Only lasership is too dumb to use it, everyone else does great.

This is similar to what we have. https://m2.ikea.com/us/en/p/aepplaroe-storage-bench-outdoor-brown-stained-brown-70204923/

stevecym | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5078 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5079 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "21525"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "stevecymbalsky@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "/forums/users/thetinkerswagon/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:05:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "xLyD4JX1CSeJzFu7zs4j"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(21525)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I had a customer put a system in that they can answer and control from a computer or smart device from anywhere. its like an aiphone with a camera but it works through the web. I have not visited them since they had it installed (this is not my thing those as I get older I wonder if I should consider it) so I am not sure how it has worked out. I may be able to find out.

daveinbedstuy | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5075 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5085 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3864"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtJYyObAQmff2MQp.qFP7/kmwU1bBZ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "djl135e54@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/daveinbedstuy/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:23:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3864)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Most Amazon orders are being deliverd by Amazon Logistics. They will rarely even ring the doorbell (nor will FedEx anymore if it doesn’t require a signature) anymore and just leave boxes on porches. Your best bet is to find a location that they deliver to where you can pick it up. Maybe even your corner bodega or cleaners.

greenworks | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5074 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5080 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193898"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "greenworks"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BvxiXeodyQysgcTYowSaAwPkHGvc1S0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "greenworks"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(38) "greenworksconstruction936962@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 12:31:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your first name Your last name Your first name Your last name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193898)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

@dibs Until very recently I would get 6-8 amazon deliveries a week (trying to break the habit) and even amazon logistics know to use the package box even if they don’t ring the doorbell. I’ve watched more than a few deliveries from our Nest door cam that alerts us to motion – amazon logistics, fedex, etc, they all just run up our steps, put the package in the deck box, and leave, never ringing the doorbell.

It’s been a great cheap delivery system for us –

panda10 | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5078 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5086 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "7642"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "panda10"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "panda10"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "jhsyang99@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(22) "/forums/users/panda10/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:14:37"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "panda10"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(7642)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’m so happy to see this topic. I’ve been thinking of this for a while. Package theft has increased and Ive thought about the vestibule option or a smart lock on my outer basement door but I spoke to my UPS guy and he likes the Citibin with a lock. But after talking to others, I think the bin itself is important- not the lock. Meaning so long as you devise a way for the actual brown Amazon box to be hidden, like @Booisgolden’s ikea box (which I like and thought of) I think that takes care of the vast majority of the problem. I think most porch pirates go for easy swipes. I still thiink I’ll get the Citibin. My family just orders too much and having it delivered to Whole Foods is a PITA.

Guest User | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "200728"

Thanks for your answers.
@booisgolden, is the Ikea box waterproof? What happens when it rains? My stoop does not have an awning/canopy so a box at the top would inevitably get wet on a rainy day.
Have you ever experienced package theft?

Guest User | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "200728"

@Panda10, I just looked up the citibin solution and it looks great! Do you think though that deliverypeople will have the patience to open a 4-digit combination lock? As others have said I’m worried that they will ignore the bin and either leave the package lying around or just not deliver it.
It’d be great to hear from anyone with experience with citibin.

greenworks | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5081 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4882 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193898"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "greenworks"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BvxiXeodyQysgcTYowSaAwPkHGvc1S0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "greenworks"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(38) "greenworksconstruction936962@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 12:31:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your first name Your last name Your first name Your last name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193898)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

@solaire the ikea box is not waterproof (we have covering) but there are many wood deck boxes that are (just google “wood deck box” and a bunch of results show up that appear to be waterproof.

I also thought of just stapling a nice waterproof canvas around the interior to help obscure the contents better — that would also help waterproof.

Ans Panda10 is very right about the fact that the bin itself seems to be the most important — not necessarily the lock. The ONLY time anything was ever stolen in 4 years was when lasership would leave the package out in the open. We solved that by calling Amazon and Sunbasket and having them note to NOT use lasership whenever possible, and most of the time they are able to use someone else.

NeoGrec | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5071 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4838 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1741"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "NeoGrec"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BOvBZSSoDDccMCffw1igzkiT0t5s1D."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "neogrec"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "rparr@randomhouse.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(36) "http:///forums/users/grandarmyredux/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:46:16"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "NeoGrec"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1741)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Shop local. Save the planet. Save bricks and mortar retail and the jobs that come with these stores. Those wages stay local and are reinvested in our communities.

mozeeatupu | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4882 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5082 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176749"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BHO3bQekVGtCrXmPMzpkzkalt5eAQl/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "grandzu@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/mozeeatupu/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "mozeeatupu"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176749)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Lasership is horrifically bad at delivery. They’ve left packages on garbage cans, repeatedly.

slimc | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5081 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5075 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177080"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "slimc"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BRwHbpsTCIzijIQaF3RE5jEha/vxZh/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "slimc"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "slimchancey@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(20) "/forums/users/slimc/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2013-06-24 17:25:15"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(45) "1725546075:$P$Bkb3cmBuZPrPksim3f2NiwCwWyp8eC0"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "slimc"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177080)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

In my experience, most delivery people don’t even ring the bell (and they won’t climb the stoop) – they drop the package and walk away.** I am home almost all the time, so I know this for a fact. My solution: I get text alerts to tell me when the package has been delivered then I run out to get it before the thieves see it. If I were not home to receive deliveries, I would have an iron worker create a package slot in my iron door under the stoop so that items can be pushed through. **My regular USPS delivery man is the exception – he rings the bell and waits to give me my package.

Guest User | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "199384"

@slimc – there are good one’s out there! Sometimes I’m sympathetic to the delivery person: the frequency and volume of shipped and delivered goods has exploded in the recent years! It must be daunting to keep up with the expectations, especially with companies like Amazon promising one and two day delivery. It’s insane that we now expect near instantaneous delivery. I get those texts too and they are a life saver… or package saver.

brooklynblogger

in General Discussion 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#5074 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5092 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194983"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "brooklynblogger"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BLqK8q4vgx3SisuX8n6TcTLyce9FMc0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "brooklynblogger"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "bushraali@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 15:30:54"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(23) "Susan Smith Susan Smith"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194983)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

When we lived in park slope, we had a couple of elderly neighbors who would accept our packages. When it snowed, we would shovel their sidewalks and stoops. There wasn’t a formal arrangement; it just worked out that way over time.

SoSlope | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5090 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5091 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "16781"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpNWkcfKZsrSiAOYnmRvIA8.yhAXCk1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "danielcprice@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-09-10 19:27:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "SoSlope"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(16781)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

@ Solaire: I did exactly what you suggest (combination of nest doorbell and an electronic lock on my stoop gate that I can open remotely. But, as everyone here suggests, it was all for naught. The delivery people rarely ring the bell and cannot be bothered to wait 5 seconds for me to open the gate. At the end of the day, they just drop the package and run. I have lost a few to theft, but Amazon replaces them with no fuss.

As for laser ship, @booisgolden is absolutely right: they are terrible.

Guest User | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "200728"

Thanks for the feedback @SoSlope. I guess it saves me some money not having to set this up. I did think it was not that complicated but I guess delivery people don’t have any time to waste.
Have you thought of trying the Amazon Key service? If you already have a Nest doorbell and an electronic lock you have most of what’s required. If you sign up for the service I think delivery people are instructed to use it.
I saw this review which didn’t look too bad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kbFfGrGm_Y
The only problem is it only works with Amazon, but that’s probably 90% of most people’s deliveries I would think.