Amazon has announced a change to its in-garage delivery service, which will now come with a $1.99 charge per delivery if customers choose to receive their packages outside of their designated weekly “Amazon Day.” The update to Amazon’s blog post was brought to light by screenshots of in-app notifications shared on Twitter and Reddit.
According to Amazon spokesperson Amanda Gan, the new policy aims to provide customers with more flexibility and control over their deliveries. By choosing Amazon Day with Key Delivery, customers will be able to select their preferred delivery day and even combine in-garage deliveries, ensuring all packages arrive on the same day.
Until now, Prime members could have delivery drivers drop packages inside their garages for free, regardless of the day, as long as they had enabled the service and used a supported smart home garage door opener from companies like Chamberlain and Genie.
The new policy will take effect from October 4th, prompting mixed reactions from subscribers. Some customers appreciate the added flexibility and control offered by Amazon Day with Key Delivery, while others feel that the $1.99 charge is an unexpected and unwanted change to a previously free service.
This update follows Amazon’s ongoing efforts to enhance its delivery options for customers. In-garage delivery is just one of several innovative solutions offered by the company to ensure secure and convenient package delivery. Other services include in-home delivery, where an Amazon Key-compatible smart lock is used to grant delivery personnel access to a customer’s home, and Amazon Locker, where packages are delivered to self-service kiosks located in public places like shopping centers and supermarkets.
While these delivery options aim to provide customers with added convenience, they can also raise privacy and security concerns. Many customers are hesitant to give delivery personnel access to their homes or garages, fearing potential theft or misuse of personal property. However, Amazon has implemented security measures to address these concerns, such as providing real-time notifications and requiring delivery personnel to wear body cameras during in-home deliveries.
Despite the benefits and security measures, some customers remain skeptical, and the introduction of the $1.99 charge may further deter them from utilizing in-garage delivery services. It remains to be seen how this pricing change will impact customer adoption and overall satisfaction.
On the other hand, customers who value the convenience and flexibility of choosing their delivery day may find the new Amazon Day with Key Delivery option worthwhile, even with the added charge. Being able to select a specific day for all their deliveries and combining them into one shipment can save time and reduce the number of delivery attempts. This service could be especially beneficial for customers who have busy schedules or live in areas with limited delivery windows.
It is worth noting that Amazon’s decision to introduce the $1.99 charge may be related to the increasing costs associated with providing in-garage delivery services. As the demand for contactless delivery options continues to rise, Amazon likely faces additional expenses in terms of technology investments, personnel training, and operational logistics. Introducing a nominal charge may help offset these costs while still offering customers a convenient and secure delivery option.
Overall, Amazon’s update to its in-garage delivery service reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to adapt and refine its delivery options to meet customer needs and preferences. While the $1.99 charge may be a disappointment for some, others may appreciate the added flexibility and control provided by Amazon Day with Key Delivery. As the delivery landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how customers respond and whether other innovative solutions emerge to meet their changing expectations.
