As online shopping continues to skyrocket, so does the challenge of keeping those orders secure until they reach customers‘ hands. One common concern is porch piracy, with a staggering 28% of Americans reporting a package theft in 2022 alone (Statista). To combat this issue, Amazon and other retailers have implemented alternative delivery methods like leaving orders in "safe places."
While seeing a notification that your package was "delivered to safe place" can be initially confusing, this system aims to protect your purchases and streamline the delivery process. In this article, we‘ll break down exactly what "delivered to safe place" means, how it works, and steps you can take to ensure your Amazon orders arrive without a hitch.
What Does "Delivered to Safe Place" Mean?
In simple terms, a "delivered to safe place" message indicates that your Amazon package was left in a location the delivery driver deemed secure because no one was home to accept it. These locations can include:
- Front porches or back decks, especially if covered or out of plain view
- Garages, carports, or gated yards
- Mailrooms or building reception desks
- Sheds, pool houses, or other outdoor structures
- With a neighbor or family member at the same address
The goal is to keep your order protected from potential theft or weather damage by placing it in a hidden or access-controlled spot until you‘re able to collect it.
Why Amazon Uses "Delivered to Safe Place"
There are a few key reasons Amazon uses this delivery method:
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Reducing package theft: With porch piracy on the rise, leaving orders in discreet locations can help deter opportunistic thieves.
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Minimizing weather damage: Particularly in areas with harsh or unpredictable weather, finding a sheltered spot for deliveries helps ensure your items arrive in good condition.
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Increasing first-attempt success rates: Making multiple delivery attempts takes extra time and resources. By leaving packages in secure locations, drivers can complete more deliveries on the first try.
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Enhancing customer convenience: Having orders left in a safe place allows customers to retrieve them on their own schedule without having to wait for a redelivery or travel to a carrier facility.
While receiving a "delivered to safe place" notification may be surprising at first, it‘s important to remember that Amazon uses this process to keep your orders secure and make delivery more efficient. In most cases, your package will be waiting in a hidden but easily accessible spot on your property.
How Amazon Trains Drivers to Choose Safe Places
You might be wondering how Amazon delivery drivers determine what counts as a "safe place." The company provides extensive training to its drivers on how to choose secure drop-off locations based on specific delivery scenarios.
According to a 2018 Business Insider article, Amazon teaches drivers to leave packages in inconspicuous spots that are protected from inclement weather and not visible from the street. They‘re trained to look for covered porches, garages, or other structures that can conceal orders from view.
Drivers also learn to be mindful of potential hazards that could damage packages, like sprinkler systems or high-traffic areas. If no secure location is available, they‘re instructed to use their best judgment based on the specific property layout and neighborhood.
Providing Delivery Instructions for Safe Places
If you know you won‘t be home for a delivery and want to give specific guidance on where to leave your package, you can easily provide safe place instructions right in your Amazon order details. Here‘s how:
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At checkout, select the shipping address where you want the order delivered.
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Under the selected address, click the "Add delivery instructions" dropdown.
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Choose from common safe place options like "Front door" or "Rear porch," or select "Other" to enter custom instructions like "Please leave in the mailroom lockbox."
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You can also add delivery instructions in the "Additional order information" section on the order review page before placing your order.
Your driver will see these instructions and aim to leave your package in the designated spot. It‘s a good idea to be as clear and specific as possible to avoid any confusion.
Tips for Designating Effective Safe Places
To make the "delivered to safe place" process go as smoothly as possible, here are some expert tips for choosing and preparing secure drop-off spots:
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Make it visible to drivers, but not passersby. Choose locations that are easily identifiable to someone approaching your home, but not obvious from the street or sidewalk.
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Ensure the location is accessible. Make sure your designated spot can be reached without obstacles like locked gates or unrestrained pets.
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Provide clear signage. If you have a specific place you want packages left, like "Behind the grill on back porch," consider leaving a weatherproof sign with instructions to remove all guesswork.
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Use a lockbox or delivery bag. For an extra layer of security, invest in a porch lockbox or sealed delivery bag designated for orders. Make sure to include the access code or instructions in your delivery notes.
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Update instructions as needed. If your safe place needs to change due to weather, travel, or other circumstances, be sure to update your delivery instructions or contact Amazon directly to let them know.
By taking a proactive approach to designating safe places, you can help ensure your Amazon orders are delivered securely and successfully, even when you‘re not home to accept them.
Amazon Locker: A Secure Delivery Alternative
For those who live in apartments, travel frequently, or just prefer an extra level of security, Amazon Lockers offer a convenient alternative to home delivery. These self-service kiosks allow you to pick up your orders at a secure location near you, like a grocery store, gym, or convenience shop.
To use an Amazon Locker, simply search for a nearby location and add it as your delivery address at checkout. Once your order is delivered to the Locker, you‘ll receive a pickup code via email. You can then retrieve your package from the Locker at your convenience using the code and touch screen interface.
As of July 2021, there were roughly 4,000 Amazon Lockers in the U.S. alone (About Amazon). Usage of these secure pickup points has grown significantly in recent years, with lockers seeing an estimated 35% increase in package volumes per year (Amazon Locker Growth Report, 2019).
The rising popularity of Amazon Lockers underscores the growing demand for secure, flexible delivery options. By offering both home safe place drop-off and self-service pickup points, Amazon aims to give customers more control over their package delivery experience.
What If Your "Safe Place" Package Is Missing?
Sometimes, even when a package is marked as delivered to a safe place, it may still go missing. If you find yourself in this situation, here are the steps to take:
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Double-check the delivery details in your order history to confirm the exact "safe place" location and any specific instructions.
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Thoroughly search the designated spot and surrounding areas on your property, including any hidden nooks where the package could be tucked away.
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Check with neighbors or other household members to see if they might have picked up the order on your behalf.
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If the package still doesn‘t turn up after 48 hours (the window in which Amazon may mark orders as delivered before they actually arrive), contact Amazon customer service for assistance.
In the event that your safe place package was stolen or never located, Amazon‘s A-to-Z Guarantee has you covered. This policy protects customers in cases where an order never arrives or the item received is materially different than described.
To file an A-to-Z Guarantee claim, go to your order history and select "Problem with order" next to the missing item. Follow the prompts to submit your claim, which Amazon will review and respond to within 48 hours. If approved, they‘ll issue a refund or replacement.
While a lost safe place package is undoubtedly frustrating, Amazon‘s customer service and guarantee policy provide reassurance that you won‘t be left empty-handed.
The Future of Secure Amazon Deliveries
As e-commerce continues to grow and evolve, so will the options for secure package delivery. Amazon has already pioneered several innovative solutions beyond safe place drop-offs and Lockers, such as:
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Amazon Key In-Home Delivery: This invite-only service allows drivers to leave packages just inside your front door, garage, or gate, giving them a secure spot to deliver even if you‘re not home.
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In-Car Delivery: In select areas, Amazon can deliver orders right to your parked vehicle‘s trunk, providing a mobile safe place option.
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Amazon Hub Apartment Lockers: These modular lockers are installed in apartment buildings to give residents a secure, 24/7 way to retrieve their orders.
Looking ahead, I believe we‘ll see even more creative solutions emerge, like expanded drone delivery for short distances, Amazon-branded pick-up locations, or perhaps even temperature-controlled drop boxes for perishable items.
The key will be providing customers with a range of secure delivery options that fit their unique needs and lifestyles. As a retail expert, I predict that the companies that prioritize flexibility, convenience, and security in the last mile of the e-commerce experience will gain a significant edge over the competition.
Conclusion
Receiving an Amazon "delivered to safe place" notification can be surprising at first, but this system is designed to keep your orders secure and simplify the delivery process. By leaving packages in hidden or access-controlled locations when you‘re not home, drivers aim to protect them from theft, weather damage, and the need for repeated delivery attempts.
As a customer, you can take steps to ensure successful safe place deliveries by providing clear instructions, investing in a lockbox or delivery bag, and thoroughly checking your property before reporting a missing package. If an order does go astray, Amazon‘s customer service and A-to-Z Guarantee can help make things right.
Looking forward, I expect we‘ll continue to see a growing array of secure delivery solutions as online shopping becomes an even larger part of our daily lives. But one thing is certain: the retailers that prioritize customer convenience, flexibility, and trust in the last mile will be uniquely positioned to succeed in the e-commerce landscape of tomorrow.
