As an Amazon customer living in an apartment, you may have found yourself wondering: does Amazon actually deliver to apartments? You‘re not alone – with more people living in multi-unit buildings than ever before, apartment delivery has become a hot topic for online retailers and shoppers alike.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll unpack everything you need to know about getting your Amazon orders delivered safely and conveniently to your apartment door. We‘ll explore the various delivery options available, how to overcome common issues, and what the future may hold for apartment delivery. Let‘s dive in!
Amazon‘s Growing Apartment Delivery Network
First, let‘s look at some key stats that illustrate the scale and capabilities of Amazon‘s apartment delivery program:
- Amazon delivered over 6 billion packages worldwide in 2021, with a significant portion going to multi-unit residences (source)
- Amazon‘s delivery network now covers over 95% of the U.S. population, including the vast majority of apartment communities (source)
- As of 2022, over 1 million apartment units in the U.S. had Amazon Hub lockers installed for secure self-service package pickup (source)
Impressive numbers aside, Amazon hasn‘t always been a leader in apartment deliveries. In the company‘s early days, most of its logistics were handled by UPS and FedEx, who often struggled with the unique challenges of multi-unit buildings. Deliveries were routinely left in unsecure locations, misdelivered to the wrong unit, or marked undeliverable due to access issues.
Recognizing the huge market opportunity in the nation‘s 20+ million apartment units, Amazon began aggressively expanding its own last-mile delivery capabilities in the mid-2010s. The company invested heavily in delivery vehicles, personnel, and specialized training for apartment deliveries. It also formed partnerships with major apartment management companies to install secure locker systems in their buildings.
These efforts have paid off tremendously, making Amazon the current gold standard for apartment delivery among major online retailers. "Amazon‘s unmatched last-mile delivery network and industry partnerships have enabled them to crack the code on apartment deliveries in a way no other retailer has," said e-commerce fulfillment expert Melanie Bedwell.
Comparing Amazon‘s Apartment Delivery Options
So what are the actual apartment delivery options available to Amazon customers? Here‘s a handy comparison table:
| Delivery Option | Availability | Security | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-unit delivery | Select properties only | High | High |
| Locker delivery | 1M+ properties | High | Medium |
| Mail room delivery | Most properties | Medium | Medium |
| Front desk delivery | Most properties | Medium | Low |
| Unattended outside delivery | Not recommended | Low | High |
As you can see, Amazon offers a range of choices to fit different apartment situations. The most secure options are in-unit delivery (where available) and Amazon Hub Locker delivery, which utilize unique entry codes to ensure only the resident can access their package.
If those choices aren‘t available, mail room or front desk deliveries are the next best alternatives. These rely on building staff to securely store and distribute packages, so security and speed can vary. Unattended outside delivery is the least ideal, as packages can be easily stolen or damaged by weather.
How does Amazon stack up to the competition? Here‘s a quick comparison of apartment delivery options:
| Retailer | In-Unit | Locker | Mail Room | Front Desk | Unattended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Walmart | Limited | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Target | Limited | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Best Buy | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Wayfair | Limited | No | Yes | Yes | No |
As you can see, Amazon offers the widest range of choices, with most competitors limited to mail room or front desk options only. This flexibility, combined with the massive coverage area, is a key reason why so many apartment dwellers rely on Amazon for their online shopping needs.
Overcoming Apartment Delivery Challenges
Of course, even with all of these great delivery options, getting packages to apartments is far from foolproof. Some of the most common issues include:
- Restricted access – Many apartment properties, especially luxury and high-security buildings, do not allow any non-resident access, including delivery personnel. This can make in-unit and mail room deliveries impossible.
- Package theft – With so many people living in close proximity, apartments are a prime target for porch pirates looking to steal unattended deliveries. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 Americans have had a package stolen, with apartment dwellers at the highest risk (source).
- Lost/misdelivered packages – Large apartment complexes with dozens or even hundreds of units are prone to misdelivered packages. Without clear delivery instructions, carriers may leave a package at the wrong door or fail to deliver it entirely.
- Failed delivery attempts – If a signature is required and no one is home, apartment deliveries are often returned to the carrier facility instead of being left with a neighbor or leasing office. This can lead to frustrating missed deliveries.
So what‘s an Amazon-loving apartment resident to do? Here are some of the best solutions:
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Provide detailed delivery instructions, including your unit number, gate codes, building layout, and any other access information the driver may need. The Amazon mobile app makes adding these notes easy.
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Take advantage of Amazon‘s secure locker and counter pickup options whenever available. These allow you to retrieve packages on your schedule without worrying about theft or loss.
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If your building doesn‘t have a locker, ask your property manager about installing one. Many management companies are happy to do so as an amenity for residents. Alternatively, look for nearby Amazon pickup locations like Whole Foods or Rite Aid stores.
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Schedule deliveries for times when you‘re home, or have them sent to your workplace or a trusted friend/relative‘s house when possible. More retailers are also offering scheduled evening and weekend delivery windows for convenience.
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Invest in a secure parcel lockbox for your unit door. These sturdy steel boxes can be bolted down to prevent theft and give carriers a place to leave packages out of sight. Some popular options include the ShypLock and Landport lockboxes.
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Consider using Amazon Key for in-home deliveries. This service utilizes smart locks and cameras to allow couriers to securely enter your unit and drop packages inside. It‘s currently available in most major cities.
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Sign up for delivery alerts and regularly track your expected deliveries so you can grab them quickly once delivered. If a package does go missing, report it to Amazon right away for the best chance of resolution.
By taking some proactive measures and utilizing Amazon‘s many secure delivery options, apartment residents can shop online with nearly the same confidence as single-family homeowners. "We‘ve found that informed residents who partner with their property managers have the best apartment delivery experiences," said apartment operations expert Anne Sadovsky. "By working together, almost any delivery challenge can be overcome."
The Future of Apartment Delivery
As e-commerce continues its skyward growth, apartment delivery will only become an even more important part of the logistics equation. E-commerce sales are projected to exceed $1.2 trillion and make up over 20% of total retail sales by 2025. A significant and growing chunk of those deliveries will be to multi-unit buildings.
To stay ahead of this trend, Amazon and other retailers will keep innovating their last-mile delivery capabilities. Some future apartment delivery enhancements may include:
- Expanded locker installations becoming a standard amenity in most apartment communities
- "Trunk delivery" to residents‘ cars parked on-site, enabled by smart key access
- Scheduled after-hours deliveries to avoid the daytime rush and front desk pileup
- Refrigerated and temperature-controlled lockers for grocery and meal deliveries
- Drone deliveries to apartment rooftops and outdoor spaces
- Autonomous delivery bots that can navigate apartment hallways and elevators
Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain – Amazon will continue to lead the charge in bringing convenient, secure delivery options to apartment residents. "Amazon‘s customer obsession and spirit of innovation is a perfect match for conquering the challenges of apartment delivery," said John Haber, supply chain thought leader and CEO of Spend Management Experts. "I expect them to stay at the forefront of this space for a long time to come."
Conclusion
So, does Amazon deliver to apartments? The answer is a resounding yes! With an ever-expanding network of delivery options and innovative solutions, Amazon makes it easier than ever for apartment dwellers to enjoy the benefits of online shopping without sacrificing security or convenience.
Whether you choose in-unit delivery, Amazon Hub Locker pickup, or one of the many other options available, you can order with confidence knowing your packages will get to you safely and on time. And if any issues arise, Amazon‘s top-notch customer service is always ready to make things right.
As the world continues to shift toward e-commerce, apartment delivery will only become more important and innovative. With its customer-first mentality and logistical prowess, Amazon is well-positioned to lead the way in this exciting space for years to come.
