What Does "Indirect Signature Required" Really Mean? A Deep Dive into FedEx‘s Secure Delivery Option

As a savvy online shopper, you‘ve likely come across the "indirect signature required" option when arranging delivery for a package. But what does this FedEx service actually entail, and when is it useful? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll unpack everything you need to know about indirect signature—from the basics of how it works to expert insights on why it‘s a valuable feature for both consumers and businesses shipping packages in our increasingly digital age.

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Indirect Signature 101

Let‘s start with the fundamentals. FedEx defines an indirect signature shipment as one where "FedEx will obtain a signature from someone at the delivery address, from a neighbor, or from a signed note authorizing release of the package without anyone present."

The key factor that sets indirect signature apart from direct signature is flexibility. While direct signature requires the named recipient to personally sign for the delivery, indirect signature allows for a few more options:

Anyone at the delivery address can sign
A neighbor or local contact can sign
The recipient can leave a signed note authorizing delivery without anyone present

This added flexibility is the core benefit of choosing indirect signature over direct. It provides a happy medium between the security of a required signature and the convenience of being able to receive the package without being physically available to sign for it.

Why Indirect Signature Matters in an eCommerce-Driven World

In today‘s eCommerce-fueled retail landscape, indirect signature has become an increasingly valuable service for both consumers and businesses. A 2022 survey by C+R Research found a staggering 53% of Americans reported having a package stolen in the previous 12 months, with an average loss of $182 per theft incident.

Requiring a signature is one of the most effective ways to combat the growing problem of "porch piracy." A 2020 study by Shorr Packaging Corp. found that 62% of online shoppers want the option to require a signature for delivery, with 41% willing to pay extra for the service.

For businesses shipping goods to consumers, offering an indirect signature option provides a key competitive advantage. A 2021 survey by Convey found that 66% of consumers say the delivery experience is a decisive factor in whether they‘ll purchase from that retailer again. Meeting customer expectations for secure delivery is critical for building brand loyalty.

"Giving customers the choice to require an indirect signature shows you respect their needs and value their business," says Rachel Johnson, eCommerce fulfillment expert at ShipStation. "It‘s a small touch that can make a big difference in how shoppers perceive your brand."

When to Use Indirect Signature: Expert Insights and Examples

So when does it actually make sense to use FedEx‘s indirect signature option? We asked retail and logistics professionals to weigh in.

"Indirect signature is my go-to for anything over $200 in value," says Lisa Anderson, eCommerce entrepreneur and founder of Giftenly.com. "It‘s the sweet spot where a signature adds security, but direct signature would be overkill."

Tom Cormier, marketing lead at third-party logistics company ShipHero, shares a similar perspective. "We always recommend clients consider indirect signature for any shipments where the contents would be hard to replace—limited editions, custom pieces, handmade goods and the like. The small upcharge is worth it for irreplaceable items."

Specific product categories where indirect signature is often used include:

Electronics and tech gadgets
High-end apparel and accessories
Collectibles like artwork, coins, and memorabilia
Luxury beauty products
Heirloom jewelry and watches

Along with protecting high-value shipments, indirect signature also comes in handy any time you want confirmation of delivery without inconveniencing the recipient.

Deyman Doolittle, COO of print-on-demand platform ShipShaped, provides this example: "We have a lot of B2B customers who use indirect signature when sending out contracts, proofs, and other important documents. It ensures materials don‘t get lost in the shuffle of a busy office, but still allows some flexibility for who can sign for it."

How Indirect Signature Works: The Step-by-Step Process

Now that we‘ve covered some of the key situations where using indirect signature makes sense, let‘s walk through how the process actually unfolds from label creation to final delivery.

When you purchase a FedEx shipping label, you‘ll have the option to select "indirect signature required" as an add-on service. As of 2024, this incurs an additional flat fee of $5.90 on top of your base shipping rate.

Once the package is in transit, FedEx will attempt delivery as follows:

On first attempt, the driver will try to get a signature from anyone present at the delivery address—the recipient, a co-resident, an employee, etc.
If no one is available, the driver will look for a signed note from the recipient authorizing them to leave the package.
If a signed note is found, the driver will sign for the package as "signed by [driver name] per customer note" and leave in a secure location.
If no signature or signed note, the driver will reattempt delivery the next business day, leaving a door tag to alert the recipient.
After three delivery attempts, the package will be held at the nearest FedEx location for pickup.

Throughout the delivery process, the recipient has several ways to provide an "indirect signature":

Sign for the package in person
Have someone else at the address sign for it
Leave a signed note authorizing delivery without a personal signature
Sign the door tag after a missed delivery attempt
Request the package be released without signature via FedEx Delivery Manager

These options mean even if the recipient can‘t be present for delivery, the driver can still obtain an indirect signature and complete the delivery. The shipper gets confirmation the package didn‘t get left out in the open, and the recipient gets their item with minimal inconvenience.

Comparing Signature Options: Which is Right for Your Shipment?

Indirect signature is just one of several secure delivery options FedEx offers. To determine the best fit, consider how it compares to the alternatives.

Direct Signature Required:

Requires signature from the named recipient only
Most secure option, but least flexibility
Ideal for extremely valuable or sensitive items
No option to leave a note or pre-sign for delivery

Adult Signature Required:

Requires signature from someone 21+ with government-issued photo ID
Used for age-restricted items like alcohol and vaping products
ID requirement adds extra step to delivery process
No way to pre-authorize delivery, recipient must be present

As you can see, both direct and adult signature are more stringent than indirect signature. They‘re the right choice when maximum security is needed, but can be less convenient for the recipient. Indirect signature provides a balanced middle ground.

The Future of Secure Delivery: Predictions from the Pros

As eCommerce continues to skyrocket—U.S. online sales are projected to exceed $1 trillion for the first time in 2024—the demand for secure delivery options like indirect signature will only increase.

"With package theft on the rise and consumers doing more of their shopping online, signature requirements are becoming table stakes," says Kaleigh Moore, freelance writer for publications like Forbes and Vogue Business. "Retailers who don‘t offer options like indirect signature will start to fall behind."

Ken Fleming, CEO of predictive logistics platform Logistyx Technologies, envisions a future where artificial intelligence helps further optimize secure delivery. "We‘ll see AI baked into the shipping process, using data points like item value, replacement difficulty, and delivery location to automatically recommend when signature is needed."

Until those innovations arrive, one thing is clear—indirect signature provides a valuable tool for shippers and consumers who want to add security and peace of mind to the delivery process. By understanding how this service works and when to leverage it, you‘re empowered to make smarter decisions about sending and receiving packages.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, indirect signature exists because shipping isn‘t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes you need the airtight security of direct signature, other times the flexibility of indirect signature is the best fit—and in many cases, no signature is needed at all.

The beauty of FedEx‘s range of signature options is it allows you to choose the right degree of security and confirmation for your specific shipment and situation. And as the data shows, consumers increasingly expect and appreciate that choice.

Whether you‘re a business optimizing your shipping strategy or a savvy shopper wanting to protect your online orders, we hope this deep dive into FedEx indirect signature has armed you with the knowledge to "sign off" on your packages with confidence.