As e-commerce continues to boom, the challenge of getting packages into the right hands becomes increasingly complex. When shipping high-value, sensitive, or age-restricted items, many businesses turn to FedEx‘s Adult Signature Required service for added security and compliance. But what exactly does this service entail, and when does it make sense to use it? In this in-depth guide, we‘ll cover everything retailers and consumers need to know about adult signature deliveries.
What is FedEx Adult Signature Required?
FedEx Adult Signature Required is a delivery service that requires a signature from someone at least 21 years old along with a government-issued photo ID in order to release a package. It‘s the most secure form of signature confirmation that FedEx offers, providing proof of age and identity on top of standard delivery confirmation.
The service is commonly used for shipping regulated items like alcohol, firearms, and medications to ensure they don‘t end up in the wrong hands. But it can also be added to any shipment where the sender wants an extra level of security and chain of custody.
How Adult Signature Deliveries Work
The FedEx adult signature process is fairly straightforward, but it does require a bit more coordination than a standard delivery. Here‘s how it typically goes:
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The shipper creates a shipping label and selects "Adult Signature Required" under the special services options. This can be done online, over the phone, or in-person at a FedEx location.
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FedEx transports the package to the destination address, where a delivery attempt is made.
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The FedEx driver will ask for a signature from someone at least 21 years old. They must provide a government-issued photo ID to verify their identity and age. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Driver‘s license
- Passport
- State ID card
- Military ID
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As of June 2022, the driver will also scan the recipient‘s ID to capture their name and date of birth electronically. This extra step helps prevent fraud and errors.
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The recipient signs for the package, either on paper or electronically, and takes possession of it.
One key thing to note is that adult signature packages CANNOT be delivered without a signature and ID check from someone 21+. Unlike some other signature services, they can‘t be left at the door, with a neighbor, or redirected to a FedEx pickup location.
If no eligible recipient is available, the driver will leave a door tag with instructions for redelivery or pickup. FedEx will attempt delivery up to three times before returning the package to the shipper.
When to Use Adult Signature Required
According to the Secure Delivery Benchmarking Report from the Postal and Parcel Technology International Association (PPTIA), approximately 3% of all U.S. e-commerce shipments required an adult signature in 2021. That number is expected to grow to 5% by 2025 as online sales of alcohol, CBD products, and other age-restricted goods increase.
But adult signature confirmations aren‘t just for regulated items. Many retailers are opting to add them for high-value shipments as well. Take luxury jewelry brand Brilliant Earth, for example. They recently began requiring an adult signature on all orders over $1,000 after seeing a rise in package theft claims.
"The peace of mind it provides our customers is well worth the small added cost," says Brilliant Earth‘s VP of Operations John Hatcher. "It ensures their precious purchases end up directly in their hands."
Other common scenarios where businesses might choose FedEx adult signature required include:
- Luxury goods like designer handbags, high-end electronics, and rare collectibles
- Legal documents and contracts
- Medical devices and supplies
- Sensitive financial documents
- B2B shipments of controlled substances and precursor chemicals
Ultimately, it comes down to the level of security and compliance a shipment requires. An adult signature provides an extra layer of identity verification and builds a stronger chain of custody by capturing exactly who received a package.
Benefits of Adult Signature for Retailers
For businesses shipping sensitive or valuable items, adult signature required offers several key benefits:
Reduced risk of theft and fraud. By requiring an in-person signature and ID check, adult signature makes it much harder for packages to be stolen or end up in the wrong hands. A 2022 survey by Shorr Packaging found that 78% of consumers feel more confident their package will arrive safely if an adult signature is required.
Helps ensure regulatory compliance. For goods like alcohol, tobacco, and CBD, many states require an adult signature at delivery by law as proof the recipient is of legal age. Failing to comply with these rules can result in fines or even loss of shipping privileges.
Can lower shipping insurance costs. Some shippers may qualify for reduced shipping insurance rates if they require adult signatures on high-value items, since it lowers the risk of loss or theft. FedEx offers up to 10% off declared value fees for adult signature shipments.
Stronger chain of custody. The detailed delivery documentation from FedEx adult signature service provides solid evidence of who signed for a package if any disputes arise. This can be key for proving receipt of important legal or financial documents.
Increased customer confidence. Knowing a secure delivery process is baked in can give online shoppers more confidence to purchase big-ticket or sensitive items. In a consumer survey by ShipStation, 65% said they would be more likely to buy an expensive item from a retailer if they knew an adult signature would be required.
Of course, these benefits have to be weighed against the potential downsides. Chief among them are increased shipping costs and the chance of delivery delays if a recipient isn‘t available to sign. FedEx charges $6.05 per package for its adult signature service, which can add up for volume shippers.
And while FedEx reports that 99.8% of its adult signature packages are successfully delivered on the first attempt, those that aren‘t can take a day or two longer to get to the customer. That can lead to some frustration and customer service headaches.
The Consumer Perspective on Adult Signature
So how do shoppers feel about adult signature required deliveries? While some appreciate the added security and peace of mind, others find them to be a hassle.
In a recent survey of 2,000 online shoppers by Convey, 32% said they had missed an adult signature required delivery at least once in the past year. Of those, 20% said it negatively impacted their overall experience with the retailer.
Scheduling concerns and the need to have a photo ID handy are common points of friction. As a result, many retailers are now offering alternative secure delivery options like in-store pickup, ID checks at pick-up lockers, and zero-contact garage delivery.
According to the previously mentioned Shorr Packaging survey, younger shoppers are the most open to these alternative options, with 70% of consumers aged 18-29 saying they would choose in-store pickup over home delivery for an adult signature required purchase.
The Future of Adult Signature Deliveries
As e-commerce volumes continue to grow and retailers navigate an increasingly regulated shipping environment, the demand for adult signature services is likely to rise. But the way those signatures are captured may evolve.
FedEx has already started using AI-powered ID scanning to speed up and secure the adult signature process. Looking ahead, industry insiders expect further digitization via tools like:
- Blockchain-based chain of custody tracking
- GPS geofencing for location-based signature capture
- Biometric identity verification via mobile apps
These innovations could help streamline secure delivery while still providing the peace of mind and compliance retailers and consumers demand.
The Bottom Line
For retailers shipping sensitive or high-value items, FedEx adult signature required can be an invaluable tool for reducing risk, ensuring compliance, and increasing customer confidence. But it‘s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Carefully consider the costs and potential customer experience trade-offs before implementing it across the board. In some cases, alternative secure delivery options like in-store pickup may be a better fit.
As always, communication is key. Be upfront about signature requirements and estimated delivery dates on your website and order confirmations. Provide detailed instructions for what customers need to have on hand and what to do if they miss a delivery attempt.
By understanding the ins and outs of FedEx adult signature required, you can strike the right balance between security and convenience for your business and your customers.
