As online shopping explodes, customers want package deliveries to be flexible, secure and convenient. Amazon Hub Lockers help local retailers meet this demand while driving more foot traffic. Let‘s explore how to apply for lockers and optimize the customer experience.
Introduction to Amazon Hub Lockers
Amazon Hub is a network of self-service kiosks located in retail stores, allowing customers to ship packages to participating locations instead of their home. Shoppers receive a pickup code after delivery and can access their order 24/7 from secured locker bays.
For host retailers, Amazon Hub Lockers offer exposure to new customers plus increased store visits as locals retrieve packages. With online spend soaring 26% in 2022, foot traffic from delivery convenience provides unique revenue potential.
Hub Lockers began rolling out in 2011 and now span over 2,800 sites across the US. The automated, standalone units come in different sizes:
- 6-foot bay holds ~3 packages
- 9-foot fits ~5 packages
- 12-foot stores ~7 packages
- 15-foot enables ~10 packages
76% of shoppers have used alternative delivery points like Amazon Lockers when not home to receive orders. This guide covers best practices for becoming a host location.
Locker Specifications and Planning
Before applying to house a locker, make sure your retail space can physically accommodate one.
Amazon Hub Lockers are tall metal kiosks with locker bays accessed by inputting codes on a built-in touchscreen. Units range from 6 to 15 feet long but share common specs:
- 6 feet tall
- 3 feet deep/wide
- 110V electrical outlet
- Cellular data connectivity
- Durable steel exterior and doors
- Integrated user interface terminal
Lockers carry an annual service charge for host sites of around $700 depending on unit size. However, increased customer traffic and sales easily offset this cost.
📝 Pro Tip: Sketch out a floor plan including locker dimensions before moving forward in the application process. Confirm you have outlets and visibility for the locker bays.
To maximize package volume, include signage guiding customers from entry points to the Lockers area. Avoid placing near competing eye lines like promotional displays.
Here is an example store layout with a 6 x 4 foot Locker zone marked off:
Now let‘s walk through how to join Amazon‘s Host network.
Becoming an Amazon Hub Locker Host Site
The process of applying and installing an Amazon Hub Locker includes:
- Visit amazon.com/hub and select Lockers then Join the Network
- Choose your business type and answer eligibility questions
- Provide contact info and site details for consideration
- If approved, sign agreements permitting locker installation
- Amazon ships locker to your location for handyman assembly & setup
Applicants are evaluated based on site type, foot traffic, operating hours and local package volume needs. Strip malls, grocers and convenience stores are common hosts.
If accepted, Amazon provides everything needed for placing a locker onsite:
- Shipment of locker kiosk unit(s)
- Setup and connectivity of locker by handymen
- Installation of default locker signage
- Integration to Amazon‘s package tracking systems
- 24/7 customer service line access
The hosting business provides floor space, outlet access and assistance directing customers.
Operating Your On-Site Amazon Locker
Once installed, managing the Amazon Hub Locker requires minimal effort. The lockers largely run self-sufficiently.
The built-in terminals walk customers through picking up packages using emailed barcodes or entering digital pickup codes. Locker bays electronically unlock when a valid code is recognized.
Your staff simply needs to:
- Direct patrons to locker area
- Keep area visibly marked and accessible
- Promote locker availability on website/social media
- Route issues to Amazon‘s 24/7 support line
Amazon also provides instructional signs and door decals you can use to raise awareness. Consider hanging custom posters guiding people entering your store.
📝 Pro Tip: Brief cashiers on the nearest locker location so they can instantly assist visitors asking about package pickup.
If issues do occur, callers reach Amazon‘s support team directly by dialing the helpline printed on each locker. Support can diagnose network outages, connectivity problems, door malfunctions and user errors for troubleshooting.
Common locker trouble codes include:
- Door 77 error – Locker bay jammed or unable to electronically open/close
- AEX15 unable to connect – Kiosk terminal reboot needed
- Incorrect pin – Customer entering invalid pickup code
Now let‘s explore the customer experience using Amazon Hub Lockers.
Inside Look: Retrieving Packages from a Locker
When Amazon customers select your address as their delivery location at checkout, packages get routed to the onsite locker after delivery instead of sitting unattended.
Once their order arrives, shoppers receive a pickup notice by email and text from Amazon including:
- Notification package is ready for retrieval
- Six-digit locker pickup code
- Locker bay number matching their parcel
Customers also get reminders as the 3-day package hold period expires. Pickup instructions guide visitors to:
- Enter pickup code on locker‘s touchscreen
- Select their name from account list
- Type in provided locker bay number
- Collect package after door releases open
If issues, users can call support from the locker. Otherwise, they simply grab items and go on their way.
📝 Pro Tip: Suggest users take a photo showing the locker bay number when they get their pickup notice. This makes retrieving packages faster without needing to lookup details.
Amazon‘s automated alerts and self-service terminal foster convenience for patrons. In turn, your business enjoys recurring foot traffic as the host site.
Choosing Lockers Over Amazon Counter
Retailers weighing Amazon Hub Lockers vs Counters should consider their staffing bandwidth, floor space and package throughput.
Lockers serve customers independently 24/7 after associates have left for the evening. But the kiosks do occupy prime real estate onsite.
Counters rely on staffing during business hours in exchange for flexible storage out of public sight. Counters allow associates to handle more customer issues directly too.
| Amazon Hub Lockers | Amazon Hub Counters | |
|---|---|---|
| Package Storage | Kiosk bays limit capacity | Stores securely out of public view |
| Space Needed | ~6 ft x 4ft+ footprint | Can tuck packages away behind counter when not in use |
| Staff Assistance | None, fully self-service | Associates required to pull packages & support patrons |
| Availability | 24/7 parcel access | Limited to staffed hours only |
| Learning Curve | Intuitive touchscreen terminals | Extra associate training required |
If your team has bandwidth for counter duty and storage area out back, Counters better utilize associate time. For unmanned environments or max package volume, Lockers are likely easier to manage.
Driving Customer Adoption and Sales
A steady volume of Amazon package retrievals is key to driving value from your locker. Here are proven ways to boost community usage:
- Train cashiers to notify shoppers about locker availability
- Add decals highlighting locker pickup on entrance doors
- Show locker directions on receipts
- Post locker availability to website & social pages
- Run occasional foot traffic driving promotions like discount codes for locker users
Monitor daily locker pickup notices to track adoption over time. If volume lags expectations, try testing different positioning around high-traffic areas like checkouts.
And don’t forget to upsell patrons who come in to collect packages! Remind them about weekly sales on snacks, beverages or impulse items near the locker zone.
Why Amazon Hub Delivers Results
Beyond the package delivery convenience itself, retailers host Amazon Hubs aiming for incremental customer visits and sales. Early data indicates it‘s working:
- 7-Eleven began hosting in 2019. Their locations with Hubs now average 1,100+ package pickups per month
- GNC registered over 5 million Amazon package pickups in the first 2 years across hundreds of stores
- Kohl‘s outlets with Hubs lifted in-store sales by 9%
Surveys show 76% of customers buy additional retail items when visiting stores to retrieve ecommerce packages. This "halo effect" ripples across higher margin categories like food/beverage, apparel and household essentials.
The built-in foot traffic generators make hosting Amazon Lockers smart bet as delivery reliance accelerates.
Final Considerations on Joining Hub
With ecommerce soaring and customers wanting delivery flexibility, Amazon Hub Lockers provide a turnkey package solution.
As a host business, you enjoy embedded foot traffic to your store location. Shoppers visit routinely to securely pick up Amazon orders from the self-service kiosks onsite.
The small locker footprint delivers outsized exposure to new potential patrons in the area. In turn, you gain opportunities to convert visitors into loyal, high-value customers over time.
You can apply to join Amazon‘s network in less than 10 minutes online. If approved, setup takes just weeks for fully functioning package pickup. Give your retail store the delivery edge while driving more sales through the door today!
