We are looking for a freestanding parcel mailbox – one of those where the delivery person can drop off packages and that has an additional compartment on top for regular mail.
We would also like a system where packages can be deposited from above by any delivery person (airlock system) rather than one with a lock that only allows the first delivery person to unload, after which the parcel compartment is locked (or if the delivery person doesn’t lock it, then anyone can access it).
Since we won’t have a fence and this box should be delivery person–friendly and accessible from the street, it needs to be freestanding.
Has anyone had experience with such a mailbox? Which manufacturer would you recommend? Because it will be placed by the street without any shelter, it must be weatherproof and not rust easily. Appearance: modern, please no cute or old-fashioned styles reminiscent of the turn of the last century or similar.
We would also like a system where packages can be deposited from above by any delivery person (airlock system) rather than one with a lock that only allows the first delivery person to unload, after which the parcel compartment is locked (or if the delivery person doesn’t lock it, then anyone can access it).
Since we won’t have a fence and this box should be delivery person–friendly and accessible from the street, it needs to be freestanding.
Has anyone had experience with such a mailbox? Which manufacturer would you recommend? Because it will be placed by the street without any shelter, it must be weatherproof and not rust easily. Appearance: modern, please no cute or old-fashioned styles reminiscent of the turn of the last century or similar.
World-e schrieb:
That’s how I did it too: with a code from the delivery authorization, the courier opens the garage door slightly. The door then closes automatically after a certain time. I didn’t find any parcel boxes very practical. Some require a kind of subscription or can’t be used by all delivery services. Or they are too small, or too expensive.Can you explain exactly how that works? Where do you store the code? Online, where you grant the authorization? Does it mean that whoever delivers the mail today already has the code? Because I had thought about doing the same but
wondered how the courier would remember codes for the entire new housing development?
And how does the door close again? How is it controlled?
How far does it open? Can the courier reach things like bicycles stored inside the garage?
We have the Allux parcel box 600 in anthracite.
It is installed in a protected spot under the roof and only gets wet during heavy rain.
We chose this one because everything else was way, way too expensive for us.
Of course, there are many other larger, nicer, and sturdier models.
So this one is definitely a compromise – shoebox-sized packages fit inside; anything bigger does not. I’m currently considering whether to remove the return lock – that would allow larger items to fit, and we don’t really have theft issues. Well. It took a while for the delivery people to realize they don’t need to ring the bell for book shipments. Some still haven’t figured it out...
We are also currently thinking about the garage situation, which makes sense for large deliveries.
I wouldn’t have wanted one of those DHL boxes either; that wouldn’t help me with deliveries from other carriers.
It is installed in a protected spot under the roof and only gets wet during heavy rain.
We chose this one because everything else was way, way too expensive for us.
Of course, there are many other larger, nicer, and sturdier models.
So this one is definitely a compromise – shoebox-sized packages fit inside; anything bigger does not. I’m currently considering whether to remove the return lock – that would allow larger items to fit, and we don’t really have theft issues. Well. It took a while for the delivery people to realize they don’t need to ring the bell for book shipments. Some still haven’t figured it out...
We are also currently thinking about the garage situation, which makes sense for large deliveries.
I wouldn’t have wanted one of those DHL boxes either; that wouldn’t help me with deliveries from other carriers.
Snowy36 schrieb:
Could you explain exactly how this works?
Where is the code stored? Is it online where the delivery authorization is granted? So does any delivery person who comes with the mail today carry the code with them? Because I was considering this too, but
I wondered how the courier remembers the codes for an entire new development?
And how does the gate close again? How is that controlled?
How far does it open? Can it reach bicycles, etc., that are stored in the garage? Yes, the code is stored in the delivery authorization. For some services, this can be done online; for others, a signed document needs to be sent. I checked with the delivery companies beforehand to see if this works. All of them confirmed it does. The delivery authorization is stored in the courier’s handheld scanner. Otherwise, they wouldn’t know if a delivery authorization even exists.
I installed a Wago PLC to control all the electrical systems. You could also use something like a Siemens Logo or a Raspberry Pi. After the gate opens, a timer starts and the gate closes after the programmed time. However, my Hörmann gate has an additional circuit board that allows me to specify exactly how far it opens or closes. My gate opens about half a meter (20 inches). So someone could enter the garage if needed. If the light barrier on the gate is interrupted, the gate will not close.
In a high-risk area, my solution may not be ideal. For me personally, I find this the right solution. You could also install a camera as an additional measure. Even then, I still consider this option better and cheaper than a parcel locker. But everyone has to decide what works best for them.
We have recently installed the system from mypaketkasten, but specifically without the drop box feature, as it takes up space and it is quite unlikely that more than three parcel carriers will arrive on the same day. Except for Amazon, which sometimes leaves packages right at the door, it works well. At first, you can of course also use the intercom system to assist. We find the solution very convenient.
Climbee schrieb:
We live in a relatively safe area, but as I mentioned, I know how pressured these parcel delivery drivers are, so I don’t want to expect them to have to walk all the way around the house every time. With us, thanks to a delivery authorization, they actually prefer to walk around the house instead of ringing the doorbell.
For couriers, anything is better than having to leave without delivering again.
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