Maybe it just fell through the cracks for just me, perhaps it did for you as well, but recently through a friend I found out about the Amazon Locker concept. With Amazon Prime's rapid growth, so has the complaints about stolen packages and damaged packages from shipping companies. So to counter-act, Amazon doubled down and introduced this concept as far back as 2011. I gave it a try recently where I am based in Tampa, here's how it went.
The Process: Easy As One, Two, Three
It's pretty self-explanatory, what happens is when ordering a product on Amazon, instead of having it shipped to your home or establishment, you have your product shipped to one of the thousands of lockers that Amazon offers. The package is sent as timely as they do for Prime and the checkout is just as quick.
Step One: Ordering
Order your product as you usually would, instead of your normal address, select "Ship To Locker" and you're rendered a map of local lockers available to you. Select one and check out.
Step Two: Delivery
Delivery is pretty routine as far as Amazon Prime is concerned. You are able to ship same-day, next day, or two-day shipping as if you were shipping to your home, depending on what time you're placing an order.
Step Three: Pickup
Picking up your package is where ordering and shipping process is different, obviously right? Instead of waiting for your package to arrive at home, you'll have to wait for a confirmation email letting you know that package has been dropped off at your Amazon locker location. After using this new shipping method a few times, I've come to find that drop-off times will vary. Usually your tracking details will state that your package will arrive by 9 pm that day. I've had instances where my package was dropped off in the morning and as late as 9 pm on the dot, so keep that in mind.
Scanning code customers receive once package is ready for pickup.
Once your arrive to your locker you will visit the screen, scan or enter your code (make sure to have your smartphone ready) and your locker door will automatically open. Easy as one, two, three. You will then receive an email confirming that your package was picked-up by you (hopefully).
Who Does This Benefit?
Personally, I have been and will be using this service frequently. I'm all over the place at times and the knowing that my package was safely locked for my waiting keeps me at peace of mind. I know this will benefit people who are traveling where a handy photography store isn't around all the tim.
So, what do you think of this service? Have you heard of it? Have you been using it? Will you give it a try? Let us know in the comments!
Yes, I've heard of it and it's great! Had I ordered my iMac via Amazon, I would've used it then also, but instead I had to burn almost an entire day waiting around for it. A lot of areas in Southern California are experiencing a significant rise in package theft, mail theft, and home/car break burglaries, so I would expect people not in the know about this service being quite pleased about this article. Cool!
So what does this have to do with improving your photography?
If you need a specific piece of gear for a shoot but won't be around to receive the package, this would ensure that you get that piece of gear and are able to make the images you want.
Absolutely nothing. And that's perfectly fine with me. Listen, you can read Buzzfeed or Daily Mail or The Sun, and 90% of their sh!t is just made-up. At least Fstoppers writers work on a per-click-commission and try very hard not to plagiarize PetaPixel or DPReview content. But sometimes, you've gotta, if you want to eat. And something tells me Alex Cooke is starving, because he's been writing about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. I just want to give the guy a hug, honestly.
So yes, this is probably an article better suited for Engadget, but then, who's checking?
I hear the reason why Lee and Patrick have been absent from exercising quality-control over fstoppers content is because they're working on an exciting new tutorial, available in 14 parts (each sold separately), about how to photograph time-lapses of grass growing.
I'm just happy it's not another pro-drone propaganda :-)
And something tells me Alex Cooke is starving, because he's been writing about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. I just want to give the guy a hug, honestly.
lol, indeed, his name was once on over half the homepage articles.
That was just a few days ago. And a few days before that. And a few days before that. And...
Eating just fine, thanks. I actually just enjoy my job. Any of you are welcome to buy me lunch whenever, however. :)
While I try to use small businesses wherever possible, Amazon locker has saved my bacon on so many occasions. Especially when I've needed photography gear and I've been away from home. While it won't improve your photography, it certainly can get you out of a tight fix if you can't wait around for a delivery.
http://packageconcierge.com
I work for this company for their website photos. Basically the same thing but for residential and commercial use
Bezos going to be the wealthiest man. Please help him out. Use Amazon lockers! http://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-could-push-amazons-jeff-bezos-past...
I dont really see this as revolutionary. I would prefer going to the UPS store and picking it up there. SAFETY is my most concern. Everyone knows this would just create a nest of bad people surrounding this spot, especially at night, but even day too.
DHL has used this concept in Germany for years. I'm surprised it's taken so long for something to show up stateside. Then again, maybe I shouldn't be surprised.
It's pretty great though, especially for apartment-dwellers.
Will it be as common as Redbox DVD rental vending machines?