In case you missed it Amazon made an announcement this week
about a new home delivery service called Amazon Key. Basically it’s a camera
with a smart lock; the carrier scans the package, once authorized the door
unlocks and the camera records as the carrier places the package inside the
door. Once completed, the carrier swipes a second time to lock your door again.
So what do you think? Cool or creepy?
I can see it catching on but I think there are a lot of
concerns that consumers will have to overcome. While it eliminates that risk of
theft or the item not received claims, it does create some privacy concerns not
to mention any curious pets that may try and make a run for it when Amazon shows
up. Amazon has rolled out some far less intrusive options that consumers have
found far easier to embrace, it’s a lower tech approach with Amazon’s high tech
spin, yes it’s the good old locker. This locker is a bit different than the one
you may have used in high school no stinky gym shorts for starters and no low tech
lock. These lockers look like a big ATM machine and they are popping up
everywhere. What these offer is quicker turnaround time, security and
convenience, remember it’s that last mile of the delivery that costs amazon the
most to get that package to the consumer, if the consumer is willing and able
to meet amazon halfway well that’s savings in Amazon’s pocket the investment in
a locker seems like a deal compared to paying a carrier like USPS, FedEx or UPS
over and over again. These lockers are being put up in high traffic areas like
shopping centers, convenience stores and grocery stores and of course Amazon’s
own grocery chain Whole Foods. Major metropolitan areas are getting standalone
pickup stores, Chicago now has three locations where you can pick up as well as
return unwanted purchases.
Now were this gets very interesting is whether
Amazon will ever allow other retailers to use these facilities. Would Amazon
allow you to pick up that new ipad you just purchased from Best Buy? This is a
thorny question for any retailer that directly competes with Amazon, sure you
want to make it easier to get your goods to your customer but do you trust
Amazon not to poach that customer down the road? On the flip side Amazon may
make some additional revenue by offering this service to other retailers but
does it dilute their own brand? What is very apparent is that Amazon continues
to find a better way to get you that smiley box both faster and cheaper a big
win for marketplace sellers who will benefit from Amazon’s ingenuity.