As society becomes more dependent on technology and what it offers, there seems to be a large increase of kiosk type machines. Companies such as Redbox, Sprinkles and Blockbuster have used these machines to increase their sales. Joining these well-known establishments is the online retailer Amazon.com with their product the Amazon Locker.

The locker is a self-serving delivery service that allows customers to easily store their bought items in a storage facility until they feel the need to pick them up. It allows for the chance to pick up items at a time convenient to the buyer. Instead of waiting several days to sign a package, the items are sent to the locker where the customer can easily access them. Customers order their items from Amazon, and they are delivered to their selected location. When the item arrives, a digital pick-up code is sent via email or text message to the owner. When it is imputed into the Locker’s using the  touch screen, the assigned door opens. The customers have three days to collect their packages once they receive the pick-up code. If they do not, the package will be returned to the seller and the money will be refunded.

According to an article from First Coast News, customer Krystina Langan said:

“‘I don’t have to be home to use it. I don’t have to worry about it being delivered to my house. I can give the code to a relative and have them pick it up… I can have it shipped to a locker where I’m [traveling] at.’ ”

The program was launched in the Sept. of 2011 in New York City, Seattle and London. Five years later, lockers popped up in Atlanta, Las Vegas, Houston, Austin, Dallas and other metropolitan areas. They tend to be located at local shopping centers, retail stores and gas stations such as 7-Eleven and Spar. Many have early morning and late evening hours to make pick-up times more convenient for those with “school hour” jobs. Some are even open 24 hours a day.

One feature that is especially coveted is the ability to return items with relative ease. Much like a post office, unwanted packages can be resent to the seller by printing off a label and dropping the package at the locker of the person’s choice.  

Not everything can be sent through the locker, however. In order to be sent, it must fill a certain checklist, persay. The item must be sold by Amazon.com; have a product dimension that is smaller than 16.5 x 13.8 x 12.6 inches; have a shipping weight that is less than ten pounds; and not be a Subscribe and Save item.

In addition to convenience, the Lockers helps to prevent theft. These features lead to an item that can prove to be very helpful to customers.