WhyNot?

Secure drop box for packages

Category: Gadgets/Appliances/Electronics
Responses: 8 (7 in support, 1 neutral, 0 in opposition)
Number of views: 3930
Tracking: Track this idea
Community Rating:Strong StrongYour Rating:

I'd like to see a secure way for UPS/Fedex/USPS to put packages into the house, without giving the neighbor kids a chance to:

a) Steal the package, or

b)Put limburger cheese or their cat in there.

When someone ships me an expensive item, they email me the RFID of the package. I would have a box bolted onto my porch (or wherever), with a RFID reader for the door. When I am expecting a package, I enter the RFID code in the dropbox. When the RFID package I am expecting shows up, the drop box unlocks its door and the package can be put in. Once it's in, the door locks and ignores that RFID unless I re-enter it.

Not perfect, but a definite improvement over leaving a $1000+ camera on the porch all day, like happened to my friend.

And, if I want to ship something, I can let the shipping company know, they can email a code for me to add to the box, and they can take packages out to send away.

paron, Nov 24 2003

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Comments from other members:

Add your comment

This concept could also be used for regular mailboxes to reduce ID theft.

Idea Chasseur, Nov 24 2003

Depending on the courier, you could. At some businesses(usually industrial shops where there may not be someone thereat all times), there is a lock box that the courier driver and the customer have keys for.

classicsat, Nov 24 2003

I was involved in a startup that had the idea of using the local pharmacy or florist as an alternative delivery spot. The company was called Paxzone and if you google this name, you will be able to read more about it.

Barry Nalebuff, Dec 06 2003

Google for: Mailboxes, etc. or Pack N Mail.

sevans, Sep 29 2004

How about this? It does half the job. :)

Postal Vault

Lonny, Dec 31 2004

That Postal Vault looks like a good idea. I might get one, but I've already got something better. I live in a semi-rural/semi-suburban area, and the local postmaster just keeps parcel post at his post office. You get delivered a card asking you to pick it up. When I was new to the area, you had to show the card and photo ID to pick it up; now he just smiles, and hands over the parcel with a cheery greeting!

bugmenot, Jun 17 2007

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