Finance

Say Goodbye to Porch Pirates: Amazon Launches In-Garage Delivery Across Canada!

2024-10-09

Author: Jacques

Amazon has rolled out an innovative service in Canada that aims to combat the growing concern of porch piracy—where thieves swipe packages delivered to doorsteps. With this new feature, delivery drivers can now drop packages directly into customers' garages, providing a secure alternative to traditional doorstep deliveries.

“It’s all about making package reception easy, safe, and secure,” explained Ryan Flynn, Senior Business Development Manager with Amazon Key. “In addition to the usual doorstep drop, we now have the capability to access your garage for package delivery.”

To take advantage of this service, customers must be Amazon Prime members and have garages equipped with connected door openers. The in-garage delivery option is already available in the U.S. and is a welcome addition to Canadian customers looking to safeguard their deliveries.

In collaboration with Chamberlain Group, a company that specializes in garage door openers featuring myQ smart technology, this service ensures seamless integration with the Amazon Key system. If your current garage door opener lacks myQ compatibility, it can easily be retrofitted with a small device to upgrade it.

While the threat of package theft poses a significant issue, weather conditions like rain and snow are additional reasons for this service. Packages can now stay protected from harsh elements during delivery.

Amazon promises that all drivers involved in this program undergo rigorous background checks and must follow strict guidelines. They are authorized to open the garage door only once per delivery and must stay within five feet of the entrance. This security measure is coupled with multifactor authentication for added peace of mind.

Homeowners are not left in the dark either; many security systems allow users to monitor deliveries in real time, providing transparency and control over their packages.

One key aspect of this new service is its fee structure. Until March 2025, in-garage delivery will be offered free of charge. After this period, customers will be charged a nominal fee of $1.99 per delivery. However, Prime members can avoid this fee when utilizing the “Key Delivery – Pick Your Day” option, where they choose their preferred delivery date.

With a reported 60 million packages successfully delivered inside garages globally, Amazon is optimistic that the Canadian market will embrace this feature. After all, anyone who has dealt with the frustration of having a package stolen from their doorstep may find this solution particularly appealing—and may even be eligible for refunds on stolen items, depending on specific conditions.

So, if you're tired of worrying about porch pirates, now’s the perfect time to upgrade your delivery experience with Amazon’s in-garage delivery!