Amazon Locker

As anyone who lives in New York can tell you, getting things delivered can be a pain.  I love shopping online, but tend to avoid it because of the delivery issues.

Since I live in an apartment building without a doorman, they do not leave packages on your doorstep (which I am thankful for!).  Occasionally, my super will accept my packages (I never ask him to, but if he sees the delivery person or he's getting something delivered himself he will).  It's a really nice thing for him to do, but it's not part of his job so I don't expect it.

If it's being delivered by USPS, you get the dreaded coral slip.  This means you have to pick it up at the post office.  Fortunately, the post office is 2 blocks from my apartment, but unfortunately, they close at 7 pm during the week, which means I have to go on Saturday (which is when everyone else goes) and they are slower than molasses.  It is not unusual to wait 30-45 minutes to pick something up.

If it's being delivered by UPS, they leave you an InfoNotice and you can change delivery.  You can have it delivered somewhere else for a fee, which I don't do because I don't want to spend more or held at the UPS facility closest to you (free).  There is only 1 in Manhattan so I wouldn't call it "close to me" - it's on 43rd St and 11th Ave.  Basically in the Hudson River.  Super annoying to get too.  And while it is open until 9pm, it is closed on the weekends.

I find FedEx to be the easiest, but I also find most places don't ship with FedEx (it's probably the most expensive which is why it is the easiest).  They also leave a notice and you can change delivery.  The nice thing with FedEx is they will hold it for you at a FedEx office giving you lots of choices (there is one close to work and home) and more flexible hours to pick it up (there is one by home that is open 24 hours!).  As I said, not many places use FedEx.

Why am I complaining about shipping options?  Because I just found a new option - Amazon Locker. {Please note, even though it might sound like one, this is not a sponsored post.  I am just super excited about this new delivery option. End note.}

I ordered something on Amazon last week and at checkout had the option to have it delivered to a Locker.  It's basically a set of lockers located in various stores (Amazon has a more detailed explanation).  My order qualified for Super Saver Shipping (i.e. free) and I could still use the locker.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous to have it sent to the locker.  Without having used it before, I didn't quite know what to expect, but I did not want to deal with any of the 3 above options, so I decided to try it.

Even with free shipping my order arrived within 2 days of being place.  I got a text saying it was out for delivery and another once it arrived with my locker code.  I had mine sent to the Rite Aid not far from my apartment (only 4 blocks!) and as a bonus it is open 24 hours so I could pick it up anytime.

Being my first time using Amazon Locker, I was worried how I would find it.  Have no fear - it was quite large and well marked!

It is easy to use.  Just enter your locker code (provided in the text) on the touch screen.

From there, the screen tells you which locker will open:

And from there your locker opens and you pick up your package!

I have to say, I was incredibly impressed by the whole Amazon Locker process.  I was a little nervous since I had never used it, but it was quick and easy and made picking up my package a breeze.  Next time I need to order something, I will definitely check to see if it is sold on Amazon since they do have the Locker option for delivery.

Disclosure:  Amazon did not pay or sponsor this post at all.  I am pretty sure they do not know who I am (outside of the fact that I order from them).  I just know how annoying getting things delivered in a city can be and wanted to share for others who might not know about the Lockers or are nervous about using them the first time!