With over 50 million packages being delivered every day in the United States, it is not hard to imagine that the lobby of your building may be getting out of hand. Gone are the days of staff personally handling each package for the residents. Modern package management is about alleviating the extra work that property managers must do, while giving residents the confidence that their order is going to arrive safely and stay secure until pickup.
Do I really need package management at my property?
We may be a little biased, but the answer is a resounding yes!
Residents are putting package management high on the list of necessities when shopping for their next home. Not to mention the enormous amount of time that staff are spending dealing with packages daily instead of managing the property.
Attracting new residents, keeping those that are already there happy, and allowing managers the time to do their primary job of managing the property all seem to be good reasons to invest in these systems.
By the Numbers
Million+
The number of packages delivered in the US everyday.
What are the options?
The package management industry has blossomed in the last few years. “Parcel lockers” have evolved from simple mailboxes to multi-prong approaches for managing the flow of packages into a building. Keyed USPS boxes are still available, but do not offer the features and convenience of other types of smart systems.
Then came the advent of the locker system. Harnessing the power of the smart phone, smart package lockers will notify residents when the package arrives, and they can retrieve the package with a code. Some package locker systems will even automatically open the compartment door via Bluetooth from the resident’s phone.
An alternative to a parcel locker system is the package room. Secure package rooms are monitored to make sure that the residents are picking up only their packages. While the shelves inside the room keep the packages in an orderly condition.
Several companies have added new personnel to help your management team to manage all of those packages. Professionals will be onsite periodically to make sure that the carriers are using the new systems accurately. While onsite they will interact with the system to make sure it is working at peak efficiency.
But what about the costs?
No new system that impacts your property is going to be cheap. That said, a package management system offers many entry-points no matter your capital/operating expenditure budget.
These systems are also software dependent, so no matter how the equipment was purchased, there will be an ongoing fee for subscriptions and service. But surveys indicate the residents are willing to pay a little more to get these kinds of amenities.
Some properties have even found that they can increase their net operating income by charging a bit more than it costs them for the service. Others put it into their already existing operating budget.
Every property manager/owner/developer knows that there are financial considerations in everything they do, but package management solutions tend to have the flexibility to fit into any budget.
We don’t have the space
This is not an uncommon sentence heard when talking to property professionals. Parcel lockers are not small, but space can often be found where you may not expect it. Package lockers can also be configured in other ways besides a straight line. Outdoor package lockers are an option for properties that don’t have any interior space, such as older buildings.
As for package rooms, a small supply closet can be used for a secure package room. If a package room is right for your property, make sure you have around 1 sf per residential unit to dedicate. A common 10’x10’ room should serve a property with around 100 units.
If a common area renovation project is in the works, this is a great time to spec in package lockers or a package room! After all, it’s much easier to prepare the space for a package management solution before or during when the walls are open.
A solution for all situations
Of course, cost can be the decisive factor with any property upgrade or new construction project, but with creative financing, a package management solution can be fit into any budget.
Only a few years ago online purchases were a fad and now they are a part of life; residents are ordering everything from iPads to kitty litter and toilet paper online.
Package management solutions are about managing the flood of packages to spare staff hours, keeping common areas free from stacks of boxes, reducing or eliminating package theft, and making sure residents can receive their packages day or night.
Modern package management systems offer flexibility so that properties can create a package solution that is right for them.
Residents prefer communities that offer security and peace of mind and not the chaos indicated by a pile of packages.
Let Us Help
Amenity Technologies is happy to help you figure out the best package management solution for your property.
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