You’ve probably walked past these large yellow lockers and wondered what they were. They are Amazon’s automated parcel lockers, installed at the entrances of certain partner retailers. Did you know that it is now possible to pick up an Amazon package yourself thanks to the Amazon Hub Locker service? Today, we’re going to explain how this feature works, which is set to revolutionize delivery services.
04/05/2024: addition of a help guide for using Amazon Locker lockers
Following requests from many internet users about how to use Amazon Locker lockers, we have written a short guide in the form of FAQs at the end of this article to answer the many questions:
- When should I pick up my Amazon package?
- How do I pick up a package from an Amazon locker?
- How long does the package remain in the locker?
- I haven’t received my pickup code. What should I do?
- Can I return an item via Amazon Locker?
Scroll to the bottom of the article to view these frequently asked questions.
What is Amazon Locker?
If, like many Americans, you’re tired of standing by the window waiting for the Amazon delivery person to arrive, this new delivery program will change your mind! So what exactly is Amazon Locker? It is a delivery service set up by the number one marketplace that allows customers to pick up or return Amazon packages themselves. Simple and convenient, this new program, launched in France in 2015, is an integral part of the American giant’s physical implementation strategy.
These self-service delivery points are becoming increasingly widespread and are now available in more than 230 cities, including Paris, Lille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, Toulouse, Montpellier, Nice, and Strasbourg. They are generally located in high-traffic areas, such as train stations, stores, gas stations, and universities.
How do these lockers work? Instructions for use
When you make a purchase on Amazon, simply select the “Amazon Locker” delivery method if your order meets the eligibility requirements. Once your package has been delivered to the pickup location, you will receive a text message on your phone or an email with a unique, personal pickup code. You will then have three business days (from the delivery date) to pick up your package. Once you are at the locker, you will need to type or scan the pickup code on the digital screen. The locker will then open and you can collect your package. Please note that each locker has a specific name and offers lockers of different sizes to accommodate all packages regardless of their volume. All collection points are listed on the website.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Amazon Locker program
Amazon Locker’s Click & Collect service has several advantages:
- The lockers are self-service, most of them available 24/7, and accessible to people with disabilities.
- Delivery is fast and secure.
- This delivery method is less complex than delivery to a specific address.
- The service remains free for customers who have subscribed to Amazon Premium.
However, please note that:
- For hygiene reasons, this service is not available for food orders.
- After 3 days, the package is automatically returned to Amazon and the customer will receive a full refund.
Automatic lockers: a physical implementation strategy for e-retailers
Pickup Station, Abricolis, Packcity, Amazon Locker, SwipBox, and Blue Distrib… delivery to automated lockers has become much more widespread in France. François Castano, president of Packcity France, explained: “We are operating on a rental business model. The machines would cost thousands of euros to purchase. This model allows retailers to deploy many of them quickly, without making their infrastructure dependent on a specific carrier.”
With its new distribution model, Amazon is strengthening its collection point delivery service, which already had a large network of more than 20,000 collection points throughout France. In 2018, the American giant accelerated the installation of its lockers through a strategic partnership with SNCF to install them in 940 train stations by 2023, with the goal of supporting 25% annual growth in its parcels. ” 90% of Amazon customers have their orders delivered to their homes,“ said Ronan Bolé, Amazon Logistics’ director for France. ”The rest go through our lockers and our 1,000 counters.” In 2021, the company announced the rollout of its Selling Local service in France for SMEs, which is set to boost local commerce.
How do you become an Amazon Hub partner and offer a Locker in your store or business?
This is a question we have received from many entrepreneurs following the publication of this article, who were looking to find out how to become an Amazon Hub Locker partner. Amazon continues to install its parcel lockers throughout France and is regularly looking for new physical locations to set up its system.
To apply for the program, simply go to this URL https://www.amazon.fr/b?ie=UTF8&node=26373570031 and click on the “Become a Partner” button. The link will redirect you to a form, which takes 5 minutes to complete, and which will collect information about your physical location, where it is located, the number of establishments you own (in the case of a chain of stores or franchise, for example), and the type of business (bakery, clothing store, etc.).
Other e-commerce players are getting involved: the example of Vinted with Vinted Go and its Vlockers
Vinted, Europe’s leading second-hand platform, is following in Amazon’s footsteps by launching its own locker network in France. Called Vinted Go, it allows customers of the app, which specializes in sales between individuals, to sell and buy branded clothing, home decor, jewelry, and more.
To place an order, simply find the nearest Vlockers (the name of Vinted lockers) by visiting https://www.vintedgo.com/carrier-locations and then drop off your package directly in store. Many stores such as Franprix, Monoprix, and Casino offer these lockers, which are often located next to the Amazon Locker already in place.
Frequently asked questions about how Amazon Hub Locker works
You must wait until you receive an email from Amazon notifying you that the package has been delivered to the locker before going to the Amazon Locker.
To pick up a package from a locker without a screen, you need to have the Amazon mobile app and Bluetooth enabled so that your smartphone can communicate with the locker.
Check your email to see if you have received the email from Amazon confirming delivery of the package. It contains a 6-digit code and a barcode. Using either of these, you can either enter the code on the locker screen or scan the barcode using the reader.
From the time of delivery to the locker, the package remains there for 3 calendar days, after which it is returned to Amazon.
To date, there is no information indicating that it is possible to return your Amazon orders via an Amazon Locker. Returns can be made at parcel collection points, post offices, and store pickup points.
If you are certain that the package has been delivered but you have not received a code, contact Amazon customer service.