Inside Outdoor Magazine

SPRING 2018 | Inside Outdoor 45 Foods purchase on August 28, stores featuring digital lockers have expe- rienced an 11 percent gain in “micro visits” of three to five minutes in length. Stores without lockers expe- rienced only a 7 percent increase in micro visits during this time. Outdoor retailers can adopt this strategy by working with a provider such Package Concierge, Parcel Pending or ProShip, which are some of the leading vendors in this space. As you browse different options, you will find that each vendor offers varying levels of security, customer support, online access and aesthetic appeal. The way these lockers work, though, is pretty standard across the board. First, a customer orders a product online or in the store. Then, the package is delivered to the store, where it is received, processed and placed inside of a secure locker. The customer gets a notification along with a unique personal identification number when the product is ready, which is used to retrieve the item from an accompanying kiosk. Here are some things to keep in mind when searching for an electronic parcel locker: Daily management: This type of service is not completely hands-off for store managers, who are usu- ally responsible for locker upkeep and package management. This is something to keep in mind, as it could place an extra burden on staff. However, the delivery aspect is virtually automated. The vendor, however, typically manages the hardware and software of the kiosk so there isn’t much to worry about from an IT perspective. Package Concierge runs its software on in-house servers, while ProShip uses the cloud. Cost: Since these are large, physical structures prices are typi- cally offered on a quote by quote basis. You will have to purchase or lease the lockers, as well as an ac- companying digital kiosk and under- lying software, so you can expect to part with a considerable amount of CAPEX and OPEX. A small ProShip unit will cost at least $15,000 which comes in addition to setup and sup- port fees. The company offers an outright purchase license, and also a 36 month subscription option. In- tegration tends to vary according to each environment. Package Concierge Retail pric- ing starts around $8,000 for its most basic digital locker system, and can be easily expanded to accommodate more lockers.  Of course, the increasing threat of “doorstep thefts” and “porch bandits,” who prey on home delivery packages left by the front door when no one is Parcel Pending lockers inside common area of apartment complex

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