Amazon has teamed up with unlikely partner 7-Eleven and will begin testing a locker idea for in-store package pick-up. If successful, the lockers could be installed at 7-Eleven stores across the country by next summer.
The idea sounds simple enough. Rather than having Amazon attempt to deliver a package to your home when you likely won’t be there (during work, for example), you can elect to have the company drop your order off at a nearby 7-Eleven store, perhaps on your way home from the office.
When a package is delivered to the convenience store, an email notification will be sent to the recipient along with a barcode. To retrieve your package, head to the store and scan the bar code at the system kiosk. A PIN number will then be provided and once that is entered, you gain access to the locker containing your package.
The Daily first reported on this story last Friday but over the weekend a writer for Geek Wire did a little investigative reporting and found the lone Seattle area test locker at the 7-Eleven located at 1522 East Madison Street.
The clerk at that store didn’t have a wealth of information on the unbranded lockers, but said they are expected to go live this Friday and to check with Amazon for further details on the service.
Amazon had no comment on the locker system as of Friday and thus, we don’t know if there will be an additional charge on top of standard shipping to use the service.
As someone that works from home, an idea like this doesn’t particularly appeal to me as I’m available to receive packages throughout the day. But for most, I imagine such a service could be useful. Do you think you would opt to use this delivery method if it does become available nationwide? Would you pay a premium to do so?
Photo courtesy of Geek Wire.
