The Amazon Effect: 3 Multifamily Package Management Issues

The Amazon Effect is a phenomenon that's reshaped the landscape of online shopping — and in turn multifamily property management. A staggering 57% of consumers now choose to shop online, drawn by the ease and convenience it offers. Although Amazon isn’t the only online retailer, the mammoth company pioneered this space and remains at the top of the heap. In fact, 47% of all online shoppers made their first purchase on Amazon.

One thing is certain: Online shopping will only continue to grow. By 2025, eMarketer projects that 2.77 billion people will shop online, up from 2.37 in 2020. And 90% of Americans receive packages at least once a month. Over half (55%) receive weekly deliveries.

So how does this trend affect how your property handles incoming packages? Let’s take a look at three package management issues.

Package Theft

Thanks to the Amazon Effect, receiving packages is now such a standard occurrence that your residents will notice if there are issues with package security or delivery.

Unfortunately, with the surge in online shopping has also come a surge in porch piracy. In 2022, 1 in 7 Americans had a package stolen at least once. Theft is the most well-known problem when it comes to package security. Methods to fight package theft include surveillance technology — such as doorbell cameras or security cameras placed around your property — or even regular patrols by hired security.

But there are other, less top-of-mind issues that are just as frustrating to your residents and could be driving them away.

Package Tracking

As it turns out, mundane, run-of-the-mill package tracking complications are far more common than theft. How long do packages take up space in your office unclaimed? How do you keep track of who still needs to pick up their packages? How do you know if a package is in your office when a resident comes to claim it?

Resident Notifications

If you have packages piling up in your office, it could be that residents aren’t aware that they’ve arrived. You could tell residents to check the tracking on their packages, but if someone sends the resident a gift or if an item doesn’t have tracking available, they might not realize they have a package waiting for them. The problem is finding the time to email or call residents to let them know they need to come pick up their packages.

The Solution

A better alternative is a system that easily tracks packages as soon as your office receives them. You should be able to quickly create a record of the package, scan its information, and have the system automatically notify residents via email or text message.

Then, the resident must sign for the package, ensuring packages go to the right people. This will keep you from having a pile of boxes disrupting your regular office functions while helping residents get their packages as soon as possible — a win for everyone involved.

The Amazon Effect can create headaches for your business and strain your relationship with your residents if you’re not prepared, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Implement a system to improve your package management, and your resident satisfaction will improve across the board.