With summer in full swing, more people are on vacation, leaving their homes unattended for extended periods of time. This contributes to a rise in porch piracy, with packages left on doorsteps longer than normal, and often overnight, making them easy targets for porch pirates. 

At the same time, online shopping shows no signs of slowing down, with global sales projected to exceed $6 trillion in 2024. 

As a result, consumers are now seeking ways to safeguard their deliveries, whether it is through tactics like shipping insurance or real-time tracking technology. In addition to these tactics, one increasingly popular solution to meet this need for increased package protection is for retailers to offer alternate delivery locations.

The uptick in package theft not only causes financial loss for merchants from replacement requests; it also decreases consumer confidence in online shopping, adding to other frustrations and concerns. In such a competitive retail environment, retailers need to be doing all they can to meet consumers’ needs and one priority for them is ensuring that their deliveries are protected. To mitigate the concern for stolen packages and other porch piracy risks, some shoppers are opting for alternate delivery locations when purchasing products online for delivery. In fact, new research reveals that 82% of consumers are open to using alternate pick-up points, such as UPS Access Points, delivery lockers, or even the retailer’s physical store. 

The Benefits of Alternative Delivery Locations

Merchants who offer alternate delivery locations for their shoppers are improving their customer’s experience, mitigating risk, and will likely reduce costs. It is a win-win for both customers and merchants. 

As businesses close their brick-and-mortar stores and expand their online storefronts, more purchases of more products will be made online — from household goods to designer clothing. But that doesn’t necessarily mean home delivery is the best option, especially when it comes to high-value items. 

New research found the top two reasons consumers use alternative delivery locations: the security of their packages and the weather. Next come loss or damage to items (49%) convenience of delivery (39%), monetary value of the item (33%), and speed of delivery (31%).

Delivery lockers and other access points are typically in monitored areas, providing an added layer of protection. Alternate delivery locations also offer consumers the flexibility to pick up their packages at their convenience. 

There are also benefits for retailers, such as the ability to consolidate deliveries to central locations, reducing shipping costs and logistical complexities. This, in turn, can lead to potential savings that may be passed on to consumers. Offering secure delivery options also allows merchants to build trust with their customers. Knowing packages are safe, protected and easily accessible enhances the overall shopping experience, and can lead to increased customer loyalty. 

Read More: Are Delivery Lockers Finally Going to Proliferate in the U.S.?

Online ordering continues to soar and, as a result, porch piracy has become more common. It is time for retailers to act. Merchants must start offering secure delivery solutions that meet consumer demands for protection, convenience and speed. 

With the right strategies in place, retailers can ensure that their customers enjoy a worry-free shopping experience, especially when they are traveling and out of town enjoying summer vacations. 

Archita Prasad is vice president at UPS Capital.