Amazon’s In-Car Delivery: Innovative or Invasion of Privacy?
As one of the largest companies in the world, Amazon is constantly looking for new ideas to expand their services in innovative ways. Recently, the company announced a new feature called Amazon Key, an in-car delivery service making it easier to get packages while on the go. This new capability allows you to get packages securely delivered right into your vehicle, whether you are parked at home, work, or any other location in your address book. This feature is a free benefit offered exclusively to Prime members, giving customers more options for how packages are delivered.
How it works
As long as you are a Prime member, all you have to do is download the Amazon Key app, complete the one-time setup process and then you are able to place your order.
Before you can get packages delivered to your car, there are a few steps you need to complete. As long as you are a Prime member, all you have to do is download the Amazon Key app, complete the one-time setup process and then you are able to place your order. After placing your order, you need to make sure your car is parked in a publicly accessible area within two blocks of the address you have selected for delivery so the driver can easily find and access your vehicle. On the day of delivery, you will be notified at least four hours in advance on when to expect your package, as well as notified once it’s delivered and your car is relocked.
Can I trust this?
Now you may be asking yourself, how can I trust that nothing will happen to my car? According to Amazon, you have nothing to worry about. This program works with trusted delivery providers that are guaranteed to securely deliver your packages. The app also lets you check if you are parked in range and will notify you at every step of the delivery process, making sure you are kept up to date on what’s happening with your package and your car.
One of the measures Amazon has taken to ensure vehicle and package safety is a confirmation that your car is securely locked before the delivery driver can leave the vehicle. While this is guaranteed to work the majority of times, if not every time, there is also an automatic lock feature that activates a relock just in case your car somehow didn’t get locked back after the package was delivered. In terms of liability and peace of mind, all deliveries are covered by the Amazon Key Happiness Guarantee. This ensures that your vehicle and valuables are protected in the event that something goes wrong.
Limitations
While this new innovative feature has many perks, there are some limitations as well, such as vehicle type. Currently, Amazon is partnered with Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, and Volvo, meaning you can only access this feature if you have one of those types of vehicles. Another limitation is that your vehicle must be a model year 2015 or higher due to certain car capabilities, which may be a problem for customers that have an older car but wish to utilize this new delivery method. This delivery service is also geo-targeted, meaning it is only available in select cities.
These drawbacks minimize the number of people that are able to actually use this feature; however, Amazon is working to grow this service and partner with more car retailers so they are able to target this service to other Prime members who have yet to be reached. Don’t know if you are eligible for this service? You can check your eligibility via the Amazon website to find out.
Benefits
“AMAZON KEY WILL ALLOW PEOPLE TO BE MORE MOBILE WITH THEIR DELIVERIES, MAKING SURE PURCHASES ARE DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO THE INDIVIDUAL EVEN WHEN ON THE GO.”
With this new service just starting, there are some limitations, but there are also many benefits. Amazon Key will allow people to be more mobile with their deliveries, making sure purchases are delivered straight to the individual even when on the go. Whether you are at work, on vacation, or don’t want your package to be seen by loved ones around the holidays, this in-car delivery service provides you with the option to receive packages in a new, resourceful way.