Online retail has improved how we shop and open us up to convenience and accessibility. But with this development comes the risk of Porch pirates. You’re probably wondering, ‘What are porch pirates?’
Porch pirates are individuals who steal packages delivered to the doorstep of your customers. Addressing porch pirates’ concerns is essential for an online retailer to maintain customer satisfaction and build trust. According to statistics, in 2022 alone, about 79% of Americans fell victim to porch pirates, so online retailers need to address this rising pandemic.
In this article, we will be sharing some practical strategies you can employ to prevent porch pirates and protect your customers from them.
Stop Porch Pirates Early
You can implement some policies to curb porch piracy. For instance, making signatures compulsory before delivery for sensitive or high-value packages. This will ensure that the packages are strictly received by the intended recipient or someone they trust to minimize theft risks.
Additionally, you can utilize delivery lockers or offer alternate location deliveries so that your customers can have multiple options for receiving their items. Alternate locations include the local post office, secure delivery lockers, secure pickup locations, or the customer’s workplace.
Use Package Tracking and Notifications
Some reliable delivery services offer real-time tracking of packages sent out for delivery. With this feature, customers can monitor the location of their boxes and receive notifications about the delivery status.
This will help them plan accordingly and prepare for someone else to receive the item if they are indisposed. Regular updates about the package status through emails or texts are another way to keep customers in the loop about their delivery status. UPS My Choice is an excellent option for customers.
Provide Delivery Instructions and be Flexible
Customers should have the opportunity to specify or leave delivery instructions during checkout. They can request that the package be kept with a trusted neighbor or in a specific location like the back porch. Please encourage them to choose hidden or secure places to reduce the risk of potential porch pirates.
For flexibility, offer customers the option to select a delivery window to choose when they will most likely be available to receive the package.
FedEx Hold for Pickup
If you need to sign for your package or desire more security, it’s easy to request to hold a package for pickup at a FedEx location. Recipients can choose the location where they want to request the parcel to be sent. Recipients can also use the free FedEx Delivery Manager app to request that their package be held for pickup.
How to Respond When Porch Pirates Strike
Fast Customer Support
As an online retailer, you should have responsive communication channels to ensure customers can reach you if any issue arises. This can be either through email, live chat, or SMS. Don’t forget to address the issue after you have assured the customer that you will do something about it.
Set Up a Replacement and Refund Policy
Every online retail business should have a straightforward replacement and refund policy for addressing porch pirate issues. Establish a law or policy for stolen packages offering a replacement or refund for customers who fall victim to porch pirates. Procedures like this protect your business and encourage customer satisfaction.
Protecting your customers from porch pirates is one of your responsibilities as an online retailer if you want to maintain trust and ensure they have a positive buying experience.
