Amazon Prime subscribers can get in-home delivery with new service, Amazon Key
Photo: Amazon
Amazon Key
Earlier today (October 25th), Amazon announced its newest service, Amazon Key. Available only to Amazon Prime subscribers, it's a in-home delivery service that allows couriers to enter the homes of customers when they're not home and deliver packages inside. The tech-giant created the service to battle the problem of many customers having their packages stolen off their doorsteps.
How does it work?
The service relies on a kit that starts at $249.99 and features Amazon's new security cam, Cloud Cam, and compatible smart lock by industry leaders Yale and Kwikset.
When a courier arrives at a customer's home with a package for in-home delivery, they ring the doorbell or knock to confirm that no one is home. Then, the courier scans a barcode that will request access to Amazon's cloud and the customer's door. If access is granted, the courier can unlock the door using the Amazon Key app and enter the home. At the same time, the Cloud Cam will start recording, allowing the customer to watch the delivery while it’s happening or review a video of it after it’s complete. After dropping off the package, the courier has to lock the home before being able to go onto their next delivery.
Photo: Amazon
In addition to in-home delivery, Amazon Key can be used to grant access to homes to friends and family, dog walkers, cleaners, and other professional service workers.
Will customers use it?
Amazon Key can certainly help stop packages from being stolen. However, it's going to be tough for Amazon to convince customers that it's a better idea to give strangers access to their home than having packages left on their doorsteps. With that being said, alot of people had intial concerns with the idea of getting into a stranger's car, but ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have become the norm. Although it likely will take a longer time, the same thing could happen for Amazon Key. It's quite possible that in the long-run in-home delivery service is a no-brainer. On the other hand, Amazon Key will likely have early success with customers using the service to grant access to their homes for reoccurring visitors like professional service workers and Airbnb guests.
Availability
Amazon Key will be available on November 9th in 37 cities in the U.S. For more information, read the official announcement here.
In other technology news, Google recently launched its Pay with Google service.
SOURCE: Amazon
