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Amazon Has A Clever New Way Of Evading Porch Thieves

Collin Gossel
Apr. 25, 2018
LIONEL BONAVENTURE/Getty Images

Amazon has been experimenting with new technologies to make sure packages aren't stolen from people's front doors after their delivery is complete. Last fall, the online retail giant tried out a program called "Amazon Key," where delivery employees were able to gain access to users' houses through an app so they could drop packages off inside rather than outside the front door. The program was greeted with both excitement and skepticism upon its release, and Amazon is now trying something new: in 37 U.S. cities, Amazon will now be able to drop off packages in its users' parked cars.

Using the new program sounds pretty easy!

Any Amazon customer can use it by linking their Amazon app to a participating car service's app.

Amazon is eagerly looking for new ways to make delivery easier.

The program will be offered in "San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Nashville, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C." and many others. Greg Melich of analysis firm MoffettNathanson thinks the car-delivery program will be received much more enthusiastically than Amazon Key:

Amazon will keep looking for ways to reduce last mile friction and cost. I'm sure many consumers would prefer to have their car trunk opened remotely by a third party than their front door.

James Cordwell, an analyst at Atlantic Equities, thinks this is just another step in the process for Amazon:

I think this is a good example of Amazon's test-and-learn culture. The company tries many different things, some are successful, others less so, but all provide important insights for the company.

The new program is currently compatible with "Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Volvo" cars, though more are surely on the way. Through the app, Amazon employees will not be able to track your car or gain permanent access. When ordering a package, you'll be asked to give a location for the drop-off and license plate number for car identification. The app then utilizes the car services' unlock feature for a one-time delivery. While the entire process takes place, customers will receive text updates on their phone.

Some customers were more skeptical than others, however.

If you live in a big city and drive a GM, prepare yourself! THE FUTURE IS NOW.

H/T - Reuters, Getty Images, The Wall Street Journal