As a company on the forefront of mail equipment sales, Reach Technologies monitors innovations in this industry with interest. One recent development seems likely to hold significant ramifications during the next few years. During 2020, the media noticed an interesting phenomenon. In many urban areas, residential towers began expanding their package delivery room services. They made this change primarily to accommodate tenants and homeowners.
Crowded Residential Tower Lobbies
A number of states and provinces issued emergency public health orders last year. The COVID-19 pandemic forced large numbers of people across North America to work from home. The pace of online shopping also increased during this period.
In Canada, news agencies noticed an uptick in the need for delivery and package handling services at apartment and condo complexes. Incoming parcels frequently consumed extensive lobby space. The high volume of deliveries raised security concerns in some locations.
This problem also occurred in the United States. For example, a Boston news station reported some buildings responded by expanding the scope of their available package delivery rooms. Large properties have reported the arrival of 300 to 400 boxes every day. The increasing popularity of food delivery services, coupled with a rise in online purchasing, likely contributed to this change.
Residential Mailroom Modifications
What steps might a busy property management firm consider taking to address a significantly increased volume of package deliveries? Some possible suggestions include:
- Increase either the size or the number of package delivery rooms to help maintain tighter security.
- Add refrigeration capabilities (e.g. a refrigerator) to assist residents who order perishable items.
- Designate covered loading docks to keep delivery trucks separated from crowded parking areas (especially if the residential complex stands within a congested downtown neighborhood).
- Establish a mailing center equipped with a copy machine, a printer, and other basic mailroom equipment to help process outgoing mail, such as merchandise returns.
A Long-Term Trend?
The volume of package deliveries increased during 2020. Does this situation reflect a permanent change in consumer behavior? Some evidence suggests the demand for mailroom services in large residential enclaves will remain high even after the pandemic ends.
Online shopping gained popularity during recent years. Additionally, larger numbers of people now work remotely from home. Property management firms in some developments face ongoing challenges adjusting to these demands. Creating well-equipped residential mailrooms offers a possible solution!
