The Rise of Parcel Theft in Retail: Best Prevention Techniques

Parcel theft, sometimes referred to as porch piracy, is a rising problem, causing issues for businesses within the retail industry and their customers alike.

As a retail business, you work hard to make sure all your orders are picked, packed, and shipped on time, so that you can compete with the likes of Amazon, only to be met with unhappy customers who never received their orders.

For customers, parcel theft is equally as upsetting, especially if you are relying on a product to arrive by a specific date and you return home to find it has been taken right from your doorstep.

So, what can be done to fight back against the rise in parcel theft? Let’s take a closer look.

How can retailers prevent parcel thefts?

As a retailer, it is in your best interest to take steps to prevent your customers’ parcels and packages from going missing, even if it is not your fault that they have been taken.

Provide parcel pickup locations

Do you know that Amazon offers its customers over 20,000 locker pickup locations? Providing a safe and secure way for people to pick up their packages, instead of relying on doorstep delivery, they have designated collection points in locations all over the world.

One of the biggest benefits of parcel delivery lockers is that they offer convenience for the customer, as well as peace of mind that their parcel is secure.

Use plain packaging

Although using branded packaging can help boost brand awareness and brand recognition, it can also make your business much more susceptible to thieves.

Think about it this way. If you are sending out an expensive item and it is clear to see where it comes from and what it is, an opportunist is much more likely to try their luck and steal it. However, if you use plain or discreet packaging, the parcel is more likely to be left alone.

Communicate with your customers

The more you communicate with your customers throughout the shipping process, the more they can take steps to ensure they are at home when their parcel arrives. Make sure you send out messages from the moment you receive their order, right up to the moment it is delivered.

It can also be a good idea to send out a notification right after a delivery has been made, along with instructions on what the customer needs to do if their delivery has not arrived as expected or has gone missing.

Offer real-time tracking

Real-time tracking is another highly effective tool that can help prevent parcel theft and facilitate the entire delivery process for you and your customers. Enabling people to track exactly where their parcels are in real-time, tracking can make it more likely that someone can be at home to greet the delivery driver and directly take their package.

Takeaway

While there is no way to completely eradicate parcel theft, you can take many steps as a retailer to minimize the chances of theft. Remember, taking action benefits not just your customers but your business, too!