Call Us Today: 704-660-0292

Add "CT Compare" Widget via Appearance > Widgets > Compare.

Amazon Key: Amazon’s New Service Allows Delivery Drivers To Enter Your Home

If you’re worried about your packages disappearing off your front porch, Amazon now has a solution to that: Amazon Key. This service allows a driver to drop a package inside your home when you’re not there. The system features an app, camera and a smart lock. The system works via Amazon Cloud so that not just anyone can get into your home.

Amazon Key

Delivery drivers must be verified and their information is stored in Amazon Cloud. When a driver approaches your home and scans the package, the information is sent to Amazon Cloud. The driver is then verified and the information is sent back to the smart lock, which then opens to allow the driver to place the package inside. The camera records the transaction. You are able to watch the delivery live or may watch the video later.

Who May Use Amazon Key

Amazon Key for the in-home delivery service will be available at no extra cost to 85 million Prime subscribers. The hardware kit costs $249.99. New drivers will have to have a background check before they are able to use the service to enter your homes. The devices are all encrypted. And, should you decide to turn off the smart lock system, you may, and will then need a physical key to enter your home. Additionally, you will be able to remotely allow family and friends to get into your home without a key.

Benefits of Using Amazon Key

In addition to having packages delivered inside your home, Amazon has several other benefits and features:

  • Grant access to your home to people you trust, such as a dog walker, family, house cleaner and friends.
  • The system features an indoor security camera.
  • You’ll get real-time notifications for deliveries.
  • You are able to watch your package being delivered.
  • You won’t have to make any more spare keys to give others access to your home.
  • The camera has night vision so you can see your front door all hours of the day.
  • Installation is free or you may install the system yourself.
  • Amazon Key is not integrated with your current security system.
  • The system works with Kwikset or Yale locks.
  • Guests have their own keypad codes to enter your home.
  • Amazon Key works with Alexa to lock the front door and to check the status of the front door.

With the Amazon Key system, you won’t have to worry about someone finding the keys under the mat or in another hiding place. And, if you are in a gated community, as long as guests are able to get through the gate to your home, they’ll be able to use Amazon Key to enter your home. You may keep your existing deadbolt by installing the smart lock over the deadbolt.

If you do have a separate security system, you do have to disarm the security system on the day you are expecting a delivery. But, if you are not comfortable with turning the alarm off, then Amazon Key is not recommended for you.

If you have pets, it is recommended that you crate your pet or ensure that it cannot get to the front door. Even if you think your pet wouldn’t bite someone at the door, it could escape.

Delivery Day

On the day of delivery, Amazon will send you a notification that includes a four-hour delivery window. Just before the driver gets to your door, the system will send an “Arriving Now” notification. It gives you time to watch the delivery live if you choose. The driver knocks first, then sends a request to unlock the door with the scanner. Once Amazon verifies the driver and that the package belongs at your address, it will open the door. The driver places the package inside the door and sends a request to lock the door. Once the delivery is complete, you’ll receive notification that it is complete.

Share This
About The Author
Kim McBee

Kim McBee epitomizes integrity, energy, hard work and a creative service in every detail of your real estate transaction that makes buying or selling your home an incredible, memorable experience. She uses her 13 years of experience to help you achieve your goals with the least amount of stress possible. Whether a first time buyer or an experienced seller, Kim will bring her spirited energy and real estate knowledge to your next adventure. Kim is a licensed Real Estate Broker in both North and South Carolina and is an active member of the Charlotte Regional Realtors Association as well as the National and Local Home Builders Associations. Kim started her career in real estate in 2002 with Crescent Resources, a large residential, commercial and multi-family developer based in Charlotte, NC. She and partner Gus Testa had the opportunity to work in most of their residential communities in the Charlotte region during their ten (10) year tenure. In 2012, Kim and Gus, along with a local area developer, formed On Point Carolinas Realty, LLC. On Point Carolinas Realty, LLC is a full service real estate company, working with buyers and sellers in both new home construction and re-sale homes. From 2002 – 2012, Kim and Gus sold between $15 - $50 million in volume in the Lake Norman, Charlotte and northern most portions of South Carolina. Now with On Point Carolinas Realty, LLC, they continue to work every aspect of the real estate industry representing sellers, buyers, investors and banks in the residential market. Before entering the real estate industry, Kim took a five year leave of absence from work as a scheduling analyst/cost engineer in the nuclear power industry for Stone & Webster >Engineering and Bechtel Power Corporation to stay home and raise her son.

Leave a Reply