Online shopping has become increasingly popular in the Philippines, especially during the pandemic. With more people opting for the convenience of shopping from home, the demand for online shopping deliveries has risen. However, with this rise in deliveries, there has also been a rise in package theft. Package theft can be frustrating and expensive, but there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening.
Here are some tips to help you avoid having your package stolen whenever you order something online.
Use a Reliable Delivery Service
Using a reliable delivery service is the first step in preventing package theft. Choose a delivery service that has a good track record of delivering packages on time and securely. If the delivery service has plenty of positive reviews from its customers, then it’s a good sign that they can be relied on to deliver your package safely.
Try to compare prices between the different courier services as well. After all, you want to factor in the delivery fee on top of your online purchase so that you can better manage your overall spending. There are many reputable delivery couriers that offer international shipping to the Philippines, so make sure to create short list of these candidates and see which ones can best suit your needs.
Consider the Delivery Address
Choosing the right delivery address can also help prevent package theft. There will be times when you aren’t available to receive the package yourself, so it’s best to choose a delivery address where someone is always present to receive the package. This can be either a relative’s house or your workplace, for example. Make sure to give whoever you’ve tasked to receive the package a heads up about the upcoming delivery so that they can keep an eye out for it when it arrives.
Install a Security Camera
Security cameras can be a simple yet effective deterrent to potential package thieves. Placing it in a location that can be visibly seen by everyone can sometimes be enough to dissuade anyone about having second thoughts of making off with an unattended package that’s left on your doorstep. Purchasing a security camera is relatively simple as well, as there are many affordable security cameras available in the market that can be easily installed and monitored using a mobile app.
Require Signature Confirmation
When placing an order online, you can choose to require signature confirmation upon delivery. This means that the delivery driver will only hand over your package after signing off on it. This is an effective way to ensure that your package is delivered only to you or someone you authorize. Just give the courier service prior notice on who will be receiving the package and that their signature will be required before handing off the item.
Be Aware of Delivery Times
It’s important to be aware of the delivery times of your packages. This should be relatively easy since many delivery services now offer real-time tracking of packages through an app, so it shouldn’t be difficult to keep tabs on your delivery at all times. This way, you can ensure that someone is always present to receive the package around the time that the package is expected to arrive.
If you are not able to receive the package yourself, make arrangements for someone else to receive it on your behalf. It is also important to note that some delivery services have a cut-off time for deliveries. If you miss the cut-off time, your package may not be delivered until the next working day.
Communicate with the Delivery Service
Many delivery services can be quite flexible when it comes to delivering items, so don’t hesitate to call them if you need to make specific arrangements on how you can best receive your package. For example, you can request that the delivery service leave the package with a trusted neighbor or friend. You can also ask the delivery service to deliver the package to a nearby pickup location, where you can drop by at a later time and pick up the item personally. Alternatively, you can also ask that the delivery date be changed to a more convenient time when you’ll be available.
Avoid Leaving Packages Unattended
Avoid leaving packages unattended, especially if you are not able to receive them immediately. While it can be tempting to simply ask the courier to leave the package at your doorstep, leaving packages unattended can make them vulnerable to theft. If you are not able to receive the package yourself, it’s still best to ask someone you trust to receive it for you instead.
With the popularity of online purchases on the rise, the risk of package theft is starting to become a growing concern for online shoppers as well. However, there are many things that you can do to avoid this from happening.
By being aware of delivery schedules, requesting signature confirmation, and installing a security system, you can help prevent package theft and ensure that your online shopping deliveries are safe and secure. Following these small yet simple steps can help protect your online purchases and safely get them into your hands.
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