It’s easy to look at a product like a parcel box, and wonder just why it’s necessary. So, we had a little chat with Anthony, a postie in Torquay who contacted us on Instagram. We threw more than a few questions his way, and good sport that he is, Anthony was happy to indulge us!
Questions on the Postie Round
Roughly how many Smart Parcel Boxes do you see on your round?
“Currently I only see 1 or 2 per round, but I wish they were more popular! Convenience [is the main reason]. I can get all the packets in which saves me writing a dozen cards and then having double to redeliver. Also, it often saves a walk down a long driveway if the owner places it nicely.”
As a Postie, what’s your favourite feature of a Smart Parcel Box?
“My favourite feature is the large opening for post and parcels. It seems the average letter has grown while the average letterbox has not.” With subscription boxes finding popularity in the last five years, and a boom in online shopping, it’s unsurprising that traditional letterboxes haven’t been up to the task!
“Another thing I really like about the box is the absence of those little brush bristles that fold the letters.”
Has Smart Parcel Box increased the number of first-time deliveries on your round?
“Absolutely. There are many items that can’t be left with a neighbour or [in a] ‘safe space’. The Smart Parcel Box saves everyone [from the] Postie [and] customer [to the] post office staff the time and effort of redelivery [or] collection [from the depot].
Have you come across any businesses with a Smart Parcel Box on your round?
“Yes! A local farm has one – I’ll send the pictures.” To see the all of the amazing pictures Anthony posts, follow our Instagram and browse this post!
Have you ever not been able to fit a parcel into a Smart Parcel Box?
“Not yet. I’ve managed to get all kinds of letters, magazines, packets (Postman talk for parcels) and even a pair of shoes!”
A Postie’s Personal Opinion
Do/Would you own a Smart Parcel Box of your own?
“Not yet! I’m painting the house then fitting one on.” Do you think he’ll be choosing the red parcel box in true Postie style?
What type of houses do you think would benefit from a Smart Parcel Box?
“Almost any home would benefit. Rural properties with long driveways would like the security [a parcel box offers, while] residential properties who receive lots of parcels would like the convenience.”
Do you think traditional letterboxes should be replaced with these parcel boxes?
“I think gradually they are being replaced. Online shopping and parcel delivery is increasingly popular. Not to mention all the dogs people bought during the lockdowns, little teeth tend to go for my fingertips.
I’d like to see Smart Parcel Boxes to accommodate multiple addresses. We have lots of converted houses to flats and such. Here’s an example of a regular letter and a small, older letterbox.”
Sorry to hear about the little teeth! Are most postie’s team cat, then?
“We get bitten by the cats too! The reality of conventional letterboxes is seeing Posties losing fingers to dog bites, every depot has someone with 9 or less fingers.”
The Bottom Line
If you’ve got a cat or a dog, consider a letter drop parcel box to save your Postie some fingers! Some of you dog-owners might owe your postman (or woman) a belated Christmas card, too…
