Would you use a smart lock to let a delivery driver in to your house when you're out, just so you don't miss a parcel? According to Amazon, it's the solution to all those missed parcels you have to collect from your grumpy neighour/ local delivery office.
Simply invest in a smart lock from an approved supplier, such as Yale, Schlage or Kwikset and then download the Key by Amazon app. This lets you track your deliveries and alerts you when the driver is outside your house, so you can log on as they let themselves in, drop off the parcel, and let themselves back out.
If you've never even heard of a smart lock, let's go back to basics. These are locks installed on your existing door that turn your smartphone into a key. Watch the new episode of the Real Homes Show now for our beginner's guide to how they work. Just skip to 8mins 30secs.
With a smart lock, you can let people in to your house, even if you're on the beach in Australia (so long as you have an internet connection, of course). Amazon has cottoned on to the potential to use these locks to stop missed deliveries. Using Key by Amazon, it says, will 'let packages be delivered safely inside your doorstep for free. You'll receive notifications every step of the way for complete peace of mind.'
You can even link your smart lock with a Ring video doorbell to watch the delivery and block it at any time if you realise you've left the dog loose or are too embarrassed about the mess.
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- Watch your deliveries with our review of the Ring Hello 2 doorbell