Amazon has fundamentally transformed the landscape of consumer shopping, even for college students. Incoming freshmen are increasingly opting for online orders to acquire essentials for their first dormitory rather than relying on local retailers like Target or campus stores. This shift results in multiple package deliveries for each new student, and they expect a secure space to store their belongings while attending classes and the convenience of retrieving their packages at their discretion.

This article explores how the significant shift in shopping behavior presents new challenges that universities must address, along with effective strategies for managing these changes. Interested in how other institutions are adapting? Refer to Luxer One’s in-depth case study on how a leading California university accelerated its package pickup times by 60%.

1. Two-Day Delivery: The New Standard  

Before Amazon introduced the Prime membership with complimentary two-day shipping, free shipping was not an expectation among consumers. It was common for customers to pay between $5 and $10 and wait over a week for their items. Quick access to daily necessities often required a trip to a physical store. However, this paradigm shifted dramatically. Over time, numerous retailers began offering free and expedited shipping to remain competitive with Amazon. As a result, purchases ranging from toiletries to larger items like mattresses are now routinely delivered within just a few days. This prompt delivery service has become the standard today’s students are accustomed to.

With incoming first-year students placing high expectations on delivery speed, it is crucial for universities to adapt: 79.8% of Amazon customers say that free and fast shipping is the primary reason for shopping on the platform. Additionally, FedEx has expanded its delivery service to seven days a week, including Sundays. Consumers can have items like the latest iPhone delivered within hours through Apple’s website, and services like Postmates and Doordash promise local delivery in as little as 30 minutes. This trend indicates that the volume of packages will continue to escalate annually for university mailrooms.

2. The Evolution of Care Packages  

Historically, care packages served as a tangible reminder of parental support and affection from home. However, with modern conveniences, parents no longer need to travel to the store to assemble them. A simple click or tap allows them to have desired goods delivered directly to their child’s dormitory, and convenience has led to a rise in the frequency of these orders.

Instead of the traditional one or two care packages per semester, students receive multiple deliveries of items, ranging from snacks to laundry supplies, every week. This trend underscores the increasing volume of packages universities must manage and makes package concierge services in dorm rooms a new priority to parents and institutions. Furthermore, Amazon’s innovations, such as Teen Login, facilitate online shopping for students using their parents’ credit cards, enabling more frequent purchasing.

These programs reflect Amazon’s growing traction among younger consumers. A significant 59% of teenagers identified Amazon as their preferred website. “We are essentially conveying to our children that they can acquire whatever they desire, whenever they want,” stated Betsy Brown Braun, a specialist in child development and behavior. “This could potentially introduce a new array of challenges.”

3. Increased Demand for Shipping

An uptick in online shopping correlates with a rise in returns. A report from the International Council of Shopping Centers found that, on average, the return rate for online purchases is 15.2 percent, a figure that continues to climb. Shoppers now frequently order multiple sizes of the same item for home trials, returning those that do not meet their needs. Amazon has even adapted to this trend with its Amazon Wardrobe service.

In addition to online returns, students are likely to ship gifts when they cannot travel home for holidays like Christmas and birthdays. The convenience of sending packages directly from their dormitories, without the need to travel to the post office, is a significant time-saver. Outbound shipping is an optional feature available with Lockourier lockers.

4. Enhanced Mailroom Efficiency

The introduction of smart parcel lockers allows for a streamlined process of receiving and distributing packages without increasing staffing. Carriers and staff can deliver items to the lockers in under 10 seconds, minimizing interruptions for employees who can focus on more critical tasks. Students enjoy the flexibility of collecting their packages at their convenience using their mobile devices.

Constant interruptions can severely hinder productivity. By minimizing these disruptions, your staff will be allowed to engage in more meaningful work. While some universities may invest over $100,000 to hire additional personnel, an institution with a package Management system like Lockourier can enhance operational efficiency and offer a distinctive advantage to students with this new amenity.

5. Differentiate Yourself from the Competition  

During campus tours, students and parents tend to remember the most distinctive and appealing amenities as they decide about school selection. Features such as thoughtfully designed common areas, keyless or smart door locks, and efficient package delivery systems can significantly enhance their experience.

Enhance your school’s identity with customized color lockers, or consider wrapping them with your school crest and alma mater. This detail can be highlighted during campus tours, reassuring parents that their children can receive unlimited packages without the concern of misdelivery. These thoughtful, high-tech amenities will create a memorable impression.

Are you curious about how other institutions are addressing similar challenges? Explore our extensive case study on how a leading California university improved its package pickup times by 60%.

LocKourier offers innovative smart locker solutions tailored for universities. To discover how we can assist you in managing your package delivery needs, please contact a member of our team.