Unlocking the failed delivery problem? Opportunities and challenges for smart locks from a consumer perspective

Heleen Buldeo Rai, Sara Verlinde and Cathy Macharis

Research in Transportation Economics, 2021, vol. 87, issue C

Abstract: The number of consumers that make online purchases is growing, together with the frequency in which these purchases are made. This change in consumer behaviour revitalised the practice of home delivery. Consumers prefer their homes in favour of alternative locations, despite the fair chance that they are not present at the time of delivery. The result is delivery failure, which creates unnecessary costs for logistics service providers and retailers, inconveniences for consumers and an additional burden to the environment. Smart lock systems are presented as a promising solution, as they enable access to delivery couriers by means of dedicated digital keys, even when no one is at home to receive the order. Smart locks’ technical feasibility has been demonstrated, yet consumer acceptance is the main obstacle in implementation.

Keywords: Online retail; Smart locks; Sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O33 Q55 Q56 R41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2019.100753

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