Innovative mail solutions - the how big is your mailbox thread?

[apsmith21]

I'm sure like many of you, I have had to become creative when it comes to receiving packages for group buys or trades from other members on this forum.

A Christmas or two ago, my mother-in-law bought me an EXTRA large US Postal Service approved mailbox.

It now comes in very handy when I get a bigger box from amazon germany or even packages for my wife can easily fit in.

Have you gotten a bigger mailbox or do something different to make sure that your steelbooks arrive safely?

Chime in with your solutions and pictures!

Here's a picture of my mailbox. There are a couple packages in there that shipped out yesterday...

 

[Drum18]

I wished I had one like that at my home.
Unfortunately here, we have those individual community box. Each house has a small box and when you receive package, they leave you the key to open the bigger box (see left bottom corner).

Should have seen those 2 FULL when I received my Hangover 2!


And when I receive more than that, I have to go to the local Post office (2 min. drive).

 

[taylorlarose]

I have the same thing Drum has. I usually just end up with a key for the bigger bottom boxes if it doesn't have to be signed for.

 

[karl01]

In uk they pushed through the letterbox or the person delivering will knock on your door if packages where left like your andy they wouldn`t be there for long

---------- Post added at 10:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:17 AM ----------

I have the same thing Drum has. I usually just end up with a key for the bigger bottom boxes if it doesn't have to be signed for.

so what do they do if you have to sign for it?

 

[Drum18]

so what do they do if you have to sign for it?

You have to go to the local Post office.

 

[HUBMUSWELL]

LOL, like Karl but e.g. a HMV box will not go through my letter box Either left on the porch or at the PO, depends on the postie

 

[Ross]

The Hmv and play packaging goes throu with the letterbox or catflap, but if I order a few from Germany usually the box gets left on my doorstep open to all elements and tealeafs

 

[taylorlarose]

Usually it'll go to a post office where you go and sign for it, but if you live in a small town like me, and know everyone, my post man just opens the front door, and puts it inside the house if I'm sleeping/out.

In uk they pushed through the letterbox or the person delivering will knock on your door if packages where left like your andy they wouldn`t be there for long

---------- Post added at 10:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:17 AM ----------



so what do they do if you have to sign for it?

 

[Buffalo MX]

To avoid delivery storage problems I order my steels to the office, we have 24/7 guard so final delivery secures the package

 

[Drum18]

but if you live in a small town like me, and know everyone, my post man just opens the front door, and puts it inside the house if I'm sleeping/out.

WoW!!!! That is SMALL town!!!

Hope you give him/her a wine bottle at Christmas!!!

 

[terry44]

I may have the best deal here as the person who delivers my mail works next to me so he just hands them over.
The joys of being a postman..........and there are not many.

 

[Che]

Obviously mine doesn't fit all sizes but you' be surprised how many packages can fit in it.

 

[Jason Bourne]

I wished I had one like that at my home.
Unfortunately here, we have those individual community box. Each house has a small box and when you receive package, they leave you the key to open the bigger box (see left bottom corner).

Should have seen those 2 FULL when I received my Hangover 2!


And when I receive more than that, I have to go to the local Post office (2 min. drive).

Im so glad I don't have one of those!!

 

[Grapey]

Our postmen are great, we've told them most of our packages are 'delicate' so they will open the porch door and put them on the floor rather than use the letter box or give us a knock if the doors locked.

 

[Antman]

Our postmen are great, we've told them most of our packages are 'delicate' so they will open the porch door and put them on the floor rather than use the letter box or give us a knock if the doors locked.

Yeah we're pretty lucky too - we have a nominated 'safe place' (the vacant rabbit hutch) for anything too big to get through the small letterbox, but that doesn't need signing for. Our postlady is really good and making sure it's discretely secured

Have to say that whilst Royal Mail are excellent (IMHO) the other delivery agencies we have in the UK can be truly dreadful. Over Christmas we had packages left on our front doorstep (we live on a busy main road and although we have a small drive, if anything is left it's clearly visible) - fine if my other half has popped down the shops, but if we're out for the day......

Worst one was also at Christmas - they went to the wrong house (next door) - he wasn't in and keeps his back gate locked - so they threw the parcel over the gate (about 6ft high) and drove away. He came home 3 days later and knocked on the door to hand me the soaked remains of a cardboard box - the company I ordered the items from did not seem at all concerned that their chosen delivery agency had done this and felt a £5 gift card was a suitable offer to compensate me (I should add they are an upmarket clothing store with very little under £20 on their website!!)

If I know something is coming via DHL (Amazon.ca or .de) I usually get it sent to work though.

PS Meant to say that personally I love the mailboxes you have in the States and Canada

 

[Pieter V]

Old school.

 

[Antman]

Old school.

I must admit I wasn't a steelbook collector when we moved into our house - the letter box is at ground level, small and thin, thick metallic door and is one of those ones that snaps shut - just perfect for denting any unsuspecting (Play.com) steelbook that doesn't make it all the way through!

 

[apsmith21]

In uk they pushed through the letterbox or the person delivering will knock on your door if packages where left like your andy they wouldn`t be there for long

hehe Karl. I live in a rural area and it's not uncommon to have bigger packages placed in your mailbox or to put them in there for the mailman to grab (and pickup is free).

Unfortunately, the US Postal Service is raising rates and doing many cost cutting measures.

I really like my mail carrier, so it also makes things easier for him, since they are also judged on how quickly they can finish their route and complete their deliveries.

We've gotten a couple of comments from our mail person about how nice it is and he wised everyone had a box that big.

 

[Glaurung]

Here's a picture of my mailbox. There are a couple packages in there that shipped out yesterday...

Aren't your packages at risk of being stolen?

 

[apsmith21]

Aren't your packages at risk of being stolen?

I live in a very low crime area, but yes, someone could steal them - it is a federal offense to tamper with mail, so they are very strict on that.

What is more worrisome, to me, is that United Parcel Service (UPS) leaves my packages on the front steps in plain view.