The placement authorization is a service in parcel delivery that allows parcels to be received without a personal handover. For many people who are not at home during the day, this option offers flexibility and convenience. But what exactly is a placement authorization? And how does it work? What advantages and disadvantages are associated with it? In this article you will learn everything important about the placement authorization and why we (naturhaus GmbH Denzlingen) as the sender advise every customer against it.
What is a placement authorization?
A placement authorization is a written or digital permission that allows the parcel carrier to leave shipments at a previously specified location without the recipient being present. This can be a place such as the terrace, the hallway, the garage or a shed. With a placement authorization, recipients avoid missed deliveries and the trip to a pickup point.
The placement authorization is usually requested directly when the shipping confirmation is issued or via the customer account with the respective parcel carrier. It can be set up for individual deliveries or as a standing option.
How does a placement authorization work?
1. Setup
The placement authorization is generally requested online via the customer account of the respective parcel carrier or in writing using a form. Specify the exact drop-off location where parcels should be left. Common examples of drop-off locations include:
- Terrace
- Garden shed
- Carport
- Hallway or entrance area
2. Confirmation
After the placement authorization is set up you will receive a confirmation from the parcel carrier.
3. Delivery
The delivery driver leaves the parcel at the agreed location. A recipient’s signature is not required.
4. Notification
After delivery, the recipient receives a notification by e-mail, app or in paper form that the parcel has been successfully left.
Advantages of a placement authorization
The placement authorization offers advantages, particularly for people with a hectic daily routine. Nevertheless, we advise against it. The reasons are explained in the disadvantages section.
1. Flexibility
Recipients do not have to be at home to receive parcels. They save time and have greater flexibility.
2. Avoiding pickup points
The trip to a parcel locker or branch is unnecessary, which is particularly convenient when these are located far away.
3. Contactless delivery
The permission to leave parcels enables a contactless delivery. This was especially advantageous during pandemics or in case of illness.
4. Personalized service
Specify your drop-off location individually — and ideally so that parcels are stored securely and protected from the weather.
Disadvantages of a permission to leave parcels. And why we (Naturhaus GmbH in Denzlingen) generally advise our customers not to grant a permission to leave parcels.
Despite the advantages mentioned, in our view there are significant disadvantages. Please read these carefully. As the sender we advise every customer not to grant a permission to leave parcels.
1. Theft risk
An openly accessible drop-off location or popular places as mentioned above (garden shed, entrance area in a multi-family building, etc.) increase the risk of theft, particularly in densely populated or insecure areas. Also in larger apartment buildings, where unknown persons/guests come and go, the risk of theft is high. Please note: If the parcel is stolen or not placed at the agreed location, the parcel will not be reimbursed by the sender or the carrier. By granting the permission to leave parcels, the recipient waives the personal handover of the parcel! It may have worked x times in the past. However, once a parcel disappears, the trouble is considerable.
2. Weather exposure
Parcels placed at „unprotected outdoor drop-off locations“ (for example behind the garden fence) can be damaged by rain, snow, or strong sunlight. In such cases the courier may not pay attention to whether it is raining or snowing, since the agreed location is, for example, behind the garden fence regardless of the exact weather that day. Added to this are often the courier’s time pressure and/or limited language skills.
3. Liability issues
The placement authorization transfers responsibility for the parcel to the recipient from the moment it is deposited.
4. Misdelivered shipments
Incorrect information about the placement location or misunderstandings (e.g., due to new couriers, temporary cover for the postal carrier, etc.) can cause parcels not to be found. Sometimes the courier also lacks the necessary language skills.
Placement authorization with different parcel services
Most major carriers offer the option to set up a placement authorization. Here is an overview of the common providers. Please note: The company naturhaus GmbH in Denzlingen ships all parcels within Germany with DHL!
1. DHL
DHL provides a simple way to set up the placement authorization online via the customer account or the Post & DHL app. The authorization can be granted either for individual parcels or on a permanent basis.
2. DPD
With DPD, recipients can set this up via the “myDPD” portal. In addition, it is possible to change the placement location flexibly as long as the parcel is still in transit.
3. Hermes
Hermes allows customers to request a placement authorization directly through the Hermes customer account. The placement location is defined individually and can be adjusted if required.
4. UPS
UPS offers the “UPS My Choice” service, through which placement authorizations can be configured. UPS also allows the placement location to be changed during delivery.
Safety tips
To ensure the safe and reliable use of a placement authorization, the following tips should be observed:
- Secluded location: Choose a placement location that is not directly visible from the street.
- Weather protection: Ensure the placement location is protected from rain and snow, e.g., under an overhang or in a box.
- Clear description: Provide a precise description of the placement location to avoid confusion.
- Activate notifications: Use email or app notifications to be informed immediately about the delivery.
- Regular checks: Check the designated drop-off location regularly to accept packages promptly.
When is a permission to leave parcels useful?
The permission to leave parcels is particularly useful in the following situations:
- Working recipients: People who are rarely at home during the day benefit from the flexibility.
- Rural areas: In less densely populated regions the risk of theft is lower, and permission to leave parcels can be used without issue.
- Contactless delivery: For people who wish to minimize contact for health reasons, permission to leave parcels is an ideal solution.
Conclusion
Although the permission to leave parcels is a practical way to make parcel receipt flexible and convenient and offers advantages—especially for people with a hectic schedule or for deliveries during absence—we nevertheless advise our customers not to grant such permission. In our view, the risk of theft or misunderstandings about the drop-off location (e.g. due to changing couriers, couriers with limited language skills, time pressure on the courier, etc.) is simply too great today.