In an enlightening exchange, Brendan Heegan, Founder and CEO of Boxzooka, shares crucial insights into the alarming rise of porch piracy and outlines actionable steps for retailers to tackle this pressing issue.
Boxzooka is a company specialising in order fulfilment for e-commerce retailers, wholesalers, and subscription box businesses.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Known for its emphasis on advanced technology, a high-quality unboxing experience, and reliable account management, the company has positioned itself as a prominent player in the industry.
Heegan explains the creative methods used to tackle this growing problem, and highlights how Boxzooka is a trusted advisor in changing the story of safe and dependable package deliveries.
The rise of porch piracy: a threat to brands and customer satisfaction
According to Heegan, porch piracy demands increased vigilance in safeguarding products throughout the fulfilment and delivery process. He states, “The rise in porch piracy has required us all to be more vigilant about safeguarding products.”
He highlights the dilemma faced by brands with higher-end products, noting that branded shipping packaging can inadvertently act as a “steal me” advertisement for pirates.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataHeegan points out the widespread impact, quoting Safewise, “3 out of 4 Americans had a package swiped in the past 12 months, and more than $6bn dollars in losses were claimed during that same period.”
The lockdowns during the pandemic only exacerbated the issue, creating more opportunities for package theft, not just in the United States but globally, as evidenced by a Financial Times quote stating, “Britain seems to be in the grip of a neighborhood crime wave.”
Mitigating challenges: retailers’ response to stolen deliveries
Heegan provides concrete examples of retailers addressing challenges posed by porch piracy. “Retailers are smart and have been over-boxing their beautiful packaging to keep the products anonymous,” he says.
Despite advancements in technology, with real-time tracking and delivery options, Heegan acknowledges the persistent nature of the problem. He cites Security.org’s report of 44m package thefts in the US in 2022, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to mitigate losses.
“Brands and the major shippers have invested heavily in technologies to provide tracking information at every stage of the delivery cycle,” Heegan says.
However, he notes that consumers and retailers share the burden of covering losses, with replacement items, refunds, and carrier reimbursements being common solutions.
Proactive steps: minimising risk through innovation
Drawing on his extensive experience, Heegan outlines proactive steps businesses can take to minimise porch piracy risks. “Retailers have invested in technology for tracking updates and delivery options as well as disguising packages without branding,” he remarks.
He emphasises the importance of studying theft trends, creating consumer awareness, and offering alternate pick-up locations. Humorous yet effective approaches, like hide-a-key lock boxes disguised as rubber dog poop, also find mention in Heegan’s recommendations.
He points out that package lockers in urban areas and personal drop boxes are becoming more commonplace as secure alternatives. He says, “These secure locations provide protection for the consumer, the retailer, and the shipper.”
Boxzooka’s contribution: enhancing delivery security
Heegan elucidates Boxzooka’s role in combating porch piracy, stating, “Our Client Success Managers develop relationships with each brand and get to know the business logistics intimately.”
He emphasises the critical nature of regular engagement and discussion on packaging techniques, designs, and shipping methods.
The Boxzooka Client Portal, Heegan says, provides full visibility at each stage of the fulfilment process, making Boxzooka the eyes and ears for brands on the ground.
Ensuring secure deliveries during holidays: strategic advice
Heegan offers strategic advice for retailers during the peak shopping season, quoting him directly, “Anti-theft vigilance is necessary across every stage of the shopping experience ‘from click to porch.'”
He stresses the importance of calculating the costs of losses and making informed decisions to protect customers’ products, preventing package theft from eroding revenue projections.
Emerging technologies and trends: staying ahead in the fight against porch piracy
Discussing emerging technologies, Heegan mentions prevalent security technologies and the role of smart devices. “Ring, the smart doorbell, will send you alerts when anyone approaches your front door to steal one of those deliveries,” he says.
Heegan acknowledges the evolving nature of the fight against porch piracy, emphasising the need for the industry to keep pace with solutions. “Retailers will have to keep pace with solutions for porch piracy given the consistent growth of e-commerce and the pace of technological innovation,” he concluded.
