Package Delivery System for Apartments: Comparison, Cost, & Features

 

 

A package delivery system helps apartment buildings receive, secure, organize, and notify residents about delivered packages. Most systems combine three things: a drop-off location for carriers, secure storage, and a pickup or access method for residents.

The best system depends on your building’s package volume, staffing, available space, and security needs. Below, we compare the most common options, including package rooms, package lockers, off-site services, software, and delivery doors.

Read this post to learn:

• What is a package delivery system?
• Why you need a package delivery system
• Top 5 package delivery systems
• Comparison of package delivery systems
  
• What is the best package delivery system for apartments?
• The ButterflyMX package delivery system
• Package delivery systems FAQs

 

 

What is a package delivery system?

A package delivery system is a solution for buildings to manage the intake, storage, and distribution of packages delivered to residents of multifamily buildings.

When delivery carriers drop off packages at a multifamily property, they need a place to leave the parcels safely. Additionally, property staff needs a way to organize those packages and distribute them to residents. And residents need a way to pick up or receive their packages.

 

How a package delivery system works in apartments

In a multifamily building, a package delivery system creates a structured process for accepting, securing, and distributing resident deliveries. While the technology may vary, the core workflow is typically the same:

• Carrier arrives and gains building access using a key, PIN code, one-time access credential, or delivery pass.
• Package is dropped off in a secure location, such as a package room, locker compartment, or with front desk staff.
• Resident is notified via text message, mobile app alert, or email, depending on the system in place.
• Resident retrieves the package using a PIN code, smartphone app access, QR code, or staff-assisted pickup.
• Delivery is logged (optional but recommended) to create an audit trail that helps prevent disputes and improve security visibility.

 

Why you need a package delivery system

These days, every multifamily building needs a package delivery system to accommodate the growing number of packages being delivered. Online shopping is more popular than ever, and the ecommerce industry is only expected to grow. Plus, delivery rates skyrocket even higher during the holidays.

Managing deliveries at apartments involves accepting parcels from carriers, storing them somewhere, and distributing them to residents when they pick them up. Unfortunately, this process is tedious and time-consuming. However, package delivery systems alleviate the burden on property managers by streamlining and automating much (or all) of the process.

Saving time isn’t the only reason property managers love delivery solutions. If you don’t have a package delivery system, you might be surprised by the cost of package deliveries at your property. With an effective package management solution, your staff members’ salaries go toward more than just managing deliveries.

Finally, implementing a package delivery system improves the resident experience. Investing in the resident experience’ll ultimately retain more residents and renew more leases — which is great for your bottom line.

 

 

Top 5 package delivery systems

You know you need a solution to manage deliveries at your apartment — but what are your options? Read on to learn more about the five most common package delivery systems for multifamily properties.

The top five package delivery systems:

1. Package room
2. Package lockers
3. Off-site package storage and drop-off
4. Package management software
5. Delivery doors

 

1. Package room

Best for: Mid-to-high volume buildings that want flexible storage and 24/7 pickup.

A package room is a designated room within a building where delivery carriers can drop off packages for residents to pick up at any time.

Usually, package rooms have controlled access so that only authorized couriers, residents, and building staff can enter. A video intercom with a mobile app controls the best package rooms. That way, residents can access the mailroom system through their smartphones, and couriers can access it by entering a PIN code. In addition, having a camera at the package room’s entrance adds an extra layer of security.

The benefits of a package room include:

• Reduce property staff’s time spent accepting, organizing, and distributing packages.
• Easy access and a quick delivery process for couriers.
• Residents can pick up packages any time — even after business hours.
• No need to spend money on lockers, storage containers, or additional staff members to manage deliveries.

Outside of installing an access control system, you only need shelving to set up a package room. Additionally, you can install security cameras and signs within the room to discourage package theft further.

 

How a package room works:

• When delivery carriers arrive at the package room, they gain access with an access credential — usually a PIN code — via the intercom or access control system.
• Some package room systems require couriers to mark which residents have received deliveries. This sends an automatic text or email notification to the resident, alerting them of the delivery.
• After they get inside, carriers leave packages in the room.
• Residents can pick up packages at any time.

 

Watch how the ButterflyMX package room works:

 

2. Package lockers

Best for: Buildings with predictable package sizes and enough lobby/common space.

Package lockers are storage systems with several compartments that enable delivery couriers to drop off packages by placing each parcel in a separate compartment. Usually, package lockers are installed in a convenient spot within the building, such as the lobby.

Most package delivery lockers contain compartments of varying sizes. However, not all packages fit in even the largest compartments — bulky deliveries, such as furniture, won’t fit in the locker.

Some of the most popular smart lockers for packages are:

• Amazon Hub
• Package Concierge
• Luxer One
• Smiota
• Parcel Pending
• Package Nexus

 

How package lockers for apartment buildings work:

• A delivery courier accesses the building via a separate access control system, then initiates the package drop-off process at the electronic parcel lockers. Usually, this includes entering a PIN code.
• The courier selects the recipient, scans each package, and places them into separate locker compartments. When the compartment door shuts, it automatically locks.
• The package locker system sends a notification to residents who received a delivery. The notification usually includes a PIN number or QR code, which residents use to unlock the locker compartment.
• Residents can retrieve packages at any time.

 

 

3. Off-site package storage & drop-off

Best for: Buildings with minimal onsite space/staff, where residents accept scheduled delivery.

One of the newest package delivery systems on the market is the off-site storage and drop-off service. Companies such as Fetch have introduced this concept, where residents have packages delivered to a third-party facility and schedule a drop-off time that’s convenient for them. Fetch then delivers the package to the resident’s door at that time.

The benefit of an off-site or third-party package drop-off service is that property staff doesn’t have to manage deliveries. Additionally, these services help prevent package theft by ensuring items are delivered when residents are home to accept them.

However, one drawback of third-party delivery services is the delay in delivery. Since residents must wait for items to be delivered to two different locations, it can take longer than usual for them to receive their packages. Adding the extra delivery steps is also inefficient and not the most eco-friendly solution.

 

 

How third-party package storage & drop-off systems work:

• A building partners with a third-party package delivery company.
• When residents order items online, they have packages sent to the partner company, not to their apartment.
• Residents receive a notification after a package has been delivered to the partner company.
• After receiving the notification, residents schedule a time for the company to deliver their package to the apartment. Most third-party package delivery companies offer deliveries during nights and weekends.
• The company delivers the package, leaving it with the front desk staff or at the resident’s door.

 

4. Package management software

Best for: Staffed buildings that already have a front desk and need better organization and notification tracking.

Package management software doesn’t provide a storage solution but instead strives to simplify the parcel intake and distribution process. This software — often in the form of an app — provides a way for property staff to scan packages, send automated delivery notifications to residents, and mark deliveries as complete.

Some popular package management software options include:

• Notifii
• PackageX
• ReceivingRoom
• ParcelTracker

A package management software platform may be a useful tool for building staff because it helps them keep deliveries organized and saves them the time of manually alerting residents of deliveries.

However, package management software still requires significant time and effort from staff. It also doesn’t provide any solution for storing packages. Additionally, residents must retrieve packages from staff, so they probably can’t pick up parcels after business hours.

How package management software works:

• Delivery carriers drop off packages with the front desk or building staff.
• On-site staff uses the software — often an app on a smartphone or tablet — to scan each package.
• The software reads each package’s label and automatically sends a push notification to each resident who has a package.
• Residents pick up packages from the front desk or staff member.
• Finally, staff logs the package as delivered and picked up in the software.

 

5. Delivery doors

Best for: Low-volume buildings without staff that want a simple, low-tech drop-off point.

A delivery door is a box built into the door or wall of a building, Most delivery doors are fitted with a keypad lock for additional parcel protection.

Delivery doors work in three steps:

• Delivery couriers arrive at your building.
• The couriers use the keypad to unlock the delivery box that’s retrofitted to your door or wall.
• Couriers drop the parcels inside the delivery door.

 

Comparison of package delivery systems

Feature	Package Room (Best Choice)	Package Lockers	Door Drop-Off	Offsite Package Storage
Security	High. Controlled access with PIN codes and video surveillance.	Moderate. Lockers require PIN/QR code, but packages can be left unattended.	Low. Packages left at the door are vulnerable to theft.	High. Packages delivered when residents are home.
Package Size Flexibility	No size restrictions. Accommodates all package sizes.	Limited. Fixed compartment sizes mean large packages may not fit.	No size restrictions, but packages are exposed to weather and theft.	No size restrictions, but scheduling is required.
Cost	Low. Requires only a video intercom and shelving.	High. Expensive to install and maintain.	No cost for property, but high risk of theft.	Additional service fees for package storage and delivery.
Space Requirements	Minimal. Uses an existing room or storage area.	Large. Takes up valuable square footage in common areas.	None. But creates clutter in hallways.	None. Storage is offsite.
Delivery Process	Fast. Couriers enter with a PIN and drop off packages easily.	Slower. Couriers must scan each package and find a suitable locker.	Quick. Couriers leave packages at the door.	Slow. Packages must be delivered twice (first to the storage facility, then to the resident).
Resident Convenience	High. 24/7 access with smartphone app and easy pickup.	Moderate. Residents must use a PIN/QR code to retrieve packages.	High. Packages are delivered directly to the unit.	Low. Residents must schedule a delivery time.
Staff Involvement	Minimal. No need for manual sorting or organizing.	Some. Staff may assist with locker malfunctions.	High. Staff may need to handle missing or misplaced packages.	None. The third-party company handles all deliveries.
Eco-Friendliness	High. No unnecessary additional trips or emissions.	Moderate. Delivery efficiency depends on locker availability.	Low. Multiple failed delivery attempts waste resources.	Low. Additional transportation steps increase emissions.

 

What is the best package delivery system for apartments?

The best package delivery system for apartments is a package room because it ensures successful deliveries while maximizing security and convenience.

Here’s why you should invest in a package room for your apartment building:

• Keep residents happy and enjoy higher resident retention rates.
• Staff have more time to focus on other tasks instead of spending hours on package management.
• Package rooms prevent package theft while ensuring easy access for couriers, staff, and residents.

In contrast to other package delivery systems, package rooms are more affordable, convenient, and secure.

With package lockers, you face the problem of large or odd-shaped packages that don’t fit in a compartment. In that case, couriers either leave packages at the front desk (which creates work for staff) or in the lobby (which leaves parcels susceptible to theft).

Package rooms are superior to third-party delivery services because they ensure faster deliveries and, therefore, happier residents. Plus, third parties may still leave packages in unsafe locations or need property access from staff.

 

 

The ButterflyMX package delivery system

If you’re ready to invest in the best package delivery system, get the ButterflyMX Package Room. ButterflyMX saves time and money for property staff while adding convenience for residents.

With ButterflyMX, you get both an access control and a package delivery system. With a Video Intercom at your property’s entrance and the door to the Package Room, you’ll ensure that couriers always have access to drop off parcels securely. So, your residents will never suffer missed deliveries or lost packages. Plus, residents get automatic notifications when they’ve received a delivery.

ButterflyMX makes deliveries simple with two key features:

• Delivery PINs. Property managers can assign unique delivery PIN codes to each carrier so that couriers always have a way to access the building. And staff can change or revoke delivery PINs at any time.
• Delivery passes. Residents can create and send delivery passes to any delivery provider for easy, secure, one-time access. To create a delivery pass, a resident simply generates a PIN code through the mobile app and pastes it in the delivery instructions upon check-out from an ecommerce provider.

 

Why choose ButterflyMX for your Package Room

Managing package deliveries can be a challenge, but ButterflyMX’s Package Room system offers a seamless, cost-effective, and space-saving solution. Unlike traditional package lockers, which have rigid compartments and limited space, a ButterflyMX Package Room allows for more flexibility and convenience.

Here is why you should choose ButterflyMX:

• More space for deliveries. With a ButterflyMX Package Room, concern for compartment size is eliminated. Instead of being confined to predetermined locker sizes, deliveries can be placed freely in the package room, accommodating everything from small parcels to oversized packages.
• More affordable. Installing package lockers can be a significant financial burden, with even the smallest configurations costing thousands of dollars. In contrast, a ButterflyMX Package Room only requires a video intercom and basic shelving, reducing upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
• Simple setup. Unlike bulky lockers that take up valuable square footage, a Package Room can be set up in an existing space, such as a spare office or an unused back room. All that’s needed are shelves and a ButterflyMX Video Intercom, allowing you to repurpose underutilized areas for package storage rather than dedicating space to a large, fixed locker system.
• Surveillance & audit logs. Security is a top priority for package management, and ButterflyMX’s Package Room system delivers built-in surveillance and audit logs. Every package room entry is recorded, providing you with a complete history of who accessed the room and when. This added layer of security helps reduce lost or stolen packages.
• Mobile access. Residents can retrieve packages effortlessly using the ButterflyMX mobile app, which features a swipe-to-open function, eliminating the need for physical keys or access cards.

 

 

Package delivery system FAQs

• What is the most secure package delivery system for apartments?
• How much does a package delivery system cost?
• What if packages don’t fit in lockers?

 

What is the most secure package delivery system for apartments?

The most secure package delivery system for apartments is a controlled-access package room with video surveillance and entry logs. Unlike lockers or door drop-offs, a package room allows carriers to deliver parcels inside a secured space while creating an audit trail of who accessed the room and when. This reduces theft risk and helps resolve delivery disputes quickly.

 

How much does a package delivery system cost?

The cost of a package delivery system depends on the type of solution and building size. Package lockers typically require a higher upfront investment plus ongoing service fees. Package management software is lower cost but still requires staff time. Controlled-access package rooms are often more cost-effective long term, especially if an existing room can be repurposed, since they reduce labor and prevent package loss.

 

What if packages don’t fit in lockers?

When packages don’t fit in lockers, carriers typically leave them with building staff or in unsecured areas like the lobby. This creates extra work for property teams and increases the risk of theft or misplaced deliveries. Buildings with frequent oversized shipments often benefit from flexible storage solutions, such as a package room, that can accommodate parcels of any size.

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