Parcel box - recommendations?

Question

I've been "directed" to find a parcel box that can be fitted on a fence so that couriers and post'ies can drop parcels and letters into it. I thought, briefly, about making one but that seems a lot of work for a one-off.

It needs to be reasonably secure and have rear access for emptying. I haven't thought much about necessary parcel size - it depends what's available. I presume I'll have to cast a concrete plinth, but it will also be attached to a post'n'rail fence.

Having looked-around the internet there's a wide range available (and some surprising prices) but few reviews so I thought it worth asking the assembled multitude whether they have any recommendations or dis-recommendations ... ?

Colin Bignell · Accepted Answer

I've had a Smart Parcel Box in my porch for some years and find it very useful. Mine is front access only, but they do front and rear access versions:

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My only criticism was that the combination lock was fiddly to work at that height, so I replaced it with a locking Tee handle. I see that the latest models have key locks instead.

I would also suggest fitting a sloping top to it. Putting parcels into the box, instead of on top of it, seems to be beyond some delivery drivers.

Still, that is better that the delivery I had, a couple of weeks ago, which claimed to have been put through my letterbox. Several days later, I went to put the dustbin out and found it inside. Fortunately the bin is only an anti-gull protection for the bin bag when I put it out for collection, so it is clean inside. Doesn't look much like a letterbox to me though.

nothanks · Answer

Thanks for that. I'd seen the smart range, and was tempted by this one:

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I'd prefer something without the option of front access (security), but I suppose I could add some internal brackets to ensure the front door can't be opened. How do they stop scrotes from being able to fish-out parcels?

Pamela · Answer

That looks so flash it would attract attention and the lock isn't strong.

We have this one next to the front door but it doesn't have rear access. It's the same make as Colin's but the lid slopes slightly and it has a key lock. There's a flat panel at the bottom of the opening attached to the lid, to prevent someone putting their hand into the main box. It's mounted slightly high to deter any attempts and has four large bolts going into the brickwork.

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Works well. I'd get the same again. Despite a discussion in this group about clever technical ways to tell if something has been left in the box, I simply put a small pebble on the lid and when that's slid to the back I know there's something there.

Colin Bignell · Answer

The front flap is linked to a moving shelf. With the flap open, the shelf blocks access to the lower part of the box. Parcels are put onto the shelf. Close the flap and the shelf drops anything on it into the lower part.

nothanks · Answer

Hmm, a good point. Maybe green would be better. This will be about 100m from the house so needs to be secure.:-) Very good!>

nothanks · Answer

Thanks for the info.I'm starting to reconsider the DIY approach so will start a new thread.

John Rumm · Answer

Just make sure you don't order fine china, and a club hammer at similar times!

Thomas Prufer · Answer

Saw this at a trade fair:  "cut-proof" probably isn't. But nicely unobtrusive, which I liked so muchthat I would try it would I need such thing. Thomas Prufer

nothanks · Answer

An interesting idea but it only works for the first delivery and requires a slightly switched-on delivery guy/gal ... the latter is not always true of courier services in the UK.

I liked the line: "When coming home, you realize that a parcel is waiting for you, safe and dry. Joy is spreading!" ;-)

Parcel box - recommendations?

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