Picking up your Amazon orders couldn‘t be easier thanks to their network of secure package pickup spots located near where you live and work. This in-depth guide will explain everything you need to know about Amazon pickup locations – how to find them, what types there are, the pickup process, and why choosing pickup can benefit busy shoppers. Let‘s dive in!
What Are Amazon Pickup Locations and How Do They Work?
Amazon pickup locations allow you to skip waiting around for home delivery. Instead, your package is securely held at a nearby pickup point until you can go collect it yourself. This could be an Amazon Locker kiosk, a staffed Amazon Counter inside a partner store, or even select shipping provider spots.
There are now over 1,800 Amazon Hub locker locations and thousands of Amazon Counter pickup points across the US. And that number continues to grow annually as the pickup option gains popularity among Amazon‘s millions of shoppers.
The main perk? Convenience. Pickup locations are situated in places you already frequent like grocery stores, malls, convenience stores and pharmacies. No need to take time out of your day to wait for the delivery truck. Just swing by and grab your order at your leisure!
Now let‘s explore the different types of Amazon pickup spots in more detail.
Amazon Locker Locations
Amazon Lockers are self-service kiosks that operate much like PO boxes. Your package is safely stored inside a locker compartment until you arrive to collect it.
To retrieve your order from an Amazon Locker:
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Visit the Locker location you selected.
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Scan the barcode provided in your Amazon confirmation email.
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The corresponding locker will pop open so you can take your package.
Some of the major retail chains hosting Amazon Locker kiosks include:
- 7-Eleven
- H-E-B
- Safeway
- Whole Foods
- Fred Meyer
Other convenient locations like malls, universities, and apartment buildings also have Lockers available.
Benefits of Amazon Locker pickup:
- Available 24/7 for access anytime
- Quick self-service option
- No need to interact with store staff
Limitations:
- 3 day retrieval time limit
- Size and weight restrictions apply
Amazon Counter Pickup Locations
Amazon Counters differ from Lockers in that they are located inside staffed retail stores and pharmacies. Some examples are Rite-Aid, GNC, and Stage department stores.
The pickup process at an Amazon Counter goes like this:
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Arrive at your chosen location.
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Provide the order number to the staff member at the Counter.
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They will retrieve your package from the back and hand it to you.
Some benefits of picking up from Amazon Counters:
- Extended 7-day package retrieval period
- Helpful staff on hand to assist if needed
- Found in popular chains with locations nationwide
The only catch is Counter hours coincide with normal store hours, so late night pickup isn‘t possible.
Shipping Partner Pickup Locations
In select cities, Amazon offers package pickup from secure locations like UPS Stores, FedEx Office or certain USPS Post Office branches.
The process works the same way – just provide your Amazon order number and the staff will give you your package.
The major benefit of shipping partner pickup is expanded availability in areas without Amazon Lockers or Counters.
Oversized and Heavy Item Pickup
What about large or heavy products like furniture?
For oversized items, Amazon provides scheduled delivery to select residential addresses in eligible zip codes. You‘ll choose your delivery date and window during checkout.
Otherwise, some cities have pickup locations at Amazon warehouses for large items like sofas, mattresses, outdoor equipment, etc. You‘ll drive up and load the bulky purchase into your vehicle yourself.
Pickup Location Sizing and Restrictions
Amazon does place some restrictions around package size, value and weight when it comes to pickup locations:
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Maximum dimensions are around 3 feet x 2 feet x 2 feet
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Max package value of $5,000
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Nothing over 50 pounds
During checkout, Amazon will let you know if any items in your cart aren‘t eligible for pickup. High value electronics, jewelry, perishables, and age-restricted items also can‘t be delivered to Amazon pickup points.
Finding and Selecting Pickup Spots
When ordering on Amazon‘s website or mobile app, you can filter location results to only show spots that offer Counter/Locker pickup:
Simply enter your zip code, then check "Amazon Hub Locker" or "Amazon Counter" under location types. Pickup-enabled spots nearby will populate.
Tap your desired location, then choose it as your shipping address at checkout. That‘s it!
For super quick access on future orders, save eligible pickup locations to your Amazon Address Book.
When Are Packages Available for Pickup?
Once your order is processed, you‘ll get an email confirmation from Amazon with pickup details and a unique barcode/order number. Do not head to the location until you get this notification that your package has arrived.
During checkout, you can choose same-day, next day or 2 day pickup windows depending on stock and delivery time to the location. Faster pickup times enable you to get your order the instant it comes in stock.
How to Retrieve Your Order from the Pickup Location
Picking up your package is designed to be quick and seamless:
At an Amazon Locker:
- Scan your pickup barcode at the kiosk
- Your assigned locker compartment will unlock
- Remove your package and close the locker
At an Amazon Counter:
- Provide your order number to the staff
- They will bring your package from the secure back room area
- Show your ID if requested, then you‘re all set!
At a Shipping Partner:
- Give the staff your order number or tracking number
- Provide identification if needed
- Take your package once delivered to the counter
If you run into any trouble retrieving your order, the attendant can assist or you can contact Amazon Customer Service. The 24/7 support line is 1(888) 280-4331.
Why Choose Pickup Over Delivery?
Picking up your Amazon orders has a number of advantages:
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It‘s instant! Skip waiting around for delivery day. Buy now, pick up now.
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No missed packages. Never worry about missing the mail truck again.
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After work convenience. Grab your order on the way home.
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Secure holding. Your items are safe until pickup.
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Time flexibility.Retrieve packages anytime during open hours.
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No geographical limits. Apartment dwellers with difficult delivery access can utilize pickup.
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Friend or family can assist. Authorize someone else to collect your order if needed.
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Accessibility features like audio guidance and screen reading are available at Locker locations.
While home delivery certainly has its perks, for many shoppers, the instant gratification and reliability of in-store pickup can be worthwhile!
Tips for a Smooth Pickup Experience
Follow this advice to make retrieving your packages from Amazon pickup spots totally seamless:
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Double check the pickup location and hours to avoid unnecessary trips.
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Bring the barcode email for self-service locker scanning.
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Know your order number if picking up from a staffed Counter.
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Track your package status to ensure it has arrived before heading out.
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For big item purchases, have help load them into your vehicle.
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Act quickly once notified of package arrival, as storage time is limited.
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Add preferred pickup spots to your Amazon account address book.
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Select a quick delivery window like same-day or next-day when possible.
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Contact Amazon Customer Service if any issues arise during pickup.
Locating Pickup Spots in Major Cities
Wondering which pickup locations are most convenient in your area? Here are some of the top retailers hosting Amazon Lockers and Counters in major metro regions:
New York City:
- 7-Eleven
- Whole Foods
- Rite Aid
- Chase bank branches
Los Angeles:
- CVS Pharmacy
- Kroger
- Various malls
- University campuses
Chicago:
- Mariano‘s
- Jewel-Osco
- CVS Pharmacy
- Peapod Grocery Pickup
Houston:
- H-E-B
- Whole Foods
- 7-Eleven
- Randall‘s
Philadelphia:
- Acme
- Rite Aid
- Save A Lot Grocery
- Dollar General
Phoenix:
- Fry‘s Food Stores
- CVS Pharmacy
- Circle K
- UPS Stores
Check Amazon‘s website for up-to-date pickup location listings near you. New options are being added all the time!
Why Retailers Partner With Amazon for Pickup
Offering Amazon package pickup brings major benefits to partner retailers:
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Increased foot traffic. Amazon shoppers visiting to grab orders are exposed to products and may make other purchases.
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Revenue opportunities. Amazon pays commissions to the retailer for storage and handling.
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Enhanced convenience. Makes retailers a one-stop option combining groceries, prescriptions, and online order pickup.
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Competitive edge. Retail chains without Amazon pickup may lose out to those that do provide it.
Essentially it‘s a win-win – Amazon gains thousands of secure pickup points, while stores enjoy more customer visits.
The Bottom Line
Amazon pickup locations represent the perfect marriage between online shopping and brick-and-mortar convenience. Instead of waiting around for home delivery, order and collect your items from a Locker kiosk, staffed Counter, or other secure pickup point.
Thousands of locations situated in places you already frequent make package retrieval fast and easy. So next time you‘re cruising the virtual aisles on Amazon, be sure to take advantage of this time-saving option that revolutionizes the post-purchase experience. Happy picking up!
