Here's Exactly How Amazon Hub Lockers Work (Free with Prime)

If you’re concerned about your packages sitting solo on your porch while you’re not home, you might want to start using Amazon Hub Lockers. Because, unfortunately, purchases are stolen from outside homes on the regular. I’ve had mail stolen straight out of my mailbox, even though it’s a federal crime. And while a Ring Doorbell is a great idea for home security, someone once smiled at the camera while they stole a package from my mom’s front porch. I wish I were kidding.

But I can’t resist online shopping when so many places offer free shipping. And I couldn’t give up the convenience of shopping on Amazon. Luckily, you can protect your packages by opting for Amazon Lockers. Amazon Lockers have been around for years, but they’re all over the country now. You’ll probably find one within a 10-mile radius unless you live in a very rural area.

Here’s everything you might want to know about how Amazon Hub Lockers work, along with a few insider tips and tricks. That way you’ll be saving time and money by not having to take an L on stolen packages.

For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, download the KCL app or text SAVE to 57299.

 

1. What are Amazon Hub Lockers?

Amazon Hub Lockers are essentially self-serve kiosks that hold your package for pickup. They’re located in public places, like convenience stores and other retail centers. They’ll hold your package for three days, and you can pick it up any time the store where your locker is is open — evenings, weekends, whenever!

Find an Amazon Hub Locker near me.

RELATED: 11 Hidden Ways to Find Amazon Deals & Discount Codes

 

2. How do I use an Amazon Locker?

Figuring out how Amazon lockers work isn’t too difficult. You’ll shop Amazon like usual, and then instead of selecting your address for delivery, choose a locker closest to you. This is where you’ll pick up your items.

When you get the email that it arrived, go to the Locker location, enter your unique pick-up code (you’ll receive this in your shipping confirmation), and pick up your Prime purchase.

And if you have issues with the Locker for whatever reason, call Amazon’s helpline at 1-888-280-4331. They’ll assist with accessing your package.

 

3. Use of Amazon Hub Lockers is included in your Prime membership, but you can use them if you’re not a member, too.

Think of it just like free Prime Shipping, except instead of landing on your doorstep, your purchase will go to an Amazon Hub Locker and wait for you.

If you’re not a Prime member, you can still use Amazon Hub Lockers. You’ll pay shipping in the same way you’d pay it to have an Amazon package shipped to your home. Instead, it goes to the locker.

 

 

4. There are restrictions on what can be delivered to a Hub Locker.

Learning how Amazon Hub Lockers work includes knowing what’s a solid no-go. Two things will make a Prime shipment ineligible for shipping to an Amazon Locker.

First, weight and size. Your item must weigh less than 10 pounds and be smaller than 16 x 12 x 14 inches.

Next, you can’t ship anything that’s over $5,000 in value, contains hazardous materials, comes from third-party sellers, or is part of a Subscribe & Save shipment. Amazon Lockers work best with random shipments you won’t be home to receive versus auto-ship items. So if you’re ever in a position where you have to choose between that sweet discount on Subscribe & Save items and Amazon Lockers, spring for the discount! You can always choose a day to receive your Subscribe & Save orders.

 

5. Return any Amazon purchase to a Hub Locker instead of shipping it back.

When you initiate your return on Amazon, if there’s availability in a Locker for your return, you can absolutely return it there. When you make that selection, you’ll receive a code to enter when you arrive at the Locker. Just enter the code and leave your package. It’s like a reverse pickup.

 

 

6. Not a Prime member? Sign up for Prime in mid-November to use free lockers during the holidays.

If you haven’t signed up for Amazon Prime yet, consider waiting until about a month before Christmas. Why? Because when you sign up for Prime for the very first time, you’ll get access to a free 30-day trial. A great money-saving tactic is to use this to do your Christmas shopping. You’ll be able to simultaneously try out Amazon Prime while also saving a ton of money on your holiday shipping expenses.

Plus, the holidays are a great time of year to use Amazon Hub Lockers for added security.