Businesses can request a FedEx drop box installation so that those in the community can drop off packages at their convenience. These boxes accept non-dangerous goods that travel through the FedEx Ground, Express and SmartPost methods and require the use of prepaid shipping labels. Your business can fill out the request form on the FedEx website and get a response within a few days. If approved, you'll need to monitor the box regularly and reach out to FedEx for regular maintenance and repairs.

FedEx Drop Box Location Request

Before you begin to submit your FedEx drop box location request, know that you'll need to own the property. So, if you simply lease your building, you need to first reach out to the property owner since he'll need to make the request for you. It also helps to use the FedEx locator to look for the closest FedEx drop box near your business. When making its decision, FedEx considers other nearby drop-off locations and may reject it if it feels there are already enough.

Once you're ready, you can head to the FedEx drop box installation request form on the company's website. You'll fill out your name, phone number and email address along with the same information for the property owner. You'll also enter your building's name and address. FedEx will want to know the daily volume of packages to which you can commit and will request that you leave any additional comments in a text box before you click "submit".

FedEx Drop Box Setup

Once you fill out and submit the form, FedEx notes that it emails you with the result within three days. If FedEx decides to approve your installation request, it will reach out to arrange for the installation and provide more details to get started.

Once the box gets installed, it will have a label that lists the pickup days and hours along with any restrictions. Customers can then drop off envelopes and boxes that don't exceed the FedEx drop box package size limit of 20 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches.

Benefits of a Drop Box

Your existing customers can appreciate having a convenient mailing location so that they don't have to go out of their way to leave FedEx packages at a staffed location. Customers can drop off packages around the clock and even pick up common shipping supplies for free from the box. Customers can also rest assured that their items are safe in a locked container. Such benefits might make your customers keep coming back and feel positive about your business.

At the same time, people in the community who don't currently do business with you might find your location on the FedEx locator tool. If they frequently drop off packages, they might feel encouraged to stop by your business, especially if you're a retailer or service provider. For example, RetailWire has cited examples like Kohl's, where added package-handling options led to more traffic at their stores. If you're the only business with a FedEx drop box within the area, you might see more of an impact from increased visitors.

Considerations for a Drop Box

Although FedEx will handle the work of daily pickups and any necessary maintenance, you'll still need to keep an eye on the equipment and do some work. You'll need to submit a maintenance request to FedEx if the box seems broken, runs out of supplies or has another issue. You also run the chance that customers complain to you about FedEx problems and mistakenly attribute them to your business.

Having a FedEx drop box on your property might also create issues where criminals try to vandalize, destroy or steal items from the box. This could also bring attention to your business's building and result in property crime and problems there too.