Would a ring camera be a solution?

[WildStorm]

To set up the scene
Im disabled and spend 90+% of the day in a recliner (have to be lying down). I use an electric recliner, which is slow to move from the lying to sitter position. As all recliners are.
I also have mobility issues.

When someone calls to deliver a parcel, im always apologetic to the deliver person about being slow. About 95% of them have no issue and say so.
Recently though, I’ve had a few instances where they weren’t.
Last time, the guy repeatedly very loudly banged on the door so I had to properly scream to let him know I was coming. (He clearly couldn’t hear me otherwise. That’s how badly he was banging in the door)
He then had a go at me for just taking my time, not listening to my explanation etc….

I found it hugely frustrating (and ableist) and tbh frightening too. I felt very vulnerable.
And I want the opportunity to report such an altercation next time.

Would a ring door bell a good tool to record what’s happening at the door?

Who are you going to report it to? It would be far better to have a sticker on your door to warn that you need extra time and use the ring doorbell to speak to the caller and maybe say that you are on your way but they can leave the parcel and go if they want.

Yes a sticker on the door is a good idea, we have a large waterproof box for them to put post etc in. You can get a cheap camera from amazon that has no subscription and keeps the baddies out

The last one was an Amazon delivery so to Amazon.
Previous one was DPD.

There’s a sign of the door showing where to leave parcel. It’s VERY clear.
Half of them never read it. A sticker won’t be either.

And it’s not as if I was slow and he then got angry. He started with the loud angry banging straight away and was Fulky dismissive when I explained. There was no need fir any of it.

It sounds like in your situation a ring door might well help.

I'm in a similar situation to you, but it would be pointless be installing a ring doorbell because our delivery people have taken to Just dumping parcels, and not even knocking or ringing the bell to let you know they're there let alone waiting.

It is an issue for me because in addition to my existing disabilities I also have osteoporosis in my back & have been advised to avoid bending down as much as humanly possible, so them abandoning things on the doormat is a real issue for me.

'parcel handed to resident' is a very annoying blatant lie.

But in your situation where they are knocking, it sounds like a ring doorbell, where you can would be a very good investment👍🏻

I agree as you can talk to them through the doorbell (and disguise voice as a man on mine so they don't know you are home alone).

Btw rememeber Ring is a subscription and you have to pay monthly. Other makes are not and you just need a sim card

@HisStericalTestes can I ask which system you use?

I have to say, I’m also uneasy with the idea of a sticker shouting that I’m disabled. It’s like putting a neon sign saying ‘Vulnerable person in the house’ So making me less safe in the first place?

Exactly the same as you. Had to get a Ring doorbell to say ‘please leave the parcel in the box’ despite lots of signs saying exactly that all over the front door and in the delivery instructions, as I can’t get to the door.

Absolutely hated the idea of signalling ‘vulnerable person lives here’ with a sticker. Just let them think you’re at work/wfh on a call.

I’m starting to put the sender name as ‘Leave in Parcel Box’ to see if that helps too!

Well you could use it as a way to talk to them and say you're are on your way. But amazon are changing how they deliver anyway and are going to be just putting parcels in safe place rather then knocking. So im guessing they're being put under an immense amount off pressure to be faster

In that case they need
1- to actually put the parcel in the safe place
2- it’s still not a good enough reason but be aggressive right from the word go

I'd get a Ring. I would not have a sticker saying you are vulnerable.

Its only just being rolled out so may not have got to your area yet

I think a ring is a good idea but 8 would also explore a parcel safe box for them to be left it. You don't want to be rushing to the door.

I'm really sorry he did that. Yes, I know they're under pressure, but one day, maybe sooner than he thinks, he or someone he loves will be disabled.
Could you get some kind of secure box? Or is there someone who could collect parcels for you, if you get them sent to you local Inpost of whatever?

Theres already a perfectly good safe place signposted on the door. Drivers very rarely read the sign….. he certainly didn’t.

Talking About stickers, I’m wondering if putting a sticker saying ‘You’re on camera’ would be a good idea too 🤔🤔

I think video doorbells offer good security and would definitely help as you can see and speak to any caller. I would suggest that a Tapo doorbell would be cheaper as no subscription fees and very easy to fit.

Thank you @Fancyflapjack1
ill have a look

Here most delivery drivers just dump the parcel on the doorstep without even knocking!

Get a ring doorbell and then you can talk to them through it so they know that they can either leave it, or that you will take a little longer if they need a signature

What normally happens is that they knock and I start to move the recliner up.
They then peak through the living room window, I wave at them and point towards the floor to tell them to leave stuff on the step.
Sometimes they do and are away before I’ve reached the door. Others prefer to wait because, as they say, it’s totally ok for me to take a bit more time.

It (usually!) works very well.

Camera door bell on its way. Should arrive tomorrow.

I have a similar issue and find that out Ring doorbell is slow to connect, so by the time I get to speak the drivers have often already left, so it’s not a perfect solution.