AIBU… to think this is a good business idea?

[Rafterplease]

Would you be so kind as to tell me what you think of my latest business idea? (Before Mumsnet kicks me off for violating some kind of rule, I will add that all my business ideas exist in my head only….although one day I hope to quit my job and actually make one real!)

Here it is:

You know how it’s annoying to order something online and then have to wait in to receive it? But if you go out and it doesn't fit through your letterbox, you get one of those ‘Sorry We Missed You’ cards and have to go to the post office later to get it. So, what if you could buy a big robust box which you could leave outside your door, which had a lock mechanism whereby you could leave the box open and all the delivery person had to do was put the parcel in and shut the lid and it would lock itself. You could then open it when you got home, with a key or a code (whichever is easier to manufacture!). You could order valuable things (wine, etc) and essentially have them left securely outside your house.

You could imagine a range of basic boxes of different sizes, and also perhaps ones which were totally waterproof, and perhaps you could also order a chain to attach to the box and something nearby so it didn’t get stolen. You could even sell a weight to attach to the chain in case you didn’t have a nearby tree handy.

… what do you think?

I think you already can buy them...

You can buy them - but the problem
Is that loads of delivery companies won't deliver to them

I nearly bought one then found the above out

It is a good idea - and is already available .

I'm fairly certain they do exist, boxes you attach to your property for couriers to leave stuff in, which automatically lock.

I'll Google in a bit, but I've definitely seen them, the only reason we don't have one is because we rent, and have an awkward front door.

Ah bugger it. I tried to find some recently and couldn't! Oh well. Back to the drawing board

My friend works shifts, and he found that really annoying. So he built one, because he could not find where to buy one from.

It is a good idea, but there are loads available:

www.parcel-drop-box.co.uk/
www.amazon.co.uk/Parcel-Box-Home-Delivery-Assembled/dp/B002N5L8ME
www.hippo-box.co.uk/

here..
www.hippo-box.co.uk

However, it doesn't get over the "needing a signature" issue, which all valuable deliveries would need anyway, so it only really works for big, non-valuable stuff.

Already exists! Plus your idea doesn't take into account those items that need to be signed for, the range of which increases all the time.

OP If you want a sure-fire investment I can let you in on the ground floor on my lead helicopter scheme. Or I can offer you a good deal on Atlantic Bridge shares. That scheme can't fail, can it?

My big idea regarding deliveries was that Amazon (other online retailers exist ) should have a chat with Sainsburys, Tescos etc etc, and look at the work involved in either delivering Amazon stuff via the online shopping deliveries (because you tend to be in for those) and/or operating secure lockers in their stores for people to collect orders from while they do their weekly shop.

I had this idea 4 years ago. Interestingly enough the part which makes money for Tesco et al (increased footfall due to secure lockers) has been actioned. The bit which is less likely (combined deliveries) not so much.

However, in a world 20 years on, I can see online and supermarket deliveries coalescing to a degree. Probably when the next major tech refresh happens, as most online supermarkets are showing their age, from the general crapness of them all.

You have things delivered to the corner shop in lots of cases - can't think what they call it. Ours is open until 11.30pm. I just get things delivered at work as it's miles easier. Some people can't do that I realise.