Amazon Hub Counter: Your New Best Friend for Secure Package Pickup

We’ve all heard of porch pirates and have experienced lost or wrongly delivered packages from Amazon. With Amazon delivering over one million packages a day, things happen and at times, packages go missing. And as online shopping increases, demand for delivery alternatives is on the rise. One such service is the Amazon Hub Counter. It’s similar to Amazon Hub Locker, in the way that it offers more security in the delivery process.

Here’s how it may be the ideal solution for all your Amazon package delivery issues.

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1. What is Amazon Hub Counter?

An Amazon Hub Counter is a pickup point that allows you to receive your Amazon orders at a place and time convenient for you. This can be your local drugstore, Whole Foods Market, and a variety of other places. We’ll get into how to find nearby locations next.

Just keep in mind that you’d have to pick up your order within 14 days or it’ll be returned to Amazon.

RELATED: Unclaimed Amazon Packages: Mystery Boxes for Adults?

 

2. Amazon Hub counters are everywhere. Here’s how to find a location near you.

Amazon Hub Counters can be found in a variety of locations, from local stores to larger chains. You might find one in a Rite Aid, a GNC, your local pharmacy, or even your local Whole Foods. I currently have two locations within a 5-mile radius of where I live.

Because these counters are typically located in stores, this means you can pick up your Amazon packages while grocery shopping or running errands. Here’s how to find your nearest Amazon Hub Counter:

1. Visit Amazon’s package pickup page.
2. Enter your address, zip code, or major landmark in the search bar.
3. Look for “Counter” in the search results.

 

3. While similar to Amazon Locker, the main difference between the two pickup locations is that Amazon Hub Counters are staffed and only open during business hours.

Now, you might be wondering, “Isn’t this just like Amazon Locker?” Not quite. While both are designed to offer secure, convenient package pickup, they are subtly different.

An Amazon Locker is a self-service kiosk where Amazon delivers your packages. They’re typically located in easily accessible areas such as shopping malls, grocery stores, and even apartment building lobbies, where they are often accessible 24/7.

On the other hand, the Amazon Hub Counter locations are staffed pickup points, often located in partner retail outlets. This can be convenient if you have a package that you’re worried about or would prefer to be handled and monitored by a staff member. Just keep in mind that since these counters are staffed and run on business hours, you’ll only be able to visit during business hours. Hours vary by location — some counters close as early as 6 p.m. while others close at 11 p.m.

Here are some major differences between the two:

Amazon Locker

• Package shipping weight must be less than 10 lbs.
• Product dimensions are smaller than 16 x 12 x 14 inches.
• All items must be sold or fulfilled by Amazon.com.
• Your order can not contain hazardous materials and must have a value less than $5,000.
• Items shipped can’t be from outside the U.S.

Amazon Hub Counter

• Items can’t exceed 33 lbs. or measure larger than 36 (h) x 24 (l) x 24 (w) inches. (Some retail partners have more restrictive limits)
• Your order can’t contain items that require special handling.
• Item(s) must be available for shipping within 24 hours. (Look for a message like “Want this item by tomorrow? Order in the next 30 minutes on the product detail page.”)

Note: You can’t use Amazon Locker or Hub Counter for Subscribe & Save or Release-Date Delivery items.

Related: Find out if Amazon Prime worth the $139 membership fee.

 

 

4. You can opt to ship your package to an Amazon Hub Counter at checkout.

Before you can ship Amazon orders to an Amazon Hub Counter, you need to visit the Amazon Hub Counter page and search by your address, zip code or landmark. Tap to add locations to your Amazon addresses. You can’t manually add a location to your addresses because Amazon’s system won’t recognize it and won’t deliver your package there.

Once added to your addresses you can select Ship to this address (if items are eligible for pickup) during checkout.

TIP: Some Amazon Hub Counters have a QR code that you can scan to add it to your Amazon addresses.

 

5. Shoppers can also return items at Amazon Hub Counters.

You can also return items to an Amazon Hub Counter, similar to Kohl’s Amazon Return Center. First, find your nearest Amazon Hub Counter and start your return and create a return QR code in Your Orders. Take your item(s) to the Amazon Hub Counter and show the team member your return QR code. They’ll put it in a bag with a label and ship it off for you.

You can track your return in Your Orders.

Note: These counters don’t have any packaging materials so you’ll need to return items in their original packaging or appropriate protective packaging.