Seasonal Strategies Help Property Managers Plan for the Busy Upcoming Holiday Season

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Oct 10, 2019

Today, Package Concierge®, the trusted provider of automated locker solutions, is revealing its property playbook to help the multi-family housing industry make the most of the upcoming holiday season, and everything that comes with it. UPS alone estimated it delivered 800 million packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2018 - and Package Concierge processed more than three million transactions during the season (half a million in just one week in December) last year.

“It is easy to feel overwhelmed by holiday package management, but with a little advanced planning and the addition of the ever-increasing available property technology, managers can face the busy season head-on,” said Georgianna W. Oliver, founder of Package Concierge. “Naturally attracted to technology, the next generation of renters expect tech amenities like smart locks, thermostats, and lights as well as self-serve solutions like 24/7 package access.”

With the busiest shipping season of the year just around the corner, Package Concierge is revealing its top tips to help property managers prepare:

Supplement Staffing: With fewer shipping days in the 2019 holiday season, be prepared to efficiently handle the late spike in deliveries by ensuring enough staff and/or automated solutions are on hand to manage it all. Consider hiring seasonal employees and adding automated lockers to help fill in the gaps. To help with the abundance of requests and staffing needs, consider integrating technologies, like tour24’s self-guided tour platform, to streamline the rental process and alleviate the need for additional team members to be on-site.

Make it Secure: Carriers are staffing up for the Holidays too, which means new faces may be added on your route. Tighten up security for delivery personnel and all the added packages, by reviewing your building entry procedures and access points for package drop-off and pick-up. Determine if seasonal staff, automated locks, extra security cameras and/or entry codes need to be adjusted or added to ensure residents and packages remain safe; addressing any deficiencies ahead of the seasonal rush.

Clearly Communicate: Whether the property office will have extended holiday hours or be closed for entire portions of the holiday season, make sure both your residents and delivery personnel are well informed ahead of time – especially since this short season will be extremely busy. This is also the time outline your property’s rules for shipment processes, package pickup procedures, guest check-ins and any policies related to number of guests, noise, etc.

Plan for Parking: The increase in family and friends as well as delivery vehicles during this busy time may place a strain on parking for your residents. Make sure visitor parking policies and locations are clearly communicated to residents, and that proper signage is in place. Consider temporarily designating delivery drop-off locations that are close to entrances and provide enough space for package carts without blocking traffic.

Keep it Clean: Adding extra building cleanings will not only ensure it has a seasonal sparkle but will also help keep everyone healthy. Have cleaning crews pay extra special attention to high-traffic common areas, sanitizing doors and handles from the front lobby entrance to the mail and package room. Alert your cleaning crew of the increased schedule now to ensure your property receives top priority.

“A little bit of planning now, will help make this year’s shortened holiday season go smoothly,” concluded Oliver. “It’s never too early to enhance your property with technology solutions that increase efficiency for the holiday season and beyond.”

@pkgconcierge #pkgconcierge #packagelockers #security #mail #parcel

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