A Full Guide to the Amazon Hub Program

In 2017, Amazon introduced the Amazon Hub program—a system that provides its shoppers with an easy and convenient way to pick up their orders. This is particularly useful for customers who live in areas where “porch piracy” is rampant. In this article, we will explore the program, how to apply to host an Amazon Hub, and how customers can use it. Let’s dive in!

A Full Guide to the Amazon Hub Program

How Do Amazon Hubs Work?

When checking out from Amazon, customers can choose Amazon Hub Locker or Counter as a delivery option. In this case, rather than their orders being shipped directly to their house, they may select a retail location from which to get their package. Once the package is delivered to the Hub, the customer will receive a notification containing a unique pickup code. Then, whenever is most convenient for them, the customer just has to go to the Hub’s location and get the package! Because of this system, customers no longer have to worry about their Amazon packages being stolen from their doorsteps.

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Taking a Closer Look at Amazon Hubs

What Is the Amazon Hub Counter?

As mentioned above, Amazon Hub is the pickup program, but what is a Hub Counter on Amazon? Simply put, the “Counter” is the physical counter from which customers may get their packages. These counters can be found at participating retail locations, including department stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores. The Amazon Hub program also has “Lockers,” which we’ll explain later, but the Counter is run by trained staff who assist customers with pickups, returns, and exchanges.

Wondering how to become an Amazon Hub Counter? Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as just registering for the program. There are certain qualifications you must meet first, which include:

  • Having a physical retail location with regular business hours
  • Having a secure area to store packages
  • Having an internet-connected device to manage package deliveries and pickups

What Is Amazon Locker?

Amazon Locker works differently from the Amazon Hub Counter. While the Counter is staffed, the Locker is a self-service locker, meaning that customers receive their own packages without assistance. This may be even more convenient for some customers, as they won’t need to wait for staff to help them, but it also means that they don’t get the perks of returns & exchange assistance, which Counter employees provide.

However, there is a halfway point between the Counter and Locker programs: Locker+. If a location offers Amazon Hub Locker+, there will be self-service kiosks for package pickup, a free return drop-off area, and an Amazon associate who can assist you.

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Summing Up Amazon Hub Locker vs. Amazon Hub Counter

In brief, there are two main differences between the two pickup points: the level of service you receive, and how large/heavy your packages may be. An Amazon Hub Counter offers an all-in-one experience, in which you may receive assistance with pickup, exchanges, and returns, plus the orders may be larger and heavier. An Amazon Hub Locker accepts smaller/lighter packages, and you pick up your order on your own.

Pros and Cons of the Amazon Hub Program

➕ Pros of the Amazon Hub Program

  1. Convenience. The Amazon Hub program provides customers with a convenient pickup and delivery option that eliminates the need to be home to receive packages. Customers can choose to have their packages delivered to a Locker or Counter and pick them up at their convenience.
  2. Security. Security: The Amazon Hub program provides customers with a secure pickup and delivery option. Lockers and Counters are located in public places with high visibility and are monitored by cameras. This reduces the risk of porch piracy or damage to packages.
  3. Cost-effective: The Amazon Hub program is cost-effective for both Amazon and its customers. Amazon can reduce the cost of last-mile delivery by using Lockers and Counters, and customers can save money on shipping by choosing the free delivery option to a Locker or Counter.
  4. Local business benefits: While there is no compensation involved in being an Amazon hub host, you will get more customers in your store—people who come to pick up their packages may end up buying products from your shop.

➖ Cons of the Amazon Hub Program

  1. Limited availability: The Amazon Hub program is not available in all areas. Customers may not have access to Lockers or Counters if they live in a rural or remote area.
  2. Package size restrictions: Amazon Lockers and Counter have size restrictions, and packages that exceed the maximum size cannot be delivered to Lockers. This can be inconvenient for customers who need to receive larger items.
  3. Pickup time restrictions: Amazon Hub Counters and Lockers have limited business hours.
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Final Thoughts

As a small business, it may be beneficial for you to understand how to use Amazon Hub from a customer’s point of view. This way, if any of your shoppers have questions about the program, you’ll be equipped to answer them! As explained above, Amazon Hub can be great for small businesses, as people who come to pick up their packages may end up making purchases from your shop. That’s a huge benefit of Amazon Hub Counter to local businesses!

Hosting an Amazon Hub can be a great way to bring new faces into your shop! It’s free to host a Hub; if you’re interested, you can register here. Keep an eye on the PIRS blog for more articles that can help you boost your business! And remember, should you ever be in need of funding, just give us a call.

Written by: Mitchell L.

I work with companies that sell products on platforms such as Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, Ebay, Etsy, etc. I understand that every business is unique and thats why I form genuine relationships with owners so I can help them reach their goals and find success through our working capital solutions.

A Customer’s FAQ Guide to Using Amazon Hub

If you’re placing an Amazon order, and you want it to be delivered to an Amazon Locker, you’ll first need to find an eligible location. There are two methods of how to find an Amazon locker.

The first method is to head to www.amazon.com/findalocker and search for a pickup spot. You can narrow down your search by landmark, address, or zip code, and the search results will show you all available locations. Pick the location that is the most convenient for you, and add it to your address book. When you place an order, rather than selecting your home address for delivery, choose the Locker address.

The second option is to select the pickup location directly within the checkout. When choosing your delivery address, click the button that says “Search for a Pickup Point location near you.” Again, you can narrow down your search based on the address, zip code, or landmark. Then select “Ship to this Address.”

If you plan on frequently using the Amazon Hub service, we recommend using the first method; once the location is in your address book, you won’t have to keep looking it up.

It’s not as simple as just filling your cart with products. Not all items are eligible for the Amazon Locker program. Thankfully, Amazon takes out the guesswork by showing you which products can be picked up. If all items in your order are eligible, you’ll see a checkout option that lets you search for an Amazon Hub.

These are the guidelines that determine whether a product can be delivered to an Amazon Hub Locker:

  • The shipping weight must be less than 10 lbs.
  • The total value of the order must be less than $5,000.
  • The shipment can’t contain any hazardous materials.
  • The shipment can’t contain any Subscribe & Save items.
  • The order must not have any items shipped from a different country.
  • All items in the order must be fulfilled or sold by Amazon.com.
  • The product dimensions need to be under 16x12x14 inches.
  • The order can’t contain items for Release-Date delivery.

If your order does not qualify for Locker pickup, there’s still a chance that you can get Counter pickup instead! Their guidelines are a little more lenient:

  • The items must weigh less than 33 lbs and can’t be larger than 36x24x24 inches (the requirements may be stricter, depending on the retailer, though).
  • The order may not contain Subscribe & Save items.
  • The order can’t contain items that require special handling.
  • The order must not have items for Release-Date delivery.
  • The item must be available for shipping within the next 24 hours.

When your order is ready for collection at an Amazon Hub, you will receive an email notification from Amazon. Within the email will be a unique pickup barcode, a shipment tracking ID, and the retail location’s address and business hours. You can pick up the package or send somebody else to do it for you; the only thing needed is the pickup barcode.

This may differ from location to location. The only hub service available 24/7 is the Apartment Locker; the regular Lockers and Counters will depend on the retail location’s hours. If you’re interested in an Amazon Hub Apartment Locker, reach out to your building’s Property Manager.

Packages may be collected from an Amazon Hub Locker within three calendar days. If you have not picked it up within that timeframe, the package will be returned to Amazon, and your order will be fully refunded.

There is no cost to host an Amazon locker, nor to have your orders shipped to one.

The hours of operation for Amazon Hub locations vary depending on the specific location. Some Amazon Hub locations are open 24/7, while others have limited hours or are only open during certain times of the day. Customers can check the hours of operation for their nearest Amazon Hub location by visiting the Amazon website or app and selecting “Find a Locker” or “Find a Hub” from the drop-down menu. From there, customers can enter their location information and view the hours of operation for nearby Amazon Hub locations. It’s always a good idea to check the hours in advance to ensure that the Amazon Hub location is open when you need it.

There are several reasons why someone might choose to use an Amazon Hub location rather than having their package delivered directly to their home. First, using a Hub can be more secure, as packages are delivered to a locker or other secure location rather than being left unattended on a doorstep.

Additionally, using a Hub can be more convenient for people who may not be home during the day to receive deliveries. With an Amazon Hub, packages can be picked up at any time that is convenient for the customer. Using a Hub can also be beneficial for people who live in apartments or other multi-unit buildings where it may be difficult for delivery drivers to access the building or find the correct unit.

Finally, using a Hub can be a great option for people who are frequently on the go or traveling, as they can easily pick up their packages at a secure location rather than worrying about packages being delivered to a temporary address or being left unattended while they’re away.

Sure, here’s an answer to the question “What is Amazon Hub Max Hold?”

Amazon Hub Max Hold is a new feature that allows Amazon customers to hold their package at an Amazon Hub location for up to 14 days, giving them more time to pick up their package at their convenience. This feature is available at select Amazon Hub locations and can be selected during the checkout process on Amazon’s website. It’s a great option for customers who may not be able to receive their package at home or who may be traveling and need a secure location to hold their package until they return.

Yes, using Amazon Lockers is generally free for Amazon customers. However, there may be some exceptions depending on the location of the locker and the size and weight of the package. For example, some lockers located inside convenience stores or other retail locations may require a small fee. Additionally, if a package is not picked up within a certain timeframe, there may be a fee charged for holding the package for an extended period. Overall, though, using Amazon Lockers is a convenient and often free option for customers who want a secure and reliable location to receive their Amazon packages.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Owner or majority owner must be a US citizen
  • Must have US bank accounts
  • Have to be selling for at least 1 year
  • Minimum sales per month has to be $15000 USD
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