Short Summary
- Get notified when packages are dropped off
- Scare off porch pirates with the tamper alarm
- Provides live video stream with sound recording
- Length: 39.4 inches (100.1 cm)
- Width: 19.7 inches (50.0 cm)
- Weight: 49 pounds (22.2 kg)
Package theft is a growing problem today. Now, it is not unusual to hear stories of people having their packages swooped right off of their doorsteps by package thieves. Thankfully, there is a possible solution. It comes in the form of the Danby Parcel Guard. This is a smart mailbox program that can be left on the porch, protecting people’s packages until the owner comes to retrieve them.
The Growing Problem of Package Theft
While online shopping clearly has its benefits and is growing rapidly, there are also a few issues. More packages are arriving on our doorsteps than ever before. This also means that porch piracy is a growing issue.
There are a few solutions that online shoppers have put to use. For example, many shoppers have tried to install video doorbells and security cameras as a way to catch culprits red-handed. There are even hilarious videos being published of people taking revenge on porch pirates.
Sadly, getting a picture of the person is not the same as stopping the crime from taking place. Other people are trying to have their packages delivered to work or an Amazon Locker. These solutions are inconvenient and can lead to more frustration than their worth.
Now, there is a new way to fight the problem – a package dropbox. This can be an effective solution to porch piracy while creating little to no inconvenience on behalf of the user. One of the most popular is the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox.
An Overview of the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox
The Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox is a great tool that can be used to protect packages from porch pirates. This product has been engineered and designed by Danby, which is an appliance company that has more than 70 years of experience with a variety of appliances. Danby decided to leverage this experience to help people who have been victimized by porch pirates in the past.
First, people need to know that the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox comes fully assembled. The only steps that people need to take include removing the tape from the package and connecting the electric cord to the product itself. This is one of the major advantages of the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox.
Once the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox has been unpackaged, it should be placed near the front door (or other delivery location). For those who are worried about the entire product being taken along with the package, there is also a bolt kit that people can use to bolt it to the ground; however, this is not necessary to use the product. Some might find that they need an extension cord to reach the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox at the front door.
Those who are interested in this product should know that there is also a Parcel Guard app. This allows the user to connect the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox to the home’s wireless network. This app does work on both iOS and Android products. Once people download and install the app, they can connect the Parcel Guard product to any video doorbell system.
Details of the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox App
The Danby Parcel Guard App is one of the top reasons why this product is one of the most intelligent products for package defense. The app allows the user to connect to the Parcel Guard’s camera, microphone, and speaker, which come built-in with the product. After downloading the app, users should test these various features and make sure they are working.
In the app, you can make adjustments to the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox itself. Some of these features include:
- The frequency and quality of the video recording system
- The various theft detection sensitivity features
- The numerous motion sensors that come with the product
Furthermore, this app can even send notifications to the owner regarding activity at the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox. This includes deliveries, movement, and theft warnings.
The app is intelligently designed and will allow users to review any motion events that took place as well as take a look at the various packages that have been delivered. Users can also adjust when and how they receive notifications. If the detection sensors are too high, they can be turned down if desired.
How Does the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox Actually Work?
Once the product and app have been set up, it is time to explore how this product actually works. Shopping online using this product is straightforward. With the Parcel Guard, people no longer have to review whether or not their products are going to arrive on time. They also don’t have to have them delivered to another location.
Now, when shopping online, people simply need to indicate that the delivery person is supposed to place the package inside of the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox.
Using the App
As soon as someone makes an online purchase and receives a tracking number, the package description and tracking number can be dropped into the app. There is an expected category that will feature an estimated date. This process is easy.
Delivery Day
On the day of the delivery, the delivery person will approach the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox. Hopefully, this individual has read that the package should be left in the Parcel Guard. There is a convenient anti-theft drop slot. This allows the delivery professional to open the slot and drop the package in. The slot has a downward angle where the package lands in a locked compartment at the bottom. This compartment not only guards against porch pirates but also protects your packages from bad weather.
Notifications
If the user has indicated that he or she wants to be notified when the package has been delivered, this is when the notification is fired off. Then, the user will receive a convenient notification on his or her phone indicating the package has been delivered. When he or she comes home, the compartment can be opened using either a key or the app itself.
Deliveries at Night
Sometimes, packages arrive at night. This is not a problem because the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox has built-in LED lights. This allows the delivery person to see the Parcel Guard and the required slot. Then, if someone goes out at night to open the compartment and retrieve the package, the LED lights will light up once again. This makes it easier to see and retrieve the package from the compartment.
The Construction of the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox
The Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox is made from high-quality materials. With dimensions of 19.7 x 15.9 x 39.4 inches it’s big enough to receive the standard parcel sizes, but it’s can’t be compared with extra large parcel drop boxes, which can fit packages almost twice the size. Nevertheless, Danby Parcel Guard stands out in other ways – it has been designed with strong, weatherproof plastic. It also comes in either a black or gray finish. There is an angle at the top of the product to prevent water from pooling on the product.
The Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox also comes with an alarm system. It has been installed near the front of the delivery door, preventing thieves from trying to stick their hands in and access the product. There is also a camera at the front of the system. This gives people a view of not only the delivery but also the porch as well.
The Delivery Shelf
The highlight of the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox is the delivery shelf. This is called an anti-theft parcel slot. It has been designed with next to no space between the shelf and the walls. This makes it almost impossible for anyone to get a package out of the locked compartment without the key.
The Locking System
The locking system is impressive. It is made out of metal and comes with an electronic system. When someone orders the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox, they will receive two keys. These keys are used to lock and unlock the security door. Users can also access the compartment using the app.
The value of this product comes in its anti-theft slot and the security box. This box can even be used for other purposes as well. If someone is returning a borrowed item, this can also be placed in the security compartment for retrieval. The versatility of this product is one of its highlights.
The Power Source
Finally, the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox does require a source of power. This means that if the home loses power, the Parcel Guard will eventually stop working. Fortunately, there is a battery that can power the product for up to three hours. Sadly, this source of power is only temporary and might be an issue if someone leaves town on vacation or if the power is out for an extended period of time.
The Pros and Cons of the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox
Ultimately, it is helpful to take a look at the pros and cons of the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox.
PROS
✅ By using the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox, users will have an effective form of protection against porch pirates that is superior to video doorbells
✅ This product avoids many of the frustrations of having products and packages delivered to a different location
✅ The Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox comes fully constructed, meaning that installation is minimal
✅ The safety box is made out of metal, preventing people from breaking in and stealing packages
✅ The anti-theft slot is nearly impossible to access from above
✅ There is a camera system that allows people to watch deliveries take place
✅ Users can use the app to receive notifications about deliveries, motion, and theft
✅ There are two ways to unlock the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox which include a physical key or the app itself
✅ The safety compartment can also be used by people who are looking to return borrowed items
Cons
❌ The Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox is a bit expensive
❌ Some people have indicated that this product is a bit heavy, making it hard to move to the front door once it arrives
❌ The product runs on electricity, which means that some people might need to bring out an extension cord
❌ Because this product is new, some delivery people might not realize they are supposed to drop the package in the parcel guard
❌ If the power goes out, there is a battery that will power the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox for up to three hours; however, this is not a permanent solution
❌ The Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox does require an internet connection to access all of its features
The Verdict on the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox
Package security is a major issue across the United States. As more people turn to the internet to do their shopping, porch pirates are only going to become more aggressive. For those who are ordering multiple packages per month, the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox might be a good investment.
This is even more important for those who live in an area where porch pirates have been active. The camera, microphone, and security of the Danby Parcel Guard Smart Mailbox are impressive; however, it is also important to remember that some delivery personnel might not be familiar with the product. Over time, the utility and versatility of this product are only going to increase.
