Does Amazon need a signature? (What to know…)
Amazon has spent the better part of 30 years simplifying the package delivery process. Therefore, safety and confidence become very important topics for them. No one wants to order a package if it doesn’t actually reach its destination.
One of the most fundamental points of secure package delivery is signature confirmation. Since ancient times, courier companies have required signatures on certain packages, but sometimes it may not be clear whether the item you ordered requires a signature.
Read on for instructions on when Amazon orders require signature confirmation, and details on how to know if your Amazon delivery requires a signature.
Does Amazon need a signature?
Most Amazon deliveries do not require a signature unless the relevant order is over $500. Courier companies like Fedex and UPS can have their own rules on which packages require a signature and which ones do not, but usually most do not.
If you want to learn more about Amazon and its delivery expectations, keep reading…
Does Amazon require a signature for valuables?
Most courier companies offer signature confirmation on the package as an option. Many types of packages will also automatically require a signature, depending on the company delivering the package, the country you live in, and the type of item being delivered. A cursory Google search shows that Amazon doesn’t have a clear policy statement on when and where they require a signature to deliver.
According to Ask Amazon, orders over $500 require a US signature. This applies to items that are fulfilled by FBA, so if you order directly from Amazon, be prepared to place a more expensive order.
For orders from Amazon’s third-party sellers, the company that handles your delivery may vary. This means they usually have different policies on when and where signatures are required. Common carriers used to fulfill Amazon orders in the US are:
For example, UPS offers signature confirmation as a value-added service, as well as servicing orders over a certain amount. Most of these companies will let you know if a signature is required in your shipping confirmation email. If you want to know the specific policies of each company, you will have to contact their respective customer service.
What kind of deliveries require a signature?
Most typical deliveries by FBA and other common carriers do not require a signature. However, most couriers are required to sign orders over a certain dollar amount. For FBA, this is $500 in the US. This policy may vary depending on your country of residence.
Most delivery services require a signature on certain types of orders, except for orders over a certain amount. This includes but is not limited to:
- Orders Including Alcohol
- Orders that include firearm-related items
- Orders Including Medicines
Not only do these types of orders require a signature, but in most cases, the signatory must prove they are at least 21 years old using a government-issued photo ID. These laws may vary if you live outside the United States.
How do I know if my package needs a signature?
Different couriers require different types of signatures for different reasons. Generally, a signature is required if the items in the order are of particular value, or if they cannot be legally provided to someone under the age of 21.
However, if you want to know if your package requires a signature, you can usually check the shipping confirmation email sent to you. Shipping confirmation emails often contain a lot of important information, such as your tracking number. They will also usually let you know if a signature is required for the package to be delivered.
Different types of required signatures include:
- Indirect signature. These are the signatures of basically anyone nearby who receives the package. The signatory does not need to provide identification, and the name does not need to match the name on the package.
- Adult signature. These are the signatures of adults upon delivery. This is required for certain items such as alcohol or firearms. Signers will need to provide proof of age when they sign for the package, so it’s important to have valid ID on hand.
- Sign directly. This is when the person who lives at the delivery address has to sign for the package. Deliveries that require a direct signature will be sent to the address on the label, not to the individual. If no one receives the package, the delivery can be retried.
Want to learn more about Amazon? Check out these articles to find out if you can use Google Pay on Amazon, what to do if your Amazon order shows delivered but you haven’t received it, and can you return an open item to Amazon?
in conclusion…
Security is one of the biggest concerns of any courier service. FBA is known for their convenient and efficient service, but their signature confirmation policy can be a little unclear at times.
A good rule of thumb is to be prepared to sign for your package, especially if your order is of particular value or contains items for adult-only recipients. Information about signature confirmation is also usually included in your shipping confirmation email.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask them in the comments section.
