Parcel lockers are becoming standard infrastructure in Sydney apartment buildings. But not all systems are built the same — and the wrong choice can create more headaches than it solves. Before you commit to anything, here are the seven questions worth asking any supplier.
1. Does it work with all couriers?
This is the first question to ask — and a dealbreaker if the answer is no.
Some parcel locker systems require couriers to pre-register or use a specific app. That sounds fine until Australia Post shows up and can't deposit a parcel because they're not in the system.
Your locker needs to work with every carrier — Australia Post, DHL, FedEx, StarTrack, Sendle, and anyone else who shows up at your door. No exclusivity, no exceptions.
2. What happens when a locker stays occupied too long?
Residents forget. Parcels sit in lockers for days. Other residents can't receive their deliveries because every slot is taken.
A good system gives building managers configurable release timers — the ability to set lockers to automatically open after 4, 8, or 12 hours. This keeps the system moving without requiring staff to intervene manually.
Ask your supplier: can I control how long a locker stays locked after delivery?
3. How are residents notified?
The notification system is what makes or breaks resident experience. If residents don't know their parcel has arrived, they won't collect it — and you're back to square one.
Look for instant SMS notifications as a baseline. App notifications are a bonus. The key word is instant — not a daily digest, not a manual email from reception. The moment a parcel lands, the resident should know.
4. What does installation actually involve?
Some suppliers make installation sound simple but show up needing electrical work, wall mounting, or NBN-grade connectivity.
The honest answer for most modern smart locker systems: you need a standard 240V power outlet and a Wi-Fi connection. No major building works, no body corporate approval for structural changes. Most installs should be done in a few hours.
If a supplier can't give you a clear answer on this upfront, that's a red flag.
5. Who supports it when something goes wrong?
Lockers are hardware. Hardware occasionally fails. When it does — a jammed door, a connectivity issue, a resident locked out of their parcel — you need someone you can actually call.
Ask specifically: is your support team based in Australia? What are your response times? Do you have local technicians?
A US-based support desk with a 24-hour email response window isn't good enough when a resident is standing at a locker at 7pm unable to collect their delivery.
6. What's the real total cost?
The hardware price is just the starting point. Ask about:
- →Installation and setup fees
- →Monthly software or platform fees
- →Support and maintenance costs
- →What happens at end of contract
Some suppliers offer low upfront hardware costs but lock you into expensive monthly fees. Get the full picture before you compare options.
7. Can we trial it before committing?
Any supplier confident in their product should be willing to let you trial it. A 4 to 8 week trial in your building gives you real data — resident adoption, parcel volume, any operational issues — before you make a capital investment.
If a supplier won't offer a trial, ask why.
Want to trial a parcel locker in your Sydney building — free for 2 months?
Daily Load is placing smart parcel locker units with Sydney apartment buildings at no cost for 2 months. You cover transport and handling. If you buy after the trial, that fee is waived entirely.
We answer yes to every question on this list. If you want to put that to the test, we'd love to hear from you.
Only 2 trial spots available right now.
See if your building qualifies