Some buildings have nobody on site: a self-managed condo, a small rental block managed from across town, a build-to-rent property run by a remote team, or a building whose concierge was cut back. Parcels arrive anyway. This page is about package lockers in a building where nobody is there to receive them, and how the remote team keeps them running.
Quick answer
- Courier entry without staff: a courier code, fob, remotely answered intercom, or a bank couriers can already reach.
- Self-running day to day: couriers drop off, residents collect with codes, everything is logged.
- Remote administration: residents added and removed in a web portal or synced from your system.
- Scheduled visits: someone still clears uncollected parcels and checks the bank.
- Faults: support is by email; name a local contractor in advance.
- Price: see the rough price guide.
What runs by itself, and what does not
| Task | Runs without anyone on site? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Courier drop-off | Yes | Touchscreen, building directory |
| Resident notification | Yes | Text or email with a code |
| Collection | Yes | Code at the touchscreen |
| Reminders | Yes | Automatic, on your schedule |
| Adding and removing residents | Yes, remotely | Web portal or API sync |
| Seeing what is waiting | Yes, remotely | Web portal |
| Clearing expired parcels | No | Staff code on a visit |
| Oversize parcels | No | An agreed overflow spot or redelivery |
| Fixing a stuck door | No | Your contractor, with parts shipped |
Courier entry without staff
| Method | Works well when | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Courier code on the entry keypad | Regular carriers deliver daily | Change the code on a schedule |
| Fobs for regular carriers | A few carriers do most deliveries | Recovering fobs when routes change |
| Intercom answered remotely | Someone can answer during delivery hours | Missed calls leave parcels outside |
| Locker in an area couriers reach | A vestibule or covered entry | Weather and security; see outdoor lockers |
The remote administrator’s week
- Daily, a few minutes: check the portal for parcels past the collection window and any device alerts.
- On move-ins and move-outs: add or remove residents, or let the API sync do it.
- Weekly or fortnightly visit: clear expired parcels with a staff code, wipe the screen, check doors and lighting.
- As needed: answer residents who did not receive a code, usually a wrong phone number.
Faults and support
KioskForce provides support by email and ships spare parts for your own contractor to fit; in some regions a local distributor provides service. We do not send technicians on site. Before launch:
- name the contractor who will attend a fault,
- keep the staff code and a spare-parts contact with them,
- agree how quickly they respond.
Oversize parcels
With nobody to receive them, parcels that will not fit any cell are the main weak point. Options: a few oversize cells, a locked cage couriers can open with a code, or asking residents to send bulky orders to a carrier pickup point. Decide which before launch and tell residents.
Specification checklist
- Courier entry method agreed with regular carriers
- Remote administrator and backup named
- Directory sync or import method
- Visit schedule for clearing and checks
- Local contractor for faults
- Oversize parcel plan
- Power and a reliable network connection at the position
Where this is the wrong answer
- No reliable network connection at the building.
- Nobody can visit, even occasionally, to clear parcels.
- Couriers cannot get in and there is no safe covered spot outside.
Rough price guide and quote
Unattended buildings often add a few oversize cells to avoid parcels with nowhere to go; the ranges below still apply.
A small bank of about 10 cells with a courier touchscreen typically comes in at a few thousand US dollars, roughly US$2,000–5,000. A 50–100-cell building system is roughly US$8,000–20,000. Software is a flat monthly fee of around US$100 per location, with no per-parcel or resident fees. Freight, duties and installation are extra, and your quote fixes the price.
Price enquiry · 1 minute
Get a quote for your building
Tell us roughly what you need and we reply with a cell layout, a drawing and a firm price. For the full form with cell sizes and options, use the price enquiry page.
Frequently asked questions
Can package lockers work in a building with no staff at all?
Yes, for day-to-day deliveries and collections. Couriers drop off at the touchscreen, residents collect with codes, and the locker logs everything. A remote administrator still keeps the resident list current and watches for expired parcels, and someone has to visit occasionally to clear uncollected items and check the bank.
How do couriers get into an unattended building?
With a courier entry code, a fob issued to regular carriers, an intercom that can be answered remotely, or a locker placed in an area couriers can already reach. The locker itself needs no integration with any carrier. Settle entry before installing; without it, parcels are left outside.
Who clears parcels that are never collected?
Whoever visits the building, such as the property manager, a maintenance contractor or a cleaner, using a staff code that is logged. The portal lists every parcel past its collection window, so the visit can be planned. Decide in advance where cleared parcels go and how residents are told.
What happens if a locker door sticks or the screen fails?
The portal shows the bank’s status, and support is by email. Spare parts are shipped for your own contractor to fit, and in some regions a local distributor provides service. KioskForce does not send technicians on site, so name the contractor who will attend before you need one.
Can residents be added without visiting the building?
Yes. Residents are added and removed in the web portal, or synced from your property management system over the API. Nothing about onboarding requires a visit.
Related
- Parcel lockers: the product and how a delivery runs
- Small apartment building package lockers
- Parking garage package lockers
- Key exchange lockers
