Delivery confirmation protects against fraud and ensures packages reach the right person. Here's how to choose the right option.
Confirmation Types
Standard Options
Type
Description
Protection
No signature
Leave at door
Minimal
Delivery confirmation
Carrier confirms
Basic
Signature
Any adult signs
Good
Adult signature
21+ ID check
Best
Direct signature
Addressee only
Maximum
Carrier Options
Carrier
Options
USPS
Delivery Confirmation, Signature
UPS
Delivery Confirm, Signature, Adult
FedEx
Direct, Indirect, Adult
When to Require Signatures
Value-Based Guidelines
Value
Recommendation
Under $50
No signature
$50-$200
Consider signature
$200-$500
Signature required
Over $500
Adult signature
Product-Based Guidelines
Product
Recommendation
Low-risk items
No signature
Electronics
Signature
Jewelry
Adult signature
Alcohol
Adult signature (required)
Firearms
Adult signature
Prescription
Varies by regulation
Carrier Options Detailed
USPS Options
Service
Cost
What It Does
Tracking
Free
Delivery confirmation
Signature Confirmation
$3.55
Requires signature
Certified Mail
$4.35
Proof of mailing + signature
Registered Mail
$14.55+
Maximum security
UPS Options
Service
Cost
What It Does
Delivery Confirmation
Included
Proof of delivery
Signature Required
$5.85
Someone must sign
Adult Signature
$6.60
ID verified, 21+
FedEx Options
Service
Cost
What It Does
Indirect Signature
Included
Signed or noted
Direct Signature
$5.75
Signature at address
Adult Signature
$6.50
ID verified, 21+
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Signature Cost vs. Fraud
Factor
Calculation
Signature cost
$5-6 per package
Fraud claim rate
~1% of packages
Average fraud loss
$150
Breakeven
If fraud > 4%
When Signature Pays Off
High-value items
High-risk areas
Repeat fraud issues
Regulated products
Customer Experience
Customer Preferences
Preference
% Customers
Leave at door
60%
Signature required
25%
Pickup location
15%
Balancing Security and Convenience
Approach
Trade-off
Always signature
Secure but inconvenient
Never signature
Convenient but risky
Value-based
Balanced approach
Customer choice
Best experience
Offering Customer Choice
At Checkout
📦 Delivery Options:
â—‹ Standard Delivery - Leave at door
â—‹ Signature Required (+$5) - Requires signature
â—‹ Pickup at FedEx/UPS - Pick up at your convenience
Benefits of Choice
Customer feels in control
Reduces missed deliveries
Shifts responsibility
Improves satisfaction
Handling Delivery Issues
No Signature Disputes
Without signature:
Limited proof of delivery
GPS/photo may help
Carrier policy varies
With Signature
Clear proof of delivery
Who signed documented
Easier dispute resolution
atoship Signature Options
Easy configuration:
Per-shipment control: Choose per package
Rule-based: Auto-add by value
All carriers: Consistent options
Cost visibility: See signature fees
Best Practices
Do
Use signature for high-value
Offer customer choice
Consider delivery area risk
Document expensive items
Don't
Require signature for everything
Ignore customer preferences
Forget about cost
Overlook fraud patterns
Conclusion
Delivery confirmation options balance security with convenience. Use signature requirements strategically based on value, product type, and customer preference. atoship makes it easy to apply the right confirmation level to each shipment.
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