Ditching Mailboxes | Video

| 12/22/2011

In an ever-changing electronic world, mail services such as UPS are finding younger people don`t want to wait for their mail.

Instead, they want a text message to tell them when it`s arrived.

"One of the biggest trends that`s happened recently is the generation that`s coming up is more techno-savvy," said Thom Dance, the owner of four UPS stores in Dallas. "They order stuff online; know how to get texts and e-mails. So, in order to keep up with that, one thing we`ve done is when our box-holders get a package we send them an e-mail or text."

Dance says this way customers can wait for all of their packages to arrive then pick them up at once when it`s convenient for them.

So far, the service seems popular.

In order to sign up, customers have to rent a mailbox at UPS.

Dance said two months ago he installed 60 new boxes, bringing the total to more than 600 just at one location.

"I love it -- getting an e-mail. Because sometimes you forget about a package," said customer Cynthia Crawford.

Others said it`s safer.

"Especially if you’re not at home -- they can sign for packages for you. You don’t have to worry about being there or have a package left on your front porch and being taken or something like that," said customer Nathan Schroder.

Crawford said, for her, it`s the future of the mail system.

"I think we’re already in it. And look what it did for me. I just have to check my e-mail and come get my package. I know I’ll get a notification," she said.

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