Walmart & Amazon Ask: Can We Enter Your Home When You’re Gone?

Amazon and Walmart want the key to your house, and one of them even wants access to your refrigerator.

Both are testing services that will allow employees to bring packages and food into your home when you are away.

“The idea is you can chose to receive orders from Walmart.com — not just on your door and left on your porch but securely inside your home,” a Walmart video states. “If you’re not home rather than leaving the package on the front porch, the driver enters a one-time use code.”

The video shows a Walmart employee entering a house and restocking the fridge while the owner is away. Walmart claims the service is secure because there’s a one-time use code and users can watch the driver’s activities via video. Access to the home is achieved by typing a code into a keypad.

The service is provided by Walmart in conjunction with two companies: delivery service Deliv and smart lock maker August Home. Deliv CEO Daphne Carmeli claimed the service will be safe because drivers will undergo “regular audits, ratings and checks,” CNN reported.

“We are going to have to build trust with consumers,” August Home CEO Jason Johnson said. “At first you might be a little nervous. But after you do it once or twice, you absolutely will do it again. Everyone who has tried it so far is really satisfied.”

Walmart is testing the service in the San Jose area. Amazon has its own version ready for rollout on Nov. 8, CNN reported.

“Not at home? Not a problem,” an advertisement for a service called Amazon Key states.

Amazon Key uses a cloud cam to observe the driver and a keypad for entry. An Amazon Key smart lock replaces the traditional lock.

“As a Prime member, get your Amazon packages securely delivered just inside your front door. Plus, grant access to the people you trust, like your family, friends, dog walker, or house cleaner – no more leaving a key under the mat.”

Would you take advantage of such a service? Share your thoughts in the section below: