Delivery and logistics
Safe Place Delivery: Leave With Neighbour or Porch
Safe place delivery lets a courier leave a parcel without a handover. Learn the options, the risks and how to write a clear safe place instruction.
Updated 14 October 2026 · 3 min read
Safe place delivery means telling the courier where to leave the parcel if no one answers the door. It saves a second attempt, but it moves some risk to the recipient, so choose carefully.
Common safe places
- A neighbour. Convenient, but only if the neighbour agrees and is likely to be home.
- Reception or concierge. Reliable in buildings with staffed desks.
- A porch or covered area. Quick, but exposed to weather and passers-by.
- A locker or parcel box. Safer if it is provided at your building.
- A garage, shed or back door. Needs clear description and access.
Questions to ask yourself
- Is the spot out of sight from the street?
- Is it protected from rain and heat?
- Does the person or place accept responsibility?
- Would you accept the risk for this particular item?
Writing the instruction
State the place, how to find it and a fallback:
"If I am out, leave the parcel with the reception desk in Tower B. If it is closed, leave it behind the green planter by the side door."
Keep it short and avoid revealing when the house is empty or alarm codes. More on notes is in how to write delivery instructions that work.
When safe place is not possible
- Items requiring a signature or identity check.
- Cash on delivery orders; see cash on delivery and address confirmation.
- Items too valuable to leave unattended.
- Restricted sites such as gated areas without a guard; see delivery to gated communities.
Safe place and proof of delivery
If the courier leaves the parcel, they often take a photo as evidence. This helps if the parcel goes missing, but it does not guarantee its safety afterwards. See proof of delivery explained.
Make the spot findable
If the safe place is not obvious, such as behind a house or at the back of a compound, an exact map point at the drop spot can help the courier choose the right one. A UPCS code can mark it, though it is not an official postcode and the courier or shop must choose to use it.
Alternatives
If you cannot find a safe place, choose a pickup point or a time window; see pickup points vs doorstep delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What is safe place delivery?
It is an instruction allowing the courier to leave the parcel in an agreed spot, such as a porch, a neighbour or a reception desk, when you are not there.
Is a safe place always allowed?
No. Carriers and sellers may restrict it for high-value items, cash on delivery or signature-required parcels.