Why buy a black parcel letterbox?
, 11 min reading time
#VALUE!
When you buy a black parcel mailbox, you never have to stay home again to receive your parcel. Your neighbours no longer need to take in parcels for you either, and you no longer have to wait until you've missed the delivery driver. The driver can simply place the parcel in the mailbox, where it stays dry and safe until you collect it. A parcel mailbox cannot be opened from above and is only accessible with one of the supplied keys and a secure cylinder lock. In this article you'll read why a black parcel mailbox is a smart choice, how it works, and what to look out for when purchasing one.
Advantages and disadvantages of a black parcel mailbox
A black parcel mailbox offers advantages for several parties:
- For the recipient: you don't have to stay home waiting for a parcel and can simply carry on with your daily activities.
- For the delivery driver: they don't have to wait to see if someone is home and can deliver the parcel directly and safely.
- For the sender: fast delivery promises such as "ordered today, delivered tomorrow" can actually be kept.
There are also a few points to keep in mind:
- Size limitations: not every parcel mailbox is suitable for large parcels; always check the dimensions of the loading opening.
- Not every model is fully enclosed: some mailboxes don't have a fully enclosed compartment for parcels.
How does the parcel mailbox work?
A parcel mailbox actually works a bit like a container. The delivery driver opens the loading section of the mailbox and places the parcel in this opening. Once they close it again, the parcel drops into the parcel mailbox. This happens via a non-return flap, which prevents the contents of the parcel from being damaged upon receipt.
With the key, you can open the black parcel mailbox and take the parcel out.
What types of parcel mailboxes are there?
You can even purchase a parcel mailbox in which you can also receive groceries, which shows just how large a black parcel mailbox can be. You can decide for yourself which dimensions suit the mailbox you want to purchase and install. Smaller parcels fit in almost every parcel mailbox, and medium-sized parcels are usually safe as well. Some mailboxes cannot accommodate large parcels; always check the dimensions carefully before making a choice.
If you want to be sure that you never need to visit a pickup point for any product and that you receive your parcel the next working day as agreed, choose a parcel mailbox with a large opening. This way you can also receive large parcels and benefit from smooth delivery.
Which parcel mailbox suits you?
A freestanding or wall-mounted mailbox
In addition to the dimensions, you also have a choice between different types of parcel mailboxes. You can opt for a model that is mounted on the wall, for example next to the front door. You can also choose a freestanding parcel mailbox, which is often available in a larger size. A wall-mounted model usually has less space, while a freestanding model can be larger, with a spacious opening, even for bigger parcels.
What type of parcel mailbox do you need?
If you mainly receive letters and smaller parcels, the best choice is a parcel mailbox mounted on the wall. If you receive large volumes of mail or large parcels, a freestanding and larger black parcel mailbox is a better choice. It's mainly a matter of what's practical for your home and for the delivery driver.
When purchasing, keep in mind that not every parcel mailbox is fully enclosed. Some models have the added safety feature of allowing the mailbox to be opened once without a key, with a key required for the second opening, so that only the delivery driver can leave the parcel.
Materials of a black parcel mailbox
A black parcel mailbox can be made from various materials, each with its own properties:
- Corten steel: online you can often purchase a parcel mailbox made of corten steel. This material is extremely weather-resistant and lasts a long time, although it naturally has a rust colour and is therefore not black by default.
- Aluminium: an aluminium parcel mailbox has a sleek, modern look and is available in various colours, including black.
- Powder-coated steel: think for example of the Allux 600 or Allux 500, made of powder-coated steel with a cylinder lock. The powder coating provides a durable black or anthracite finish.
- Galvanised steel: known for its sturdiness and protected against corrosion by a zinc layer, making scratches less visible and the material longer-lasting. This is also known as zinc-coated steel.
Brands of parcel mailboxes
If you want a mailbox in which the delivery driver can deposit your parcels, choose a model with soft-closing, so that parcels don't get damaged. Generally, these mailboxes have an opening at the back that you can open with one of the two supplied keys. For a wall-mounted model, this naturally works differently.
There are many brands from which you can purchase a parcel mailbox, such as Stoer!, Allux, De Witte, eSafe, Geroba, Hout in Stijl or Practo Garden. With these brands, you can choose from various parcel mailboxes, from metal and powder-coated steel to wood. Different sizes are also available, for example 380 x 230 mm or 1050 x 380 mm; which size suits you best depends on the type of mail you usually receive.
Your own delivery patterns determine the size of mailbox you need. A mailbox from eSafe, for example, is better suited for larger parcels.
Comparison table: materials for a parcel mailbox
| Material | Weather resistance | Appearance | Available in black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corten steel | Very high | Rust-coloured, industrial | No, naturally rust-coloured |
| Aluminium | High | Sleek and modern | Yes |
| Powder-coated steel | High | Sleek, solid colour | Yes, also anthracite |
| Galvanised steel | Very high | Sturdy and robust | Yes |
Step by step: choosing the right black parcel mailbox
Follow these steps to arrive at the right choice:
- Determine how many and how large the parcels are that you typically receive.
- Choose between a wall-mounted or freestanding model, depending on the available space.
- Check the dimensions of the loading opening against your largest parcels.
- Choose a material and, if relevant, a brand that suits the desired lifespan and appearance.
- Check whether the model is fully enclosed with a non-return flap and cylinder lock.
Frequently asked questions
How does a delivery driver actually get a parcel into the mailbox?
The delivery driver opens the loading section of the parcel mailbox and places the parcel inside. Once this is closed again, a non-return flap ensures that the parcel falls safely into the mailbox, without anyone being able to reach it from outside again, keeping your parcel dry and undamaged.
Which type of parcel mailbox best suits the amount of mail I receive?
If you mainly receive letters and smaller parcels, a wall-mounted model next to your front door is usually sufficient. If you regularly receive large or bulky parcels, a freestanding mailbox is the better choice, as it offers more space and a wider opening.
Is every parcel mailbox lockable and secure?
Not necessarily — some mailboxes don't have a fully enclosed, lockable compartment for parcels, so check this carefully before buying. Others are designed so that the delivery driver can open them freely once, but a key is required the second time, so that only the delivery driver and the owner have access.
What materials are parcel mailboxes usually made from, and which material lasts the longest?
Parcel mailboxes are often made from corten steel, aluminium, powder-coated steel or galvanised steel. All these materials are weather-resistant, but galvanised steel stands out in terms of durability thanks to the zinc layer, which prevents rust and keeps scratches less visible.
What sizes are available for parcel mailboxes, and how do I know which size I need?
Sizes vary considerably, from around 380 x 230 mm to 1050 x 380 mm, so there's a suitable option for almost every parcel size. The right choice depends on your own delivery patterns — if you often receive large parcels, choose a more spacious mailbox with a wide opening, such as the models from eSafe.
Why Doika?
Doika is happy to help you choose the right parcel mailbox for your situation, from compact wall-mounted models to spacious freestanding variants in various brands and materials. We deliver across Europe with clear delivery times, offer a guarantee on our products, and provide simple return options. If you have questions about purchasing, our customer service team is ready to help.
Conclusion
A black parcel mailbox ensures that you never have to wait for a delivery driver again and that parcels stay safe and dry, regardless of size. Choose the model, material and brand that suit your space and the amount of mail you receive. View the full range of parcel mailboxes at Doika and find the model that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the delivery person actually get a package into the mailbox?
The delivery person opens the loading section of the parcel mailbox and places the package inside. Once it's closed again, a flap valve makes sure the package drops securely into the mailbox, without anyone being able to reach back in, so your package stays dry and undamaged.
Which type of parcel mailbox best matches how much mail I receive?
If you mainly receive letters and smaller parcels, a wall-mounted model next to your front door is usually enough. If you regularly get large or bulky packages, a freestanding mailbox is the better choice, since it offers more space and a wider opening.
Is every parcel mailbox lockable and secure?
Not necessarily — some mailboxes don't have a fully enclosed, lockable compartment for parcels, so check this carefully before buying. Others are designed so the delivery person can open it freely once, but need a key the second time, so only the postal worker and the owner have access.
What materials are parcel mailboxes usually made of, and which lasts the longest?
Parcel mailboxes are often made from corten steel, aluminum, powder-coated steel, or galvanized steel. All of these materials are weather-resistant, but galvanized steel stands out for durability thanks to its zinc coating, which prevents rust and keeps scratches less visible.
What sizes are available for parcel mailboxes, and how do I know which size I need?
Sizes vary quite a bit, from around 380 x 230 mm to 1050 x 380 mm, so there's a suitable option for almost every parcel size. The right choice depends on your own delivery patterns — if you often receive large packages, go for a more spacious mailbox with a wide opening, like the models from eSafe.
Latest blogs
-
How to Choose the Right Beam Angle for a Ground Spotlight?
-
What Size Storage Rack Should I Choose?
-
What Size Firewood Storage Do You Need?
