Amazon Taps Nashville Area For New Service

NASHVILLE, TN — Most everyone loves getting a package from Amazon and Amazon thinks there are customers who love it so much they'll happily authorize a stranger to come in their home when they aren't there and leave the delivery inside

Nashville is one of 37 metro areas where the retailer's "Amazon Key" service will be available Nov. 8.

It will be available to Amazon Prime members who purchase a special camera and lock to guarantee only authorized access and safety for residents.

Here's how it works, according to Amazon:

• Buy an Amazon cloud camera and compatible smart lock ($249.99) to become eligible for Amazon Key.
• Authorize free indoor delivery at checkout when purchasing other items.
• Receive an “arriving now” notification from Amazon so you can watch the delivery live. The courier will request to unlock the door with a handheld scanner. Amazon verifies the package is meant for that address, turns on the cloud cam and unlocks the door. The driver will place the delivery just inside the door and request to re-lock it.
• Get a final notification and watch a video clip of the delivery once the dropoff is complete and the door is re-locked.

In addition to allowing the Key service, Amazon says it will enable people to schedule permanent access for family members or give temporary access to people such as house cleaners or out-of-town friends or family members. The homeowner will be notified any time the door is unlocked or locked.

These 37 metros, including Nashville, are eligible for the service:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Austin, Texas
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Chicago, Illinois
• Cincinnati, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Dallas, Texas
• Denver, Colorado
• Detroit, Michigan
• Houston, Texas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Kansas City, Kansas
• Los Angeles and Orange County, California
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Miami, Florida
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Newark, New Jersey
• Orlando, Florida
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Portland, Oregon
• Richmond, Virginia
• Sacramento, California
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• San Antonio, Texas
• San Diego, California
• San Francisco Bay area, California
• Sarasota, Florida
• Seattle and Eastside, Washington
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Tampa, Florida
• Washington, DC metro area

To check whether an area is eligible for Amazon Key, punch in a ZIP code here.

– By Patch editors Jeff Stacklin and Elizabeth Janney

Photo by Getty Images