This chapter explores the issue of package theft in America, discussing its prevalence during Cyber Monday and the rise of vigilante culture and surveillance through doorbell cameras. It delves into the lack of information sharing from companies about delivery issues, the cost of lost or stolen packages, and measures being taken to prevent theft, particularly by Amazon. The chapter also highlights the shift towards online order and in-store pickup, emphasizing the value of human customer service and the drawbacks of unlimited growth in online shopping.
Package theft is on the rise, and it affects everyone, from the retailer, to shippers, to consumers. So maybe it’s time to take a cue from Gen Z and go back to the mall.
This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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