How To Choose The Right Commercial Mailbox

Finding the right mailbox for your commercial business or residential area can seem overwhelming. That’s why today we’re going to break down the 5 things you need to take into consideration when shopping for centralized mailboxes.

1. Keep Parcels In Mind

Amazon Prime sent 5 billion packages in 2017, and that’s only Amazon. With so much ecommerce business in the modern world, parcel delivery is something you have to consider when choosing CBUs.

You can choose to invest in CBUs with parcel lockers built in, or you can buy individual parcel lockers that are separate. Parcel lockers, whether built-in or not, are designed to hold most parcels easily and securely. These parcel lockers easily hold larger parcels, though oversized parcels will likely be unable to fit.

Adding one parcel locker per ten tenant compartments is now required for new construction, so keep that in mind.

2. Make Sure Mailboxes Have Security Features

Ensuring that all mail arrives to tenants safely needs to be your highest priority. Our CBUs are constructed from stainless steel and durable aluminum t0 prevent theft and vandalism.

You’ll want to invest in mailboxes that include lock cams, reduced pry points, wrapped hinges, security locks developed by the USPS, and closed master doors. All of these features will help prevent theft.

3. Consider Price

Cluster box units are a single secure unit. This makes them both easy and inexpensive to install compared to other mailbox options.

They also require less space than other types of mailboxes, because you are able to create one space along a wall or outside to have these units installed.

4. Buy For The Elements

Make sure the mailbox you choose is weather resistant. You’ll want a mailbox that is also resistant to corrosion and rust. Even if your mailboxes will be relatively protected from the elements, having these extra protections will make your mailbox last longer, saving you more money.

5. Getting Replacement Parts Is Easy

Tenants are going to lose their keys and there is no avoiding it, so make sure you invest in a CBU that makes replacing keys and locks easy.

For example, we provide 3 keys with our mailboxes making it very easy for you to replace them should a key be lost.

CBU Maintenance

CBUs are common in apartments, condos, subdivisions, and more. But how do you maintain these mailboxes, and who is responsible for maintaining them?

Unfortunately the answer isn’t a simple one. Landlords will state it is the responsibility of the US Postal Service, but the Post Office will say it is the responsibility of the customer. But who is the customer? Is it the tenants? The landlord?

Speaking to the landlord of the building is usually your best bet, so until you’re sure you have to pay to repair it, don’t do it. According to the USPS rulebook it is the customer that is responsible for all mailbox maintenance. This means if something is wrong with a CBU, the USPS will stop delivering mail until the problem has been fixed.

But if you do need to take some responsibility for CBUs, how do you do it?

First off, mailboxes need to be kept clean. All you need to keep a CBU clean is a soft cloth and a mild detergent. All you have to do is wipe down the CBU to clean off dirt, grass, and more. Rinse it off after and let it dry, so avoid doing this when it is damp outside.

But at the same time be sure to avoid using abrasive cleaners. These cleaners can cause damage to the surface of the CBU. You also want to make sure to not clean the CBU during extreme temperatures, particularly when it’s very cold. You’ll end up with a CBU covered in ice, so we don’t advise it.

CBUs that are installed in climates that see winter weather need additional maintenance. The area around the CBU needs to be cleared of snow. If the locks freeze on the CBU a de-icer will need to be used.

If your CBU is in a costal climate that brings another host of concerns. It can be very damp on the coast leading to large buildups of dirt and mineral salts on your cluster box unit. This does mean you will have to clean your CBUs on a more regular basis.

What if your CBU is tagged with graffiti? Use a petroleum-based solvent to clean it up. Please make sure you test the cleaner first before you apply it to the entire CBU. You also don’t want to leave these stronger chemicals on your CBU for very long. Once you’ve cleaned off graffiti rinse off the residue with a more mild cleaner and then rinse everything off with water.

One downside of CBUs is that there can sometimes be a buildup of trash surrounding CBUs. People may toss junk mail aside or drop garbage while getting their mail. Consider setting up a garbage can and recycling bin to prevent this from happening.

If a key to a tenant or parcel door is lost, do not attempt to pry open the door. This is illegal and Postal workers will not deliver mail to a mailbox that is not secure. Arrange for a replacement.

Overall the maintenance required for a CBU is very low. These are durable units designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use outdoors. Giving them minor maintenance as needed will help them to last even longer.