Indirect Signature

Indirect signature is the most flexible signature confirmation option, allowing any adult at the delivery address or a nearby neighbor to sign for a package. This balances security with convenience when the intended recipient isn’t available.

How Indirect Signature Works

Who Can Sign

• Intended recipient
• Another adult at the address
• Neighbor at nearby address
• Building manager/doorman
• Anyone the carrier deems appropriate

Delivery Process

1. Driver attempts delivery at address
2. If recipient unavailable, seeks alternate signer
3. May try neighbor or building staff
4. Gets signature from available adult
5. Notes who signed and relationship

Indirect vs. Other Signature Types

When to Use Indirect Signature

Good Choice For

• Moderately valuable items
• When recipient may be out
• Residential areas with known neighbors
• Apartment buildings with doormen
• When some security + flexibility needed

Not Appropriate For

• Very high value items
• Age-restricted products
• Sensitive documents
• Items requiring specific recipient
• High-theft areas

Indirect Signature Cost

Often included with certain service levels (2-Day Air, etc.)

Benefits of Indirect Signature

For Senders

• Higher delivery success rate
• Fewer failed attempts
• Lower return rate
• Proof of delivery maintained

For Recipients

• More flexibility
• Don’t have to be home
• Trusted neighbors can help
• Reduces missed deliveries

Tracking Indirect Signature Deliveries

What tracking shows:

• “Delivered - Signed by: J. SMITH”
• “Left with neighbor”
• “Signed by: DOORMAN”
• Name of actual signer recorded

Proof available:

• Digital signature image
• Signer’s printed name
• Relationship if noted
• Delivery location

Potential Issues

Package Left with Wrong Person

• Contact carrier immediately
• Provide tracking info
• Request investigation
• May need shipper involvement

Neighbor Not Returning Package

• Ask carrier who signed
• Visit that neighbor
• File claim if not resolved
• Police report if theft suspected

No One Available to Sign

• Treated as failed attempt
• Door tag left
• Redelivery scheduled
• Pickup option available

Business Considerations

For E-commerce Sellers

• Indirect is good middle ground
• Reduces failed deliveries
• Maintains delivery proof
• Lower cost than direct/adult
• Check value thresholds

Setting Policies

• Under $200: No signature
• $200-$500: Indirect signature
• Over $500: Direct signature
• Age-restricted: Adult signature

Carrier-Specific Details

UPS

• Called “Indirect Delivery Confirmation”
• Driver has some discretion
• Must obtain signature from adult
• Documents who received

FedEx

• Similar flexibility
• Driver trained on appropriate release
• Signature captured electronically
• Part of delivery confirmation options

USPS

• “Signature Confirmation” is basic level
• Carrier can leave with adult
• Most flexible interpretation
• Lower cost option