Homevalet Smart Box: Secure & Cold Grocery Delivery

HomeValet Launches Temperature-Controlled Smart Box for Grocery Deliveries

HomeValet, a startup located in the D.C. Metro area, is now making its temperature-controlled Smart Box available to the public. This release coincides with an expanded partnership with Walmart, building on a successful pilot program.

Initial Pilot Program with Walmart

The company initially tested the Smart Box with Walmart in 2021. The goal was to provide a secure and temperature-regulated solution for grocery deliveries, ensuring freshness and security until customers could retrieve their orders.

Availability and Pricing

Starting this month, the Smart Box will be offered to Walmart’s InHome grocery delivery subscribers in select locations. General consumers can also preorder the box with a $50 down payment.

The full product price is $499 for InHome subscribers. Financing options are available through Affirm.

Addressing a Key Obstacle to Grocery Delivery

A significant barrier to wider adoption of grocery delivery services is the need to promptly refrigerate or freeze perishable items. Many consumers prefer curbside pickup or in-store shopping to avoid this issue.

This challenge also creates logistical complexities for retailers, leading to fluctuating delivery demands and hindering efficient route planning.

Walmart’s InHome Delivery Service

Walmart has addressed this with its InHome delivery service, currently available to 30 million households. This service allows Walmart employees, equipped with vest-worn cameras for security, to deliver groceries directly into the customer’s home and place them in the refrigerator and freezer.

However, some customers may be uncomfortable with allowing delivery personnel access to their homes.

How the HomeValet Smart Box Provides a Solution

The HomeValet Smart Box offers an alternative. Delivery drivers can securely place groceries inside the box without entering the customer’s home.

Smart Box Features and Specifications

The Smart Box is an internet-connected unit featuring both an uncooled section for pantry items and a temperature-controlled cooler section. The cooler section is configurable for both fresh and frozen goods.

It includes a built-in Sony IMX322 camera that records deliveries in 1080p, providing video confirmation through a companion mobile app.

App Functionality and Control

Customers can use the mobile app to remotely lock and unlock the box and adjust the temperature settings. The box can also automatically unlock for deliveries when integrated with compatible retailer systems, such as Walmart’s InHome.

A paid subscription is required for full app functionality.

Power and Dimensions

The Smart Box operates on a standard 110-volt outlet and can be anchored to the ground for added security. It weighs 120 pounds and measures 50.86″ x 25.37″ x 26.56″.

Pilot Program Results and Rollout Schedule

HomeValet successfully piloted its system with Walmart customers in Northwest Arkansas, Indiana, Minnesota, and the D.C. Metro area, starting in May 2021.

Initial shipments to Walmart InHome customers in Florida are scheduled for February 2022. These customers can purchase the box for $499 plus a $10 monthly subscription, with the first six months included.

Preorder customers will receive shipments in August 2022 (limited quantities) and November 2022, with pricing details to be announced later.