Failed delivery notices might be a first world problem, but they're still a pain in the ass for the folks eagerly awaiting their latest Apple product or other online purchase. Following a model that's more common in European cities, Waterloo startup BufferBox has brought parcel pick-up stations to GO transit hubs and select convenience stores in the GTA and GHA (Greater Hamilton Area, in case you were wondering).

At present the roll-out of the boxes has been modest, with pick-up stations located at Union Station, and the East Teamway, Clarkson, Burlington, Oakville and Port Credit GO stations. According to a press release from the company, 21 stations are planned by the end of the year with another 80 or so in the works for 2013. There are also a few boxes in 7/11 convenience stores.

How does it work? Instead of shipping a parcel to your home or office, customers send an item to a pick-up station. When it arrives, BufferBox sends an email notification with a PIN that is used to access the item at the station, which is accessible 24hrs a day. There are size limitations, of course. The max parcel size is 25"x22"x17" — which the company claims is about that of a 26" television.

For now the service is free (yay!), but as the network of boxes increases, BufferBox will charge for use of its services, as it does currently for those packages that incur international duty. BufferBox covers the costs, and in turn charges a nine per cent processing fee. For more info about the parcel-pick stations, check out BufferBox's FAQ section.

What do you think? Would you use this service?