Occasionally, you may identify an individual through a video doorbell, and they may agree to have you leave the documents on their doorstep for them to come out and retrieve once you have backed away.
To Ensure a Valid Service
- Clearly communicate that you will leave the documents near the door and that you will retreat and wait while they retrieve them.
- Confirm that an eligible recipient is currently inside the residence and able to receive the documents.
- Watch the recipient retrieve the documents before leaving.
- Log the service in ABC Mobile, including the method used and a full description of the individual.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
Do not leave the documents if they are not retrieved.
If you do not observe the recipient come out and retrieve the documents, do not leave them at the residence. Take the documents with you and enter an attempt in ABC Mobile with the details of what occurred.
Never leave documents in a mailbox.
Recommended Door Script
Documentation Requirements (ABC Mobile)
Your notes should clearly describe:
- How contact was made (video doorbell/security camera)
- What was communicated (documents placed near door, you stepped back and waited)
- What was confirmed (eligible recipient inside)
- What you observed (recipient retrieved documents, or did not retrieve)
- Full description of the individual (for completed service)
Include
- Factual, concise details
- Clear sequence of events
- Observable actions only
Do Not Include
- Assumptions or guesses
- Vague notes such as “left at door” without observed retrieval
- Mailbox placement (never permitted)
Scenarios
You approach the door at the address listed for Johnny Croissant and you ring the doorbell. A gentleman answers via the doorbell's speaker. You ask if they are Johnny Croissant, and they respond "yes, I am Johnny Croissant."
Scenario 1: He is unable to come to the door, but asks that you just leave the documents on the porch under the mat. He is currently inside the home, but will come get them within 10 minutes. You clearly state where you will be leaving the documents, but need to witness him taking them, so you will return to your vehicle and remain until he's retrieved them. 5 minutes later, Johnny appears at the door and retrieves the documents. You log the service and all details in ABC Mobile and proceed to next service.
Scenario 2: He is not home right now, but will be home later this evening. He assures you that he will retrieve the documents that evening and asks that you just put them in the mailbox until he can return home. You inform him that he must be present at the residence in order for you to leave the documents, and you try to confirm a new time to stop by and serve him the documents. Since he cannot retrieve the documents now, you do not leave the documents, then return to your vehicle and log the service attempt and all details in ABC Mobile and proceed to next service.
Scenario 3: He is home, but does not want to speak to you in person and asks that you just leave them at the door and he will get them as soon as you leave. You inform him that you are required to stay at the address to observe him retrieving the documents. He reluctantly agrees, and you clearly state where you are leaving the documents and that you will remain for 15 minutes, then step back or return to your vehicle. 15 minutes go by, and you have still not seen him come to retrieve the documents. You return to the door and ask again if he is able to come to the door now to be served the documents. If he confirms he is no longer able to retrieve them at this time, ask if there is a better time to come back or, if there is no response at all, leave your information so that he can contact you to schedule a new time. Since he cannot accept the documents at this time, retrieve the documents and return to your vehicle to log the service attempt and all details in ABC Mobile and proceed to next service.
ABC Mobile Example
