Electronic devices are among the most vulnerable products ordered online. While many buyers expect fast and convenient delivery, few consider how heat, cold, or sudden temperature changes can harm a parcel. Experts warn: even a few hours in an inappropriate temperature can have long-term consequences for a device, especially one with a battery.
Lithium-ion batteries, used in most smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are sensitive to both high heat and cold. In low temperatures, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, causing shorter usage times or even total discharge failure. Meanwhile, heat can damage chemical components. A common sign of this is a swollen battery or significantly reduced battery life.
According to Bigbox Estonia representative Pille Ink, temperature fluctuations most often affect batteries. Cold reduces their efficiency, while heat gradually damages their capacity. However, the real issue often lies not in the temperature itself, but in moisture condensation, which can form when a device is suddenly exposed to a warmer environment.
“Moisture causes corrosion hotspots – their effects often become visible only later. So even if everything seems to work fine at first, over time certain components may start malfunctioning or battery life may significantly shorten,” explains Pille Ink.
The best practice is to unpack an electronic device but not use it immediately: allow it to reach room temperature first. If possible, it’s also advisable to remove the battery and wait a few hours.
Not only electronics are at risk
Although phones, tablets, and laptops are the most talked-about, other products can also be sensitive to temperature . For example, food supplements and cosmetic products may also be affected. Incorrect temperatures can change their texture, color, or even trigger chemical reactions that make the product unusable.
Triinu Luidalepp, Baltics Customer Experience Manager at SmartPosti, notes that the location of the parcel locker is increasingly influencing consumer choice. “The location of the parcel locker is not just a matter of convenience – it is directly linked to the preservation and safety of goods, especially during summer heat,” Luidalepp emphasises.
She adds that this is supported by a nationwide survey commissioned by SmartPosti in June, which shows that as many as one-third of Estonians consider summer heat a problem when using parcel lockers. 7% of respondents admit that it already affects their purchasing behaviour – they avoid ordering certain products or prefer parcel lockers with quick access. A further 24% find the situation concerning but have not yet changed their habits. In total, one in three people notice the impact of heat on their behaviour when it comes to parcel locker use.
Indoor parcel lockers offer a solution
To prevent product damage, it is sensible to choose indoor parcel lockers or home delivery. This helps protect goods from invisible yet very real threats.
SmartPosti currently has 345 indoor parcel lockers or parcel points across Estonia. These are mainly located in shopping centres or office buildings, where the temperature remains stable year-round.
When should you suspect your device was affected?
Some electronic device malfunctions may be immediately noticeable – for example, a rapidly draining battery or irregular performance. However, in many cases, defects become apparent only after some usage. Moreover, not all malfunctions are directly related to temperature – so it’s important not to panic.
Common symptoms include the device overheating even during simple tasks, screen flickering, the device not charging or charging very slowly. This may indicate damage to the power management module or microcracks in the connectors caused by thermal shock.
The best prevention, according to the expert, is to follow basic rules: Only turn on the device for the first time when you're sure it has warmed up and shows no signs of moisture. And to avoid such situations altogether, it’s worth choosing not only reliable manufacturers but also safe delivery options. It’s also worth checking the manufacturer’s instructions – they often specify the recommended conditions for storing or transporting the device.