A network connected delivery box includes an input unit for inputting a
user code. A communication unit communicates with a computer through the
network so that an electrically controlled lock in the delivery box can
be opened by a signal from the computer when the input user code matches
a valid user code stored in the computer. Also provided is a method of
managing purchase and delivery information associated with deliveries to
a delivery box by storing, at a central computer, delivery information
for each delivery by a delivery company. Aggregate and average delivery
information is calculated and presented to a delivery box user to make an
informed selection of a delivery company.