As online ordering reaches unprecedented levels, so do missed deliveries and package theft. Have you taken those extra fast-paced steps towards your home in anticipation of finding an online package delivery on your porch? Only to be disappointed to see the “Sorry we missed you” sticker from the delivery service? There might have been instances wherein you have been waiting for an important package you ordered, only for the courier to arrive while you were in your basement or taking a shower?
Despite the benefits of online shopping, the frustration many consumers inevitably encounter are anxiety, and irritation surrounding the shipping process and the lack of information regarding the delivery. Sometimes the package arrives much later than the estimated arrival time, resulting in a missed delivery or missed package situation.
Contrary to the common perception, a missed delivery is not always the seller or delivery service provider’s fault but can also result from a mistake on the customer’s end or because of circumstances beyond the control of the delivery person.
Unfortunately, missed deliveries don’t just affect one party, but several: the customers, the couriers, the retailers and the environment.
Why do Missed Deliveries happen?
A missed delivery refers to a shipment that is not delivered to the customer at the right time or within a stipulated period, even after a delivery attempt. A missed delivery doesn’t always mean delayed delivery, though. It could mean a roadblock that halted progression during the delivery.
Incomplete or inaccurate delivery addresses - It could also be that the instructions were unclear, or some details were missing. Every shipment, in case of online delivery, must have a clear label containing the exact address of the buyer to ensure it reaches them in due time. But there could be instances where the label is damaged or unscannable, making it difficult for the driver to reach the correct destination.
The inability of the courier to access the delivery location - If there is a bad storm or a road accident en route, it can be impossible for the driver to reach the destination on time, thus resulting in a missed delivery attempt.
Unanticipated Circumstances -There can be sudden natural calamities, mishaps, or traffic conditions beyond the delivery person’s control.
Package Theft - Missed deliveries also happen when the shipments are stolen or due to fraudulent activities within the last mile.
Absence of the receiver at the delivery location - The absence of the receiver can lead to missed deliveries. The driver then attempts to contact customers or make the delivery to the neighbor, failing which the missed delivery package gets stuck at the storehouse or is returned to the seller.
What should I do in case of a Missed Delivery of my Package?
Carriers, on their part, are working to reduce inefficiencies in the last mile—the crucial step when packages are handed to the recipient. However, this is what you can do to check with delivery companies with regard to the status of your missed deliveries or missed packages:
Amazon
Speak to customer service for a tracking update. Ask neighbors if they received the package. Wait 36 hours after the expected delivery date and time to file a claim.
UPS
The driver should leave a note at your door indicating that delivery was attempted. The driver will attempt to deliver 3 days in a row, with no additional charge. In some residential areas, the driver may leave the package at an access point for pickup after the 1st attempt.
FedEx
After the 1st delivery attempt, the package may be held at a facility or the driver may make a 2nd attempt. A notice will be left, indicating which of these 2 options will occur.
When a missed delivery happens, one is usually stuck with two options: wait until the next day for a re-delivery attempt of the package. However, you could end up wasting a couple of hours waiting for the package and might even have to dedicate some more of your valuable time the next day.
The other option is to drive to the post office to pick up the package. According to a survey, the average American would have to drive up to 6 miles round trip to retrieve a package which they paid to be shipped to their home.
Isn't it better to be safe than sorry? Why go through the hassles and disappointments of a missed delivery. Opt for a package receiving and package acceptance service instead. Stowfly offers such services to solve the problem of missed deliveries and package theft by facilitating alternate addresses where your packages are promptly received for safekeeping till you wish to pick them up.
Check this blog for more details on how package acceptance and package receiving services can help in combating ongoing package delivery issues.
Stowfly Package Receiving and Package Acceptance to avoid Missed Deliveries
Stowfly is a package storage service provider with a comprehensive network of package acceptance locations prevalent across the USA. A trusted network of shops and stores closer to you act as your secondary address to serve the purpose of package receiving on your behalf.
The process to book a Stowfly location is simple. Find a location that is most agreeable for you, in terms of proximity to your home or office and begin receiving your packages there. With affordable rentals of $4 per package, persisting issues related to Amazon missing packages, UPS lost packages, Fedex stolen packages, and USPS missed deliveries will be unheard of.
Your packages are in safe hands when they are with Stowfly, which is why a unique pick-up PIN code is generated for you and no one else is allowed to pick up your package unless the correct pick-up PIN is shown to our location partner. An $1000 insurance policy per package is also offered in order to make sure you are at peace considering the safety of your packages.
With numerous Stowfly locations spread across USA in major cities like NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, Austin, Washington DC, Miami, Boston, Denver, Las Vegas, Jersey City & Philadelphia you can rest assured that concerns related to missed deliveries and missed packages are a thing of the past from now on.
Find out how Stowly offers a viable solution for all your perennial package problems in this blog.