Busy couriers are leaving parcels in bins, in gardens and under cars, Christmas 2017 is the year that the Festive Season arrived by mail order. However, in many cases the deliveries aren't quite getting through, and it's driving customers up the wall.
That's the findings of a national CCTV installer which has been collecting tales of customer outrage after couriers and postal workers have failed in the final hurdle – trying to find a safe place for a package when there's nobody at home.
Britain spends billions of pounds on Christmas mail order
According to Yorkshire-based CCTV.co.uk, people have not only had parcels going missing altogether, but have arrived home to find them in the most ridiculous locations, such as bins, flower pots and under cars. "Britain is spending literally billions of pounds on a Christmas mail order, thanks to the internet," says CCTV.co.uk spokesperson Jonathan Ratcliffe, "But there's growing anger that delivery company just aren't delivering."
With British shoppers expected to spend around £25bn online in the run-up to Christmas this year, CCTV.co.uk says that perplexed buyers would like to know where their deliveries are ending up. "We pity the couriers who are putting in long days under extreme pressure from their bosses," says Ratcliffe, so often they've got little choice but to think on their feet to make sure the parcel is delivered. "The trouble is, with limited options, their chosen solution is sometimes not the best."
Useful tips to ensure safe deliveries
- Make arrangements with a friend or neighbour to accept parcels when you're not at home
- Arrange a safe place with the courier company or postman where parcels can be placed out of sight from passers-by
- Consider a click-and-collect service and receive your parcels at a neutral location at your convenience
"Lost deliveries are incredibly frustrating for shoppers at any time of year," says Ratcliffe, "but it can be made many times worse at Christmas when your kiddie's main present doesn't show up or is completely wrecked. Take a few simple steps and your Festive Season won't be spoiled by a failed delivery."
