What Happens When a Package is Not Successfully Delivered or Remains Unclaimed?
When a package faces delivery issues such as failed delivery attempts or remains unclaimed, a standardized process ensures that customers and sellers are informed and a resolution is pursued. Here's an overview of what happens and what actions can be taken.
Overview of Missed Deliveries
When delivery attempts are unsuccessful, the following steps usually take place:
Multiple Attempts: Couriers typically make multiple attempts to deliver your package before taking further action.
Package on Hold: If the delivery attempts fail, the package may be held at a local pickup location (e.g., a post office or a delivery center) for a limited window of time.
Return to Sender: If the package remains unclaimed within the hold period, it is typically returned to the sender as per standard procedures.
Requesting Delivery Modifications
In cases where a delivery attempt has not yet been made or is in progress, customers or sellers may want to intervene. However, this depends on the location and the specific courier handling the package:
Seller Limitations: Sellers are often unable to intervene directly once the package has reached the destination country or is already with the courier.
Contact Local Courier: Customers may have the option to directly communicate with the local courier to request changes, such as modifying the delivery address or requesting a delay.
The Role of the Seller and Courier
The respective roles in a delivery failure scenario are as follows:
Courier Responsibility: The courier ensures multiple delivery attempts and notifies customers of the option to collect their package from a local pickup point.
Seller Assistance: If the package is eventually returned to the seller, the seller facilitates further steps, such as refund processing or reissuing the order.
Frequently Asked Questions about Delivery Failures
Can I request the courier to stop delivery and return the package?
While sellers cannot usually intervene directly with the local couriers, customers have the option to contact the local courier to request changes to the delivery. Sellers can assist further once the package is confirmed undelivered or returned.
What happens if I miss the delivery notification?
If you fail to check the delivery notification or pick up your package from the local pickup point within the specified hold time, it will likely be returned to the sender. It is important to monitor notifications sent by the courier to prevent this.
Related Topics
How to Track Your Order
Understanding Delivery Timeframes and Notifications
Steps to Update Your Shipping Address While an Order is en Route