Annoyed with Fedex

[timmac]

I ordered something Monday night, and used (and paid for) overnight shipping, so that I would have my order today.

We live in a condo, where the front door has an intercom. DGF just now let me know that apparently they decided to leave a door tag out front saying that they couldn't deliver... they never even bothered to ring the intercom. (DGF has been home all day today)

So, she called to complain... manager was apologetic, and allegedly they are going to "try" to redeliver today. My thinking is that frankly I paid for overnight service, and if it's not delivered today (or at least an honest attempt at delivery), then I'm owed a refund for the shipping (from Fedex, not the sender).

Is there a policy I'm not aware of, or am I making sense? We're thinking the driver probably just "assumed" nobody was home and didn't want to be bothered ringing. I don't see how ringing the intercom would be any different than knocking on a door or ringing a bell at any other residence, which they'd have to do in any case.

 

[2binak]

That is strange that the driver did not use the intercom. You would think the last thing he/she would want is to have to re-deliver. I hope you get the package today....or at least get a refund for the additional cost of overnight shipping.

 

[lyncecelia]

I'm the DGF in question--my complaining worked apparently, because the person came. They rang the bell repeatedly this time (I'm guessing to be a smart butt). They were sarcastic and rude to me when I went to get the package as well.

I understand having a bad day, but if you feel you can't work well with people, please don't have a job involving customer service. I was home all day and there is no reason whatsoever this couldn't have been avoided....

 

[StayCool]

I just got a package today from FedEx and sat on my couch and watched the delivery guy drop off the box on the steps. No knock or anything. He couldn't see me because of our curtains, but unfortunately they just don't care. Now if someone had stolen my Xbox 360 off the steps... well let's just say it wouldn't be nice.

 

[Cruise]

I'm the DGF in question--my complaining worked apparently, because the person came. They rang the bell repeatedly this time (I'm guessing to be a smart butt). They were sarcastic and rude to me when I went to get the package as well.

I understand having a bad day, but if you feel you can't work well with people, please don't have a job involving customer service. I was home all day and there is no reason whatsoever this couldn't have been avoided....

I would suggest you call back and try to speak to the same manager that you spoke to earlier. Tell him you received the package, thank him for making sure it was done, but also tell him exactly about his driver's attitude.

 

[cluvsdisney]

I would suggest you call back and try to speak to the same manager that you spoke to earlier. Tell him you received the package, thank him for making sure it was done, but also tell him exactly about his driver's attitude.

I agree with calling the manager back to thank him and report the attitude, etc. It makes absolutely no sense for the driver to leave a note without even trying to actually deliver the package.

I had a similar problem with UPS once. I paid for an overnight delivery - I left a note on the front door to go to the side door for delivery and waited all day long. They never showed. I got the tracking number from the vendor and called UPS. They said someone told them I moved. Um...no. There was a note on the door and WHY would anyone schedule express delivery when they were planning to move the very next day?

 

[moonpie85]

I have been frustrated with the drivers before as well. UPS is my fav, I avoid FedEx.

Having said all of that I think most of those guys work their butts off and 99% of the time I'm really happy with their service. UPS dropped off a box last night after 8pm. I felt for the guy I know this is the beginning of their busy season and those days must be incredibly long.

 

[thomas998]

I just got a package today from FedEx and sat on my couch and watched the delivery guy drop off the box on the steps. No knock or anything. He couldn't see me because of our curtains, but unfortunately they just don't care. Now if someone had stolen my Xbox 360 off the steps... well let's just say it wouldn't be nice.

We had a similar experience. Ordered some electronics, my wife stayed at the house all day waiting... They never showed and when we called they said they delivered it... turns out because we live on a corner lot they stopped and just dropped it off by the back door. Never rang the door bell or anything... why they decided to just drop it off at the backdoor is a mystery to me.

 

[MomToOne]

We had a similar experience. Ordered some electronics, my wife stayed at the house all day waiting... They never showed and when we called they said they delivered it... turns out because we live on a corner lot they stopped and just dropped it off by the back door. Never rang the door bell or anything... why they decided to just drop it off at the backdoor is a mystery to me.

The drivers have a lot of packages to deliver each day. If they stopped to ring the bell and wait to see if anyone was home at every stop, they wouldn't get done until late in the evening. So they often drop and run, if it seems safe to do so, because it's faster. Would I like that to change the few times I am home and they deliver? Sure. But am I willing to pay a lot more for shipping? Not really. So I understand it, and accept it.

I have a note always posted on my front door asking all delivery persons to leave packages in a secure location behind a locked gate. They all are very good about honoring that request. Recently in the few cases where I was home (a rare occurrence during delivery hours), I took off my standard note and put up a special note asking them to knock - they all honored it.

Most of these guys want to do the best job they can, but also want to get home to their families at a reasonable hour. Taking a few simple steps can help them make you happier.

 

[lyncecelia]

The drivers have a lot of packages to deliver each day. If they stopped to ring the bell and wait to see if anyone was home at every stop, they wouldn't get done until late in the evening. So they often drop and run, if it seems safe to do so, because it's faster. Would I like that to change the few times I am home and they deliver? Sure. But am I willing to pay a lot more for shipping? Not really. So I understand it, and accept it.

I have a note always posted on my front door asking all delivery persons to leave packages in a secure location behind a locked gate. They all are very good about honoring that request. Recently in the few cases where I was home (a rare occurrence during delivery hours), I took off my standard note and put up a special note asking them to knock - they all honored it.

Most of these guys want to do the best job they can, but also want to get home to their families at a reasonable hour. Taking a few simple steps can help them make you happier.

I wouldn't have cared if they just left the package, but they didn't even do that--so they made no attempt to deliver, meaning they didn't provide the service I paid for.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

The drivers have a lot of packages to deliver each day. If they stopped to ring the bell and wait to see if anyone was home at every stop, they wouldn't get done until late in the evening. So they often drop and run, if it seems safe to do so, because it's faster. Would I like that to change the few times I am home and they deliver? Sure. But am I willing to pay a lot more for shipping? Not really. So I understand it, and accept it.

I have a note always posted on my front door asking all delivery persons to leave packages in a secure location behind a locked gate. They all are very good about honoring that request. Recently in the few cases where I was home (a rare occurrence during delivery hours), I took off my standard note and put up a special note asking them to knock - they all honored it.

Most of these guys want to do the best job they can, but also want to get home to their families at a reasonable hour. Taking a few simple steps can help them make you happier.

Yep. Faster to stick a note to the door then ring or knock and have to wait....

 

[clanmcculloch]

I don't buy that drivers have too much to deliver and don't have time to ring or knock. Our UPS guy drops stuff by our door literally right under the doorbell. How much longer does it take to stick out a hand and press the button before bolting? I certainly don't expect drivers to stick around and wait for us to answer but I don't think it's unreasonable to ring a doorbell. We've had UPS guys leave expensive items sitting out in the rain and items stating that they require refridgeration sitting out in the blazing summer sun. Somebody was home each time so ringing the doorbell would have let the person know to at least go get the item before it could be ruined.

 

[thomas998]

The drivers have a lot of packages to deliver each day. If they stopped to ring the bell and wait to see if anyone was home at every stop, they wouldn't get done until late in the evening. So they often drop and run, if it seems safe to do so, because it's faster. Would I like that to change the few times I am home and they deliver? Sure. But am I willing to pay a lot more for shipping? Not really. So I understand it, and accept it.

I have a note always posted on my front door asking all delivery persons to leave packages in a secure location behind a locked gate. They all are very good about honoring that request. Recently in the few cases where I was home (a rare occurrence during delivery hours), I took off my standard note and put up a special note asking them to knock - they all honored it.

Most of these guys want to do the best job they can, but also want to get home to their families at a reasonable hour. Taking a few simple steps can help them make you happier.

The drivers are also paid by the hour so they have no incentive to rush. They actually would make for if it took them longer. The simple fact is that many of them just don't care. We have had UPS drivers put the sticky on the door that said they attempted to deliver a package when we were home and they never rang the bell... I'm certain if the package hadn't required a signature they would have just dropped it and left, but because it required a signature they just put the note and left... makes me wonder if they don't fill out all those stickers for packages that need signatures before they even start their run and then just stick and run because they don't care about providing service.

 

[swilshire]

The drivers are also paid by the hour so they have no incentive to rush. They actually would make for if it took them longer. The simple fact is that many of them just don't care. We have had UPS drivers put the sticky on the door that said they attempted to deliver a package when we were home and they never rang the bell... I'm certain if the package hadn't required a signature they would have just dropped it and left, but because it required a signature they just put the note and left... makes me wonder if they don't fill out all those stickers for packages that need signatures before they even start their run and then just stick and run because they don't care about providing service.

I'm sure they have tough standards they have to meet on number of deliveries, but that is no excuse for not doing the job they are paid for. If they don't want the job, in today's economy there will be a line of others who would do it gladly. The shippers control whether they "drop it and go" or wait for a signature. I don't blame them for that. No excuse for not attempting the delivery, though.

Sheila

 

[dbogen]

Our UPS man will put the box on the porch and ring the bell before walking back to the truck. The first time he did it I thought I just wasn't fast enough to the door. Then I figured out it was to let me know he had been there.

Right now I am in Connecticut waiting for a package from Fex Ex, it left Pennsylvania Monday, Arrived in Massachausettes Yesterday, and has been in transit to CT all day. The expected delivery day is Friday. We are joking and wondering if it is going to go off to Ohio before I get it.

 

[Mickey1Fan]

I find UPS and FedEx are both bad at my condominium building. They have to check in at a gate house and then they just leave a card at the front door. I've waited for packages from both to go down the next morning and find a card taped to the door or my mail box. If it's on the mail box it means they got in the building, how hard is it to deliver it. The worst is when they won't redeliver and I have to go and pick it up from UPS!

 

[angierae]

I once watched UPS walk up to my door with the already-filled out sticky, stick it on my door, and walk back to the truck. Never even took my package out of the truck. Come to find out it was a signature-required delivery, and since it was the middle of the day, apparently the driver just figured no one would be home and we'd have to come pick it up at the facility anyway.

I immediately called UPS and told them that I was HOME, I watched him pull up, and walk to my door empty handed, and would they please tell the driver to bring my package back?

But I have no problem with them just dropping packages off that don't need a signature. They should ring the doorbell tho, to let you know they've been by. (I don't work from home anymore so I don't know what happens at my current address, other than when I get home there are packages here.)

 

[kaytieeldr]

The drivers are also paid by the hour so they have no incentive to rush. They actually would make for if it took them longer. The simple fact is that many of them just don't care. We have had UPS drivers put the sticky on the door that said they attempted to deliver a package when we were home and they never rang the bell... I'm certain if the package hadn't required a signature they would have just dropped it and left, but because it required a signature they just put the note and left... makes me wonder if they don't fill out all those stickers for packages that need signatures before they even start their run and then just stick and run because they don't care about providing service.

No, they care. I live in a large (for this city) apartment building served by two UPS drivers. One knows it's okay to leave packages at my door, and one refuses to do that - even when I leave a signed note on the door. A couple of weeks ago ordered something that I required a signature for delivery due to the cost. It was delivered by the considerate UPS driver, who simply took my note as proof of authorization .

Understood that they get paid by the hour, but they work hard too. They start by eight, and can deliver as late as 9 PM (once, when waiting for a delivery that I knew was on the truck, I was told by 'customer service' the driver could technically deliver until 11:59 PM!).

On the other hand, when I got laid off and missed the UPS driver with my final paycheck, I was able to arrange meeting the driver on his route. Interestingly, unlike FedEx, they can't repeat a delivery the same day. It stinks that the FedEx driver had an attitude with the customer today, and it should absolutely be reported.

 

[spacemountainmom]

FedEx Ground delivery people are paid by the delivery and not by the hour. They are also penalized for bringing anything back so it really doesn't make sense for them to not attempt to get your package to you. Mine always rings the bell, but I don't wonder if they don't get yelled at by people with napping kids or folks who work 2nd or 3rd shift.

Most of them also are receptive if you ask them or leave a note to put an item somewhere in particular. I asked to have my stuff left by the back door and it always is. Kindness and courtesy go a long way.

 

[Happy Mom2]

I've had two issues with Fed Ex lately. One package was on the truck to be delivered, but the driver put "recipient requested delayed delivery." Really? Why would I pay for two day shipping and then request it not be delivered. I'm thinking it had something to do with the fact that it was raining. I called, and delivered it that day.

The other time it say in the local warehouse for two days before it was put on the truck.

Hope you get your package.