While Amazon is one of the leaders in logistics, things do sometimes go wrong.
If you’re expecting a package and the tracking information says they delivered it, but you still haven’t received it, then you may wonder why.
There are a few reasons you might receive this error.
Here’s what you need to do when Amazon says delivered but there was no package.
Amazon Says Delivered But No Package (What To Do)
Amazon lists a series of steps that you should take if you received notice that someone delivered your package, but you don’t have it.
The first is to wait 48 hours.
Sometimes the tracking information updates prematurely.
Carriers can also sometimes deliver packages as late as 10 PM.
The package may still be on the way, but they won’t be at your home until later that evening or the next day.
After 48 hours have passed, then you’ll want to check your order status.
Double-check that there weren’t any shipping errors.
In particular, you will want to check that your shipping address is correct.
It also helps to look at your email and order confirmation to ensure everything was processed correctly.
If everything checks out, then you should investigate the outside of your home.
Look for places where Amazon may have delivered the package that may not be noticeable at first.
Sometimes the package might end up in the hands of your neighbors.
Amazon suggests that if you feel safe and comfortable in doing so, then you should check with your neighbors to see if they received it on your behalf or by mistake.
Sometimes Amazon will pass on parcels to the USPS.
They suggest that you check your mailbox as well.
If it still isn’t there, then Amazon suggests that you speak to their customer representative and file a claim.
This process could become difficult if you bought your product from a third-party seller.
You’ll need to contact them instead of Amazon.
Depending on the third party’s policies, you may be out of luck.
Amazon, on the other hand, has a greater chance of honoring your purchase.
1. Check To See If Your Neighbors Have The Package
In some cases, Amazon might deliver your package to a neighbor instead.
It’s possible that you wrote this into your delivery preferences and forgot about it.
If you feel comfortable with your neighbors, then you should approach them and ask if any of them signed for a package on your behalf.
It’s also possible that the Amazon delivery agent gave it to them by mistake.
They were in the right area, but they might have misread the address on the house and delivered it there.
Decent neighbors will realize the mistake and hand over the package to you.
Some, however, may not realize that the package isn’t theirs until they open it.
2. Amazon Doesn’t Only Deliver To Your Front Door
Many carriers are prone to delivering packages in areas that aren’t your front door or front porch.
That’s because there’s been an increase in crime with people stealing packages from front porches.
To combat this, Amazon drivers often place the package in less obvious areas.
While this makes the package safer, it can make it more difficult for the person receiving the package to find it.
It’s not uncommon for Amazon to deliver packages to your back door instead, if they can access it.
They might also be put inside or near your garage.
Some will even put the package underneath certain things to try and conceal it.
The lengths that they go to depends on the driver which is why it can be difficult to locate your package.
While some might deliver it to your front door, others may try to protect it more.
That’s why it’s always worth checking around the area to see if you missed the package.
They also sometimes place smaller packages in the mailbox.
If it can fit in there, then drivers will put it in the mailbox both for safety reasons and to make it more convenient for you.
You can simply collect the package with your mail later.
However, if you’re unaware that the package is with your mail, then you might think it wasn’t delivered or is missing.
You can also make delivering to your door easier by investing in a locked box.
A locked box comes with a key or code that you can send to your delivery driver.
When they arrive, they can put the package in the locked box, then lock it.
Not only does this make your package safer, but you’ll also know exactly where it is.
3. Check With The USPS
Amazon partners with USPS from time to time to deliver some of their packages.
This is especially common with third-party sellers.
When there’s a problem with your order, the third-party seller might suggest contacting your local USPS office.
You’ll need your tracking information when you speak with them.
They can tell you whether they received it or if any problems occurred with the delivery.
Sometimes packages will be delayed because of inclement weather or problems on the road.
The USPS suggests waiting at least 24 hours before contacting them.
Even though the tracking system may say they delivered the package, it can sometimes take 24 hours for the delivery to actually happen.
If the USPS is unable to help you, then you’ll want to speak with the third-party seller or Amazon again to update them.
They can try to find out what happened themselves or at least give you a refund.
Some may have other steps for you to follow to locate your missing package.
Since Amazon works with USPS now and then, it’s always a good idea to check your mailbox for your package.
It may surprise you to see just what the delivery drivers can fit in there.
How To Prevent The Situation
Seeing that someone delivered your package but you still haven’t received it can cause a lot of frustration and anxiety.
Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to help prevent the situation in the first place.
Follow these tips to prevent receiving an error code from Amazon that says they delivered your package, but you never received it.
1. Make Use Of Delivery Instructions
When you place an order with Amazon, there’s an area where you can add further delivery instructions.
Most people tend to leave this blank, but they shouldn’t.
Adding further instructions can help your delivery driver find your home easier.
It’s also an ideal place to inform them about a lock box that you have.
If it has a code, then you can tell them the code here.
Others may give the driver the code to their garage, so they can open the garage door and place the package inside of it.
At the very least, you should describe your home to the delivery driver.
Let them know the color of the house or if it has any distinguishing marks on it.
When they’re in your neighborhood, they’ll be able to easily spot your home by your description and deliver the package to the right building.
This can also be helpful for apartments and condos.
The hallways and doors all look the same.
It’s easy for a delivery driver to place the package outside of the incorrect door.
You can make it easier to identify your door by having some sort of decoration on the outside of it.
Telling your driver to look for the door with a wreath, for example, can make it far easier for them to find you.
Utilize delivery instructions to make delivering your package easy.
It will reduce the chances of a misdelivery and ensure that you receive your package.
2. Check Your Shipping Address
When it comes to checking out on Amazon, it’s easy to go into autopilot mode.
You type in or click the necessary information and barely glance at it before submitting the order.
This is a mistake.
All it takes is one prior purchase and shipment to a different address to mess up your original settings.
The next thing you know, your order is actually going to a different address.
It’s a headache to correct the address later down the line.
Before you submit your order, check that your shipping address is correct.
It’s also worth checking your order confirmation email.
Sometimes technical errors can occur, and the software might input the incorrect address.
This will reflect in your order confirmation email.
Take a look at the shipping address in the email to ensure it’s still sending to the right address.
3. Require A Signature
Another thing you can do to reduce the chances of your package not arriving, despite it saying it was, is to require a signature.
Not all carriers require a signature.
Amazon, in particular, often doesn’t require a signature for their deliveries.
While this can make it more convenient, since you don’t have to be home to accept the package, it can also increase the chances of a mistake happening.
To avoid those mistakes, you can request a signature.
The delivery driver will only be able to complete their order after you sign for it.
This ensures that they arrive at the correct address and give the package to the right person.
This does, however, limit the number of opportunities that you’ll have to receive the package.
You’ll need to ensure that you’ll be ready to sign for the package when it arrives.
That might mean that you need to take the day off work or go home early to be there.
Since you can’t always schedule your specific delivery date with Amazon, it can be difficult to be available to sign for your order.
However, this limited ability to deliver the package also ensures that the driver pays more attention to your package.
You’re less likely to have delivery problems.
4. Use A Lock Box
One of the best ways to keep your packages safe and to ensure their delivery is to use a lock box.
A sturdy lock box can sit by your front door or by your garage.
There are several different types of lock boxes.
Some use a key and padlock whereas others use a code.
No one can access the lock box unless they have the key or know the code.
A delivery driver can place your package in the lockbox, then lock it.
For a padlock, all they need to do is close it once the package is inside of the box.
For a code, they need to press the lock symbol.
When you arrive home, you can unlock the padlock or type in the correct code to unlock the box.
Your package is safely inside of it.
Using a lock box is helpful because it ensures that your package is safe.
No one can steal it from your front porch.
This will avoid a situation in which you receive a notification that they delivered your package, but you don’t see it.
Removing the threat of theft ensures your packages stay where they are placed for you to pick them up when you arrive home.
5. Utilize The Services Of A Doorman Or Receptionist
If you live in an apartment or condo, then you may not be able to use a lock box.
The good news is that you have your own lock box in the form of your apartment’s doorman or receptionist.
Most apartments and condos will have either a doorman or a receptionist.
A doorman is responsible for opening and closing the door after residents and handling the mail.
They also have other duties.
A receptionist handles several aspects of running the apartment or condo complex.
They also can handle mail and deliveries.
You can request that Amazon delivers your package to the doorman or receptionist in charge at your apartment or condo.
They’ll sign for the package or accept it on your behalf.
Then they’ll place the package in a safe place until you can pick it up.
Using either the doorman or receptionist is a great way to reduce the chances of missing a delivery because they’re always there.
They’re always available to sign for your package or accept it.
This ensures that the delivery driver doesn’t accidentally give it to someone else or a neighbor.
When you return home, you can stop by the office and find your package with them.
They’ll ask for your name, perhaps your apartment or condo number, then hand you the package.
When you let the front office handle your packages, you’ll experience fewer mistakes.
What Pick-Up Options Do You Have With Amazon?
Amazon has a reputation for providing excellent delivery services, but sometimes you might want to pick up a package instead.
Luckily, they can accommodate you.
Here are a few pick-up options you can find with Amazon.
1. Amazon Hub
If your order is eligible, then you can choose to have your package sent to an Amazon Hub instead.
An Amazon Hub is a location nearby where drivers deliver packages.
Once your package is at the Hub, you’ll receive an email telling you to pick it up.
You only have three days to pick up your package.
Otherwise, they’ll remove it and give you a refund for your purchase.
An Amazon Hub is an ideal choice for someone who wants to ensure that their package makes it to them.
It’s also a secure way to pick up your package.
Amazon will send you a unique code that you’ll use to access your package.
Without the code, you won’t be able to receive your package.
2. Amazon Hub Apartment Locker
A variation of the Amazon Hub is the Amazon Hub Apartment Locker.
This service involves the use of a storage-type locker that Amazon places in your apartment complex.
Whenever there’s an Amazon delivery, the driver will put the package in the Apartment Locker.
Like with their Amazon Hub, you’ll receive a code.
Using the code at the Locker will grant you access to your package.
Not all apartments have an Amazon Hub Apartment Locker, however, so if you’re interested in this service, then you should speak with your property manager.
3. Key By Amazon
A final way to pick up your delivery is to sign up for the Key by Amazon program.
This program requires you to be an Amazon Prime Member.
It also has a few restrictions on the type of package that is eligible for this type of delivery.
Key by Amazon allows delivery drivers to open and close your garage door.
They can then place the delivery inside the garage where it’s safe and secure.
There are several safety steps involved with the Key by Amazon program.
It not only ensures that the package is at the right address, but it also ensures that the package has a safe delivery.
Then you can pick your package up from your own garage.
Conclusion
While Amazon has a reputation for providing high-quality order fulfillment services, it does make its mistakes.
You can follow the steps and tips above to find out what happened to your package and how to prevent the situation from occurring again in the future.
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