Buyers not being in for couriers

Strapped

What do you guys do about buyers who order stuff but then are not in for courier delivery? (The courier I'm currently using makes 2 delivery attempts then returns to sender). I have it in my T&Cs that P&P is non-refundable if they are out twice and the item is returned to me, but I do realise that it's not actually enforecable. Other than telling them the day / times and making sure that the courier has a mobile tel no for them, I am stumped what else to do!

JPS29

I had a delivery from DPD the other day, very impressed. Got a text telling me the hour slot it was coming and if not suitable to text back. You could change to these if it was that much of a problem, although tbh normally once a courier had failed delivery once they card and the second attempt is succesful.
I woul remove the blurb about not returning postage costs due to nobody in when the courier calls. As you say it's unenforceable and will just put buyers off.

Obviously_the_best

Interlink, who I use sometimes do the same as DPD, one of my couriers do 3 attempts, then keep the parcel for 3 days incase of redelivery request, then request my permission to return. (APC)

Which courier do you use though strapped, because it should atleast be held at the depot for a while

Strapped

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

Interlink, who I use sometimes do the same as DPD, one of my couriers do 3 attempts, then keep the parcel for 3 days incase of redelivery request, then request my permission to return. (APC)

Which courier do you use though strapped, because it should atleast be held at the depot for a while

This is using CityLink via ParcelMonkey. CityLink's website say they hold for 5 working days - but it seems that that is in total, ie not after the second attempt.

Also, the second attempt seems to be automatically on the day following the first, unless the recipient gets in sharpish and reschedules to their choice of day. Which obviously is different to RM, who hold the mail after they've carded and wait for a response from the recipient.

Hmmmm.

Unfortunately I've just had one where the recipient rescheduled to day 5, and then weren't in. Where's that bang-head smilie?

Hammyman

Strapped wrote: »

What do you guys do about buyers who order stuff but then are not in for courier delivery? (The courier I'm currently using makes 2 delivery attempts then returns to sender). I have it in my T&Cs that P&P is non-refundable if they are out twice and the item is returned to me, but I do realise that it's not actually enforecable. Other than telling them the day / times and making sure that the courier has a mobile tel no for them, I am stumped what else to do!

I do absolutely nothing. I've honoured my side of the deal. The couriers I use (City Link) do redeliveries and leave a card where you, the recipient, can book a redelivery or collect from the depot.

Strapped

Hammyman wrote: »

I do absolutely nothing. I've honoured my side of the deal. The couriers I use (City Link) do redeliveries and leave a card where you, the recipient, can book a redelivery or collect from the depot.

And what do you do when the parcel gets returned to you? A full refund inc P&P puts you out of pocket. A refund of item cost only puts you at risk of dispute and having to refund anyway.

Obviously_the_best

This is why I like interlink, they offer you a one hour window one day, and if you don't like it they offer you a one hour window on 2-3 other days, also I like Hermes as they actually leave the number for a self employed courier, so you can make arrangements

mikey72

Strapped wrote: »

This is using CityLink via ParcelMonkey. CityLink's website say they hold for 5 working days - but it seems that that is in total, ie not after the second attempt.

Also, the second attempt seems to be automatically on the day following the first, unless the recipient gets in sharpish and reschedules to their choice of day. Which obviously is different to RM, who hold the mail after they've carded and wait for a response from the recipient.

Hmmmm.

Unfortunately I've just had one where the recipient rescheduled to day 5, and then weren't in. Where's that bang-head smilie?

Citylink are not a good carrier to use. Far too unfriendly to the customer, and unreliable.

I'd have no problems doing an INR, and getting a refund through paypal.

Strapped

mikey72 wrote: »

Citylink are not a good carrier to use. Far too unfriendly to the customer, and unreliable.

I'd have no problems doing an INR, and getting a refund through paypal.

Who would you recommend instead? (Who don't cost an arm and a leg).

Obviously_the_best

I know that if you use mailbag use https://www.collectplus.co.uk, or if you use standard use https://www.thepackagedeliverycompany.com or https://www.interparcel.com or https://www.myHermes.co.uk

Strapped

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

I know that if you use mailbag use www.collectplus.co.uk, or if you use standard use www.thepackagedeliverycompany.com or www.interparcel.com or www.myHermes.co.uk

Mainly mailing bag. Collect+ are more expensive than ParcelMonkey if you have a Premier account with PM, and that's for next day vs 3-5days with Collect+. Add to that the fact that you have to drive to drop-off and it's not really an option, unless they were to deliver every parcel dressed as the Milk Tray Man, with a free box of chocs and a relaxing foot rub thrown in.

Maybe I've just had a run of particularly irresponsible buyers lately :undecided

What sort of rates of non-delivery and return does everyone else get?