Royal Mail Sunderland DO - Parcel not delivered, but signed for on Proof of Delivery.

freedom17

After the bank holiday weekend I was expecting 2 parcels from Ebay to be delivered, which had to be signed for. 1 parcel was delivered no problem, but no signature was asked for. I waited a few days but the 2nd parcel did not turn up, so I started chasing it up. Checking on Royal Mail website BOTH parcels were delivered on the same day and BOTH were signed for, but not by me. I was in that day when the post arrived (I am housebound), so I know what arrived and no signature was taken or asked for. Royal Mail have tried the use the old excuse "a neighbour must have taken it in, because I was not in", ok then which neighbour? Obviously the postman wouldn't just give a parcel that had to be signed for to anyone without taking a note of who he had given it to. But, according to Royal Mail I signed for it. The supposed signature on the Proof of Delivery looks like someone had tried to draw a square and failed. Also my typed surname on this Proof is also spelled wrong. Already had Royal Mail to look into this, but after nearly a week just came back with proof of delivery or neighbour excuse. But not the obvious.

Have taken it to the next stage of complaints.

born_again

Postie always sign for these now, not you since covid.
Ask local delivery center for GPS location of delivery.

freedom17

The GPS shows my location. So it looks like basically the postman can sign for what he/she wants and keep it. 

RefluentBeans

freedom17 said:

The GPS shows my location. So it looks like basically the postman can sign for what he/she wants and keep it. 

Be very careful with accusations like that. If you start accusing them of stealing something without good evidence, they’ll just not help. For example, how do you know Royal Mail stole it and not say your neighbour, or if it was left in a porch - an opportunistic thief. 

Have you contacted seller - if they paid for the postage it’s them that needs to claim the money not you, and there’s only so much you can do. 

If it’s a company that sold it (rather than a private seller) they may just refund you themselves or post the item again. depending on the cost of the item. They have risk up to the point of you getting the product. 

freedom17

Like I said I was in that day and got the post from the postman in my hand. 1 parcel was delivered, but Royal Mail are claiming 2 were. So there is no need to check on neighbours. I bought the item via Ebay and are waiting the outcome from Royal Mail before  refund.

RefluentBeans

Often Royal Mail will make two deliveries - one for regular post and small parcels, and then another one for larger parcels. Not inconceivable that the second parcel was delivered the same day but at a different time by a different postie. 

There is every need to check neighbours before claiming the parcel was stolen by Royal Mail. At the very least, it’s more likely that is the option. If you haven’t checked yet, that should be your first bet. 

Going around claiming that your postie is a thief is a good way to shut down the dialogue. Your dialogue should be with the seller as it’s them who have the contract between Royal Mail and you (unless you organised your own delivery). Your contract is with the seller. 

Accusing any company of theft is honestly not the way to go, unless you have proof that the company employee did steal it. 

Okell

freedom17 said:

... 1 parcel was delivered, but Royal Mail are claiming 2 were. So there is no need to check on neighbours...

RefluentBeans said:

Often Royal Mail will make two deliveries - one for regular post and small parcels, and then another one for larger parcels. Not inconceivable that the second parcel was delivered the same day but at a different time by a different postie. 

There is every need to check neighbours before claiming the parcel was stolen by Royal Mail. At the very least, it’s more likely that is the option. If you haven’t checked yet, that should be your first bet...

I agree with @RefluentBeans

The fact the OP is aware of one delivery made on that day does not necessarily mean that a second delivery wasn't also made (or attempted) on the same day.

If the OP hasn't already done so (because they didn't think it was necessary) they should double-check with neighbours etc

cmthephoenix

born_again said:

Postie always sign for these now, not you since covid.
Ask local delivery center for GPS location of delivery.

Definitely not always. I'm signing for parcels off our postie when a signature is required.  It is medication but they're not to know that.

freedom17

Like I said I am housebound and in all day. Between 9.30 and 10 am is first delivery for large parcels and large amounts of mail. 11.20 to 11.30 is for other mail. The second parcel would have come in the second delivery. The parcel that was delivered was one of 2 from the same company and they were both packed in the same size and type of box

sheramber

Which freedom17 said:

Like I said I am housebound and in all day. Between 9.30 and 10 am is first delivery for large parcels and large amounts of mail. 11.20 to 11.30 is for other mail. The second parcel would have come in the second delivery. The parcel that was delivered was one of 2 from the same company and they were both packed in the same size and type of box

Which os all very well but Royal Mail will not do anything until you can confirm that no neighbour has your parcel.  

freedom17

Its only a small street so I checked last night. Neighbours who were in that day only got post through the door and others who were at work did not get it either. They even tried the box what it would have come in and does not fit through anybody's letterbox. And I trust my neighbours as I have known them all for many years