Fed Up with FedEx - No Signature Required

May 3rd, 2008, Author: Baz L, Categories: General

Now we all have our horror stories with our favorite delivery folk, but I’m having a tough time with FedEx, when the package does not require a signature.

This is the second time this fun stuff has happened. The last time I purchased a cell phone for Lava’s Christmas gift. I always like to track my packages online while they are in transit. So for the entire day that I was at work, I was checking the package info. At about 2:04pm, to my utter horror, I saw that the package had been delivered and left at doorstep . Now mind you, I get home at 5:45 pm for the earliest. My jaw just dropped.

For those of you wondering, what’s the big deal , I live in an apartment complex. The neighbor in the building that I live in, whom I don’t know or speak to, has to walk very near my door to get to his apartment. Now, I’m not claiming that anyone is dishonest, but isn’t this just a bit too inviting? They have to pass the apartment complex office on their way out; how hard is it to dump it there?

So, I called up FedEx and said what’s the deal, dude? I was told that the seller (some eBay company) shipped the package and put a signature as optional. Apparently, this cost an extra 75 cents. The seller said that it’s out of their hands and if anything had happened, I would have to file a claim with FedEx. So, just for shits and giggles I called up FedEx and asked the what if questions: What if I hadn’t received the package . FedEx said that they’ve met their requirements by delivering to the address indicated. Wow.

It Happened Again

Well yesterday, it happened again. But this time I ordered from Buy.com and it was a USB Flash disk. The guy did his best and tried tucking it underneath the doormat. I almost stepped on the damn thing. What would they have told me then?

What Are My Options?

Avoid FedEx - Every time I make a purchase I would first have to contact the seller and ask who they ship with. Then, beg them to ship with someone else. This isn’t a very good option for a number of reasons. It defeats the whole point of online shopping. You just want to click some buttons, add to cart, check out and be done. I really don’t want to have to wait to confirm shipping method before I order. After this incident, I checked back on Buy.com to see whether they listed the shipper. I’m sure they must have, but after 5 minutes, I couldn’t find it.
Post It Note - This seems to be best bet, next to crossing my fingers. And just hope that these guys read the note and leave the package in the office.
Buy A House - Well, if I had a house, I wouldn’t have the neighbor problem and packages would be safe (at least safer than my apartment) at my doorstep.

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6 Comments until now.

Lulugal11 + May 4th, 2008 (#):

I am sorry to hear that the FedEx person is just leaving your packages. I thought they were supposed to leave packages at the office if there was no one home.

You forgot to reference the time you ordered the computer parts and they left it outside the door in this post.

The Happy Rock + May 6th, 2008 (#):

I think a post it note will do it. If they understand how the complex works they should just through it at the office.

Personally, I hate signatures. They are the bane of online ordering for me. Ok its not the signature it is the 5 hour window in which you need to be home in order to sign.

deepali + May 8th, 2008 (#):

You can also waive the sig waiver. Basically, there is a note in your file/address saying that a signature is required for every drop-off. I think this will only work for packages specifically addressed to your apt #. Then they will either hold it at the location, or leave it in the office.

Another option is to call Fedex the day before/day of and tell them to hold the package at the Fedex location (whatever your nearest one is) for pick-up.

Emma + July 30th, 2008 (#):

That’s funny I always get angry when they don’t leave the package or ring my bell instead of just leaving it and quietly going away. Since you track your packages anyway and you know you won’t be home. Why don’t you leave a note on the door asking the driver to leave it at the apt. office or put the package on will call, or have it delivered to an alternate address like your work. Just some suggestions, best of luck.

Matt D + February 3rd, 2010 (#):

Paranoid much?

Steve + March 19th, 2010 (#):

So did you get both of your packages?

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