One of the most frustrating things about online shopping is worrying about the safe delivery of your packages. Nobody likes receiving damaged items or having their packages stolen from storefronts or apartment building lobbies.
Imagine ordering an important piece of equipment for work and having it never show up! Or the disappointment on children’s faces as they wait for their Christmas presents, only to have them never come.
Fortunately, there are some simple hacks you can use to ensure your packages get safely delivered to you. Here are four of the best tips.
Choose Home Delivery Over Shipping to a Store
If possible, always opt for home delivery when ordering items online for two reasons. First, if you choose to ship the package to a store, it’s possible that someone else could pick it up before you can.
Second, packages sent to stores often get left in unsecured areas like loading docks or back rooms, where they’re vulnerable to damage or theft.
Use a Service That Offers Signature Before Delivery
When checking out, you should look for services that offer signature confirmation as an option. This means that someone must sign for the package upon delivery to receive it. By doing this, you can rest assured knowing that no one else will be able to take your packages without your permission.
The not-so-great alternative is using a service that offers “no signature required” delivery. In this case, the package could be left on your doorstep or in some other unsecured location, making it vulnerable.
Track Your Packages
Most online retailers offer tracking for packages, so make sure to take advantage of it! This will allow you to see exactly where your package is at all times and when it’s expected to arrive. Plus, you may even be able to set up notifications for alerts for when the package departs for a certain location, so you can plan for its arrival.
For example, Amazon typically offers to track information that includes the estimated delivery date, shipment progress updates, and a map of the package’s route.
Check for an Unloading Service
It’s not enough that your package is delivered to you, you deserve it to be delivered in one piece. To this end, you want to check for an unloading service when ordering online. This is especially important if you’re ordering something bulky like furniture or appliances. Or something fragile like glassware or a computer.
An unloading service ensures that the item is safely handled, significantly reducing the risk of damage during delivery.
If you want to make sure your packages get safely delivered to you, following these four tips can help. Look for services that offer signature delivery, opt for home delivery over shipping to a storefront, track your packages and check for an unloading service. That way, you can rest assured knowing that your items will be there when you expect them.
