Some interesting research has been undertaken by Which? relating to the delivery of parcels dispatched to online shoppers during the period November 2018 to January 2019 that couriers may find of interest. In excess of 2,000 people took part in the survey.

Apparently, in excess of 50% of online shoppers encountered a problem with a minimum of one parcel not being delivered as anticipated in the above three month period which we are sure couriers will agree is a concerning statistic. Let us hope that an improvement is seen this Christmas.

It is concerning that only 32% of people taking part in the survey for Which? felt that everything went smoothly with their delivery. Apparently, 22% of recipients of their parcels said that the item had been left for them in a safe place that they had requested.

Unfortunately, 24% of online shoppers taking part in the survey were of the opinion that the courier did not follow the instructions that were provided when placing the order. That is a disappointment.

Another very worrying statistic is that 24% of shoppers purchasing goods online did not receive their item.

17% of online shoppers said that their parcel was late in arriving and 29% stated that their parcel was delivered sooner than they had been anticipating it would. 6% made the comment that having waited in for the courier to arrive the delivery had to be arranged for another time.

We are sure you will agree the following statistic is extremely concerning – 4% of online shoppers participating in the survey said that their parcel had been thrown over a fence or a hedge.

There were 5% of people taking part in the survey who said that the parcel was damaged no doubt causing the recipient much concern and inconvenience.

Obviously, Christmas is the busiest time of the year for couriers delivering parcels but it is important that excellent standards are maintained at all times of the year. It will be interesting to see if Which? undertakes a similar survey covering this Christmas period and what those results are. If it does, we will let you know.