I hate complaining - but ...

[stitch-up]

I hate complaining - but ... it does become annoying when you pay several hundred pound for a birthday present, in plenty of time for delivery, despatched 1st class recorded and it just doesn't arrive.

I purchased a gift from eBay and paid extra for 1st class recorded delivery as I wanted it for my son's birthday which happens to be today!

The item was depatched on 14th and the sender emailed me the 13 character no. AH438247937GB. The package, quite small as it was a pair of headphones, was despached on 14th February. It's now 19th and the 'Track & Trace' just says:

Item AH438247937GB was posted at 109 South Street PH2 8AF on 14/02/11 and is being progressed through our network for delivery. Shame this isn't a bit more informative, like where it was last scanned!

So I explained to my son what had happened and, although he's old enough to understand it's still a let down for him & me and spoiled a family occasion!

I accept things go wrong but it's not very helpful when I now can't do anything until 15 working days have elapsed!

You guys do a great job in difficult circumstances.

John

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Whilst I am sorry it has not arrived in time I have to point out that Royal Mail Recorded isn't in fact a "Track and Trace" service its a signature on delivery service only.

The PO or issuing point scan the bar code to show it is a live bar code and has entered the system. It is then next scanned on, or soon after delivery.

I have to be honest and say that for items that have a value over £41 I would always recommend "Special Delivery" as this is a track and trace service and is scanned at every stage of its progress.

Sorry my post is not more helpful, but I do hope the item arrives soon. Good luck.

[stitch-up]

Not at all, your post is most informative and I thank you for it.

I'm sure many customers of the post office really don't know the terms relevant to their postal service - I certainly fall in to that category.

As I wasn't the sender in this case, when I was offered the option of paying a little more for 1st class recorded I accepted it, I didn't research what it actually meant and, believe it or not, I thought it meant I'd get the package the next day! I also didn't know the value was only covered up to £41. Regrettably I just don't have the time to research these things and now I accept the consequences - no arguments.

I only used the phrase 'track & trace' because that's what appears on the Royal Mail webpage - 15 working days before I can do anything does seem rather a long time but, I guess I should have been aware of this too. Even so, still disappointed - can't help that! 3 days and it should have been here, it's not and that's not my fault.

I hope you're not one of the guys that has to walk at 6mph or whatever it was/is :)

Thanks

John

[TrueBlueTerrier]

6 Kmph or 4 miles an hour and Yes I am

Thanks for the thanks as well.

[mazza111]

I only used the phrase 'track & trace' because that's what appears on the Royal Mail webpage - 15 working days before I can do anything does seem rather a long time but, I guess I should have been aware of this too. Even so, still disappointed - can't help that! 3 days and it should have been here, it's not and that's not my fault.

I hope you're not one of the guys that has to walk at 6mph or whatever it was/is :)

Thanks

John

Hey John, just to put the record straight you don't need to wait 15 days. You would now raise an Item Not Received with Ebay/paypal. It's up to the sender to prove delivery within a set time. Although contact with the sender is always a better idea. Unfortunately the sender of the item may need to wait 15 working days before they can make a claim from RM, but there is absolutely no need for you to wait this long. A lot of Ebay sellers try to pass this onto their customers, but no need to take that. Good luck getting a refund/replacement.

[not me]

I see your item was delivered today

[stitch-up]

I see your item was delivered today

Y es indeed it was.

Thanks guys, my son enjoyed his belated birthday.

.... and we all lived happily ever after