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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think parcels shouldn't be left with neighbours

36 replies

Eskarina1 · 24/04/2020 18:59

I've been waiting for a delivery (of gluten free food so reasonably essential). I've just found a card dumped in the middle of my path to say they attempted to deliver at 7.45 but I wasn't in so they left it at "door x". I live on a long road, x is a good 30 houses away on the opposite side and there are 6 or 7 door xs on different side streets that are nearer. I'm obviously not knocking on all those doors to get it back. I was also in at 7.45, in my kitchen which is near the door and no-one came to the door.

But in any event, I don't think they should be trying neighbours at the moment. My next door neighbour has covid at the moment and wouldn't order for themselves but might accept a parcel out of habit. Others are vulnerable and don't need extra contact risks.

OP posts:
PeanutDouglas · 24/04/2020 19:04

I think you’re being paranoid. Collect your parcel, open it, wash your hands, relax

Original poster
Eskarina1 · 24/04/2020 19:09

From where? I don't know which of the number xs I live "near" it's at.

OP posts:
LastTrainEast · 24/04/2020 19:09

Get from door x in your road as they will mean that, but stand well back and wash your hands after etc.

but then COMPLAIN to the courier company as that is just wrong and stupid. They all know they have to follow new rules right now. There's no excuse.

MuddlingMackem · 24/04/2020 19:13

The courier will have followed the no-contact rules when leaving it with the neighbour, we took something in for our next-door neighbour earlier in the week and they did. And it wasn't a bother following social distancing rules to hand it over to them.

HappyHammy · 24/04/2020 19:15

Contact the courier and complain

Original poster
Eskarina1 · 24/04/2020 19:53

So, I've now had an email to say they're delivering on Monday. But I think my question still stands, I don't think it's fair (on neighbours) to be delivering to neighbours at the moment.

OP posts:
JemNadies · 24/04/2020 20:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mum11970 · 24/04/2020 20:07

Does the card even have your name on or is it more likely to be an old one from somewhere that just happens to have blown in to your garden? All but one parcel I have received recently the courier has just knocked and left it on the doorstep, only one has waited for someone to actually come to the door.

Original poster
Eskarina1 · 24/04/2020 20:15

Had the date, time and house number on the card. Doesn't look like an old one.

OP posts:
Leaannb · 24/04/2020 20:18

I think delivering to neighbors at anytime is ridiculous

Original poster
Eskarina1 · 24/04/2020 20:25

@leaannb I completely agree

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 24/04/2020 20:29

My neighbour took in a parcel for me last week. I was very grateful as I was on a work call when it arrived.

@Leaannb some of us are lucky enough to live in a mutually supportive community.

Pika09 · 24/04/2020 21:02

My neighbours regularly take in parcels for me. I know it'll make me a bit look a bit unhinged on here, but I actually talk to my neighbours, we have a laugh and a joke and generally get on. Occasionally, I'll even take their bins out amd bring them back in for them!

ilovesooty · 24/04/2020 21:46

@Pika09 same here.

hesgotit · 25/04/2020 08:58

@Pika09 same here, to be honest the courier companies are under extreme pressure (as are the Royal Mail, who are inundated with parcels). They want to get your parcel too you, you weren't in, so assuming it's essential they've left it at a neighbour for you to get it.

What if they just marked it as a failed delivery and took it back to the depot, you'd then have to go to collect it.

Delivery charges will not cover numerous attempts to deliver.

MuddlingMackem · 26/04/2020 00:54

hesgotit Sat 25-Apr-20 08:58:32
What if they just marked it as a failed delivery and took it back to the depot, you'd then have to go to collect it.

Don't know about other couriers, but I do know that DPD are not allowing anyone to collect from the depots during this lockdown, so I guess the parcel would just be returned to sender at some point if they couldn't deliver it.

cactus2020 · 26/04/2020 07:14

I think YABVU. Neighbours have the option not to take parcels for other people. Plus this can all be done with distancing and the neighbour doesn't have to take or touch it if they don't want. You then wash your hands. Job done. Services need to run smoothly at the moment particularly with online be shopping. You should make clear arrangements for delivery if you're out. I feel for delivery staff. Funnily enough they were trying to be helpful...

BillywilliamV · 26/04/2020 07:16

I wish the couriers would knock on the door, everyone's home!

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 26/04/2020 07:18

I love when couriers deliver to neighbours. I live in a village where we are all friendly, I regularly take deliveries for the houses near by.

It means we can all order things and don't worry about having to sit in, we know a neighbour will sign for it if needed.

Really it's about your community and whether you trust your neighbours.

SnuggyBuggy · 26/04/2020 07:19

I thought they were supposed to be doing contact less delivery anyway

Original poster
Eskarina1 · 26/04/2020 10:33

Kind of irrelevant now, but based on the card they dropped they delivered at a time I was not only in but stood 3 metres from and in direct line of sight of the door (my alarm went off 5 minutes later). They decided I wasn't in without approaching the door or ringing the doorbell. They ignored my lovely neighbours who are all also in and walked / drove a good 2 minutes down the road, passing 40 houses and crossing the street. This is not trying their best in difficult circumstances.

OP posts:
hesgotit · 26/04/2020 13:35

@Eskarina1 so you're saying by they just left the card there, but randomly decided to deliver it up
the road? Why would they do that? More work surely getting out of the van twice?

Original poster
Eskarina1 · 26/04/2020 19:59

I was, but as the parcel has now arrived I can't explain the card I received.

It's happened before. I was waiting in for a parcel and got an email to say it had been delivered to my address and had been signed for by "George". Knocking on all my neighbours doors eventually revealed a half dressed George about 20 doors away. I've also taken in parcels for neighbours only to find they've been in all along. I have no idea why it happens but it does.

OP posts:
QuestionEverythingOrBeASheep · 26/04/2020 22:53

I have a big waterproof note on my door saying PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE WITH NEIGHBOURS, leave behind the bins.

All my neighbours are elderly and self isolating. This happened with a parcel once and a neighbour took it in. She is 93 and is having treatment for cancer, i felt so bad. So I put the note up. It hasn't happened since.

hesgotit · 27/04/2020 04:37

So the parcel that was left with a neighbour, and hen was being delivered on Monday, has now already been delivered.

Marvellous, you've got your parcel then, I wonder why they said it was going to be Monday and left that note saying it was with a neighbour?

I hope the half dressed George that was 20 doors down wasn't too upset that you caught him not at his best. I have tons of parcels delivered, they only leave with immediate neighbours, not people 20 doors down. I mean that's a lot of doors for them to knock on and someone in isn't it?

I'd give up the online shopping if I was you, the couriers seem to be playing games with you!

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