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AIBU?

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Original poster

Not my parcel

26 replies

whatacarryon2018 · 23/11/2021 00:29

Hello,
Looking for advice really.
About two weeks ago a parcel arrived at my house that wasn't for me or partner. It was left on the doorstep by postie. We bought the house this year and it's also not the name of previous residents. However, I found via those online electoral roll sites that this person did in fact live here in 2016. As it was from a company (not a personal parcel) we opened it to try to find the invoice. It turns out it's some very nice beauty products from America. The address on the invoice is indeed mine and the buyer paid via PayPal.
I contacted the company who are based in California. They were most unhelpful. They said that due to data protection, they can't get in touch with the buyer and have asked me to return it to them....at my cost. It's a bloody 2kg parcel to be sent to California! I asked if they could
Provide a label and they said no but they are willing to take the parcel "off my hands" so long as I pay for it!
I've searched Facebook etc and cannot find this person. I've also expected them to turn ups jd get it but nothing! What do I do? Any further suggestions that don't involve me paying for this parcel to be returned.....

OP posts:
CovidMakesThingsHard · 23/11/2021 00:31

Keep the parcel for a few months and then enjoy. No way are you paying to return it to the US. Beware of any scams where the original person asks you to post it to them after them send you money (gets reversed) or more stuff arrives etc

CheshireChat · 23/11/2021 00:32

I had something similar when Hermes dropped a parcel out of their van- there doesn't seem to be a way to get in touch with them if you're not the sender/ receiver. Luckily, it was for a neighbour (same area at least) so I delivered it.

Fleshmechanic · 23/11/2021 00:34

Just use them and if they come knocking tell them you don't know what they're talking about and you've only recently moved in. It's their own fault for not sending it to the correct address or if it was a mistake not giving you a heads up and collecting it. I don't see how it could be a mistake if they haven't lived there for over 5 years though.

Original poster
whatacarryon2018 · 23/11/2021 00:35

Okay I'm glad you agree because I was beginning to wonder if I should just post it!
Im going to stick it out the way and wait to see what happens. I just feel a bit sorry for the person because I reckon this is a Christmas pressie and it wasn't cheap.

OP posts:
Scirocco · 23/11/2021 00:36

Keep it in a safe place for a reasonable time, save the evidence that you tried to return it but were unable to due to prohibitive costs and the company refusing to pay for the return. Then either enjoy it or donate it to charity, whichever you prefer.

And keep an eye out for any potential scams, like the company or another person asking for money.

Original poster
whatacarryon2018 · 23/11/2021 00:38

This scam thing is a bit worrying. I hadn't heard of this but just did a quick google and it's really common...Confused

OP posts:
Selttan · 23/11/2021 01:40

I'd be marking it as not at this address and taking it to the post office.

You won't need to pay anything (unless UK is different, this is what we do in Oz.)

Notimeforaname · 23/11/2021 01:45

Keep and use.

ChocolateToad · 23/11/2021 02:35

Mark as not at this address and give it back to postie or take to post office. I’d have thought likely they have old address saved on account and clicked on the wrong address by accident when ordering.

ThatsNotMyReindeer · 23/11/2021 03:16

Local Facebook group, see if anyone knows them.

Original poster
whatacarryon2018 · 23/11/2021 08:44

Thanks all. Have taped it up this morning and will drop at the post office.

OP posts:
MaggieFS · 23/11/2021 08:49

Yep, if is was the postman who delivered it, return it as 'no longer at this address' and Royal Mail can deal with it as their magic centre that works miracles on misaddressed post.

nordica · 23/11/2021 08:50

It's strange the company is saying they can't contact the customer. No data protection laws would be broken if they contact them about their order and let them know that it's arrived at the wrong address. Obviously they can't give you the person's email address but that wouldn't be necessary anyway.

It's likely the buyer might realise their mistake soon when the parcel doesn't turn up so I would just hold onto it for now.

Original poster
whatacarryon2018 · 23/11/2021 09:03

@nordica agree
I explained that all they needed to do was email the customer explaining what had happened. Strange

OP posts:
mrsm43s · 23/11/2021 09:22

I'd say its a scam.

Give the company two options, either...
They provide you with a postage paid return label, and you will return the parcel to them
or
You destroy the parcel for them.

No other options to be considered. Stick to your guns. They are trying to make you pay for unsolicited goods.

Perpop · 23/11/2021 09:28

Post on the next door app and see if you can find the owner? Ask them to provide email receipt as proof of ownership?

SpiderinaWingMirror · 23/11/2021 09:40

Honestly chuck it in a cupboard. My dbro lived in a flat in a very nice country house. Every year for 5 years an expensive bottle of champagne arrived by hand for the previous occupant. He drank them the week before he emigrated!

ZeroFuchsGiven · 23/11/2021 09:42

If it was paid via PayPal their email address will be on the invoice.

imnotacelebritygetmeoutofhere · 23/11/2021 09:46

If you make reasonable efforts to locate the owner and/or return then you're entitled to keep it. You are not obliged to pay postage to return! You've checked the name on facebook. Ask the neighbours whether they are in touch with the former resident? Check LinkedIn? Otherwise, either enjoy the items yourself or donate to a local food bank, someone will appreciate the Christmas treat.

bigbluebus · 23/11/2021 09:54

Do you have contact details for the people in the house prior to you? It's always possible they may know where their previous occupiers live? Although I appreciate you don't really want to waste too much more time on something that really isn't your problem.

Original poster
whatacarryon2018 · 23/11/2021 09:55

@ZeroFuchsGiven

If it was paid via PayPal their email address will be on the invoice.
Sadly it's not.
OP posts:
Original poster
whatacarryon2018 · 23/11/2021 09:56

@mrsm43s

I'd say its a scam.

Give the company two options, either...
They provide you with a postage paid return label, and you will return the parcel to them
or
You destroy the parcel for them.

No other options to be considered. Stick to your guns. They are trying to make you pay for unsolicited goods.

I'm Inclined to think it's not a scam because the company it's come from is very well known
OP posts:
Original poster
whatacarryon2018 · 23/11/2021 09:57

Posted on local site this morning and got
"BUYER used to live in AREA WHERE I LIVE"
Yes. I know that 🤣

Parcel is going to post office this morning

OP posts:
RobinPenguins · 23/11/2021 09:59

I managed to click on my sister’s old address when ordering something once, it was saved on the account because I’d once had a gift delivered directly to her. It was completely my own stupid fault so I just chalked it up to experience and a reminder to delete old addresses from accounts. Assumed the people who lived there now just kept or binned it.

boringaccountant · 23/11/2021 10:01

The chances are they've just not updated their default address on PayPal by accident. Even if you type your correct one in on the supplier website a lot use the address that comes through via the payment, probably an honest mistake. If it came by Royal Mail I'd be dropping at the post office, like you said.