Neighbour delivery etiquette

[WobblyCat]

Whenever we get parcels for next door, we try to take them to them but they don't answer the door and we hardly see them. They do come and collect but sometimes a few days later.

When they have ours they usually bring them around almost immediately when they notice we might be in. Sometimes I've not had the chance to get in the door properly or I'm dealing with the kids and can't get to the door quick enough before they've gone.

I can't work out if there's some sort of faux pas on our end of things. What should the etiquette be for making sure the neighbour's parcel gets to them?

We've got a laminated sign on our front door - parcels for this address only.

I got landed with half a garage of medical supplies once and our NDN was on holiday for 2 weeks.... and then expected US to move them all over the road. Hence the sign.

I don't think you are doing anything wrong.

I suppose if you knock and they don't answer, you could a pop a note through to say you've got a parcel waiting for them (in case the delivery company haven't left a card). I've always thought the onus should be on the person whose parcel it is to make the effort to go and collect it rather than expect the neighbour to deliver it for them. Especially if they're not often at home or don't answer their door, they can't expect you to be on constant look out to try and catch them. You've been kind enough already by taking it in for them.

Text "Got your parcel- I'm in for the evening now if you want to come and collect it"
Of course this will mean answering your doorbell......

I just leave the parcel in my hall (on the shoe cabinet) until they come round to collect it.

I always specifiy with any delivery company that they are not to leave any parcel with a neighbour. If they do I count it as undelivered and insist on a replacement or money back. As far as I know, all neighbours do the same

I’d expect them to pick up their parcel just like i pick mine up if delivered to a neighbor

Don't take parcels for your neighbours unless you've talked to them and agreed this with them.

I don't want my parcels left at neighbours, I understand they mean well but I have never asked them to and it's a pain to collect them in the evening. We have set up a safe place and deliveries should be left there.

I wish my neighbours would come and collect their parcels as soon as they get home, but most of the time they don't. I feel that I can't wander around in my bra or get in the shower if I know they will be coming over, so half the time I relent and take them over myself.

If we take in a parcel for a neighbour I keep my eye open for them returning home, so that I can pop over. Although they usually beat me to it and call round first. Goodwill cuts both ways

I’d rather give it to them as soon as possible so I usually take it over first sign of them getting home. I don’t want to be in my Pjs for the evening and have them come knocking.

I'm always amazed how much distress/consideration this causes on MN. We have a set of neighbours we often take things in for. Other neighbour sometimes takes things for us. In a row of 5 houses, everybody is happy to take in for others. It's collected whenever people can manage it, usually the same day or the next day, but once we had something for a week. No big deal.

It helps if you know their phone number, so you can message regarding a good time to knock/bring round.

My neighbours have asked that I don't just go over with parcels as the doorbell sets their dog off and wakes the kids 😆, so I just text if I have something and arrange a time for them to collect, same procedure (reversed) if they have something of ours. This also happens if we see a package has been left outside the others front door for a period of time, we'll go get it and let the other know we've got it.

I text my neighbours if I get a parcel for them, and they text me if they get a parcel for me, which i reply “thank you for taking it in for me and letting me know. I should be home by whatever time”
if it’s inconvenient for them they say and suggest a convenient time, which i text back thanking them or suggesting another convenient time!

it works both ways, and it’s so nice that with more and more stuff being delivered, it’s lovely to have lovely neighbours

I take in parcels for my neighbours all the time as I often work from home. They are lego fans, so often have to guess if what they are having delivered is toy or smashed! They just grab them whenever. Never thought to stress about the timings. We put each others bins away too.

I expect my neighbours to come and collect their parcels, just like I would always go and collect mine. As soon as possible.