Anyone else having issues with parcels not arriving?

[Icloud54]

I've sent quite a few these past few weeks and had 2 messages today and 1 the other day saying no sign of the item?
How long is acceptable before contacting the post office? Or do I just refund the buyer?

Post is taking considerably longer than usual in many areas.

I have a small side business and it's taking a couple of weeks for items to arrive in some places. This is for items that would usually be expected in 1-2 working days.

Royal Mail wont even entertain the idea of a parcel being lost until 10 working days have passed since the latest due date of delivery. So for a second class item that should usually take up to 3 working days for example, you must allow 13 working days before they'll consider it lost.

Very frustrating, but I do sympathise with them at the moment being so busy.

In terms of refunding, it depends how you feel about it really. You can ask them to wait until the "lost" timescale lapses if it hasn't already, or you can just refund- but be accepting of the fact that if you do, the parcel may still be delivered.

I know this was from December but I've had two parcels from last week not arrive.
Monday I sent royal mail first class signed for and there's no sign of it, the buyer has obviously contacted me.
Tuesday unused Hermes and the tracking info on eBay says 'claims code issued'. Called Hermes yesterday to discuss but after waiting in a queue for 20 mins the line went dead.
Luckily both buyers are being ok but I'm worried that once I refund the money that I may not get it back from RM or Hermes each item £40 and both insured to that value.