I agree that the problem is the delivery companies. La Redoute/Vertbaudet seem to employ people who do the job just for pocket money and you just don't know when they will turn up or if they will bother reading your instructions at all.
We once went away for the weekend and the La Redoute delivery was left next to the front door. Came back to find it still there (amazingly) but the cardboard box was completely soggy from the rain.
Another time we had our parcel left in the real dustbin (not even the recycling bin). I doubt very much that they know our refuse collection timetable.
Have also had problems with JJMB (waiting for ages)
and a similar problem with Boots. I'm still waiting for something I ordered at the start of December as part of a large order from Boots (for Christmas presents). Even if they do deliver it I'm sure I could have bought it for 1/3 of the price in their sale by now. Have had no contact with a real person, but two e-mails telling me the (complete) order has been dispatched.
Next have charged me for stuff that didn't turn up.
Our postman at the old house used to do the trick of pretending we weren't in, which is so infuriating, especially if you have to pay the sorting office for the priviledge of looking after your parcel.
I haven't had problems with Next flowers but I haven't used them recently.
Amazon are generally okay although I have had the magically changing due date happen before.
Letterbox are good. Kittykins (cloth nappies) are good. Natural Collection are good.