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Posted by: gel Aug 7 2014, 07:50 AM

Anyone else suffered incompetence at hands of the new Amazon Logistics delivery service;
this is their new in house service, that's being rolled out across country??

Web chat rooms show high level of dissatisfaction, and it seems it now surpasses one of
their other (current?) carriers YODEL for incompetence/indifference.
Users complained for years about them but Amazon carried on regardless.

I ordered 1 CD on Friday, advised delivery would be Monday.
Mon. morning e mail from Amazon confirming del'y that day; postie comes at lunchtime,
no CD.
E mail around 1400, saying Amazon had failed to deliver; wording is unclear, as it doesn't
actually say they had attempted a physical delivery, just that they'd failed, which er was true
I see in order tracking details, its being done by he new Amazon Logistics.
Nearest depot I could find was Oxford, though Tracking Info shows it's out
for delivery from Bristol.
E mailed Cust Serv saying no one apart from R Mail had been.

Tuesday, same routine; e mail 1st thing saying would be delivered later; another after lunch saying they'd failed.

Amazon then refunded £1.49 p+p

Wednesday, same morning e mail, and anonymous white scruffy van appears 1.15pm with CD,
and package covered in multiple stickers by Amazon Logistics; shortly after another e mail,
saying they had been unable to deliver.

Doesn't tie in with their claim to trying to be world's most customer centric company!

I'm sure their cost from R Mail for 1 CD is a fraction of what we'd pay, but obviously
some Finance wallah sees a few pence saving by not using them.

Posted by: JeffG Aug 7 2014, 09:08 AM

Yes, I have had my problems with Yodel too, but something I had delivered yesterday came via CityLink. Although I was told it would be delivered yesterday, the Amazon tracker was still showing "In transit". When I went to the CityLink tracker instead, there was a full history of progress and the fact it was out for delivery from Swindon.

It also gave a two-hour slot in the afternoon when delivery would take place, so instead of being stuck indoors all day, I was able to get out in the morning to do my shopping.

So full marks to CityLink, but poor performance by the Amazon tracker.

Posted by: motormad Aug 7 2014, 11:47 AM

Unrelated to Amazon however I bought some new gold bolts for my wheels.
City Link courier LOST them (80 quid worth) and the seller had to send me a new set out....

Posted by: GMR Aug 7 2014, 04:05 PM

I always use Amazon and always had excellent service from Amazon and their deliverers. I've got an Amazon app and they tell me immediately when it has been delivered. I wish other services could be that good.

On the subject of bad delivery; I am sure every company on this planet has been accused of bad service at one time or another. As for Amazon forums complaining about bad service; that is what forums are for; complaining. Just like this forum and millions of others. Very rarely do you get something positive. People don't usually comment when they get good service.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 7 2014, 05:06 PM

This'll be the problem of using budget suppliers, not that non-budget suppliers were always better. Anyone remember how hard or long it was to get a book from WHSmith in old days?

Posted by: JeffG Aug 7 2014, 06:32 PM

Then my post at #2 was an exception?

Posted by: spartacus Aug 7 2014, 06:43 PM

I dunno about that.... Did you ever try getting a copy of 'Fly Fishing' by J.R. Hartley? Almost impossible in the old days before Yellow Pages....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeicexenTmU

Posted by: GMR Aug 11 2014, 04:21 PM

You can always find a quota of good and bad. All I know is that people I know, who use there services (including me), didn't have a problem.

Posted by: gel Aug 11 2014, 04:35 PM

In US they're trialling unmanned drones I see-seems Hermes have started here !



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/11025501/MyHermes-delivery-service-leave-parcel-on-Hove-man-Benjamin-Wards-roof.html.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 11 2014, 07:23 PM

I know people who have occasional problems too and it seems to happen when it is least convenient as well. Whether it is getting worse, or is not better or worse than other services is hard to say, but I have seen rather questionable service myself (like leaving parcels lead up against a front door).

Posted by: JeffG Aug 11 2014, 08:01 PM

Or in my case once, someone else's front door - I was in waiting for delivery and only realised when the tracking said it had been delivered. (by Yodel).

In an earlier post I mentioned CityLink specifying a two hour slot, which was great. In contrast, on Wednesday I am having a new phone delivered - any time between 08.30 and 18.00.

Posted by: GMR Aug 12 2014, 03:16 PM

deleted.

Posted by: GMR Aug 12 2014, 03:18 PM

I do agree with you here; it wouldn't hurt companies - in the modern age - to give people a rough time when their goods will be delivered; say, as you suggested, a two or three hour slot.

Posted by: GMR Aug 12 2014, 03:20 PM

If people get a bad service they should complain. The trouble with the British is that they moan, but do nothing beyond that. If I have a problem I always write a letter to the company concerned. Usually I get a good answer.

Posted by: JeffG Aug 12 2014, 05:40 PM

I take back what I said about Vodafone and the 0830-1800 window: I just got a text from them to say that DPD will email and text me tomorrow morning with a one-hour delivery slot. I say, jolly good show, what?

Posted by: JeffG Aug 13 2014, 06:49 PM

Update: true to their word I was given a one hour delivery slot, between 14:46 and 15:46 (note, 46 not 45 ). DPD man turned up on my doorstep at.... 14:46.

Posted by: Turin Machine Aug 13 2014, 06:51 PM

Amazon said today, and at 5.00, it turned up.

Posted by: JeffG Aug 13 2014, 08:24 PM

Were you stuck in all day? Not fun. I suppose it depends which carrier they use. More of a nuisance for a sole occupier.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 13 2014, 09:29 PM

It can be arranged to pick-up from the depot, which is handy if you work near one.

Posted by: On the edge Aug 14 2014, 12:04 PM

I must say I've never had any trouble with Amazon who I use a lot. Some while back, I ordered a clock from a reputable firm, who used a courier based in a Reading. They tried to deliver and told me to pick if up from their depot in Reading, Lovelock Road(?). I simply cancelled the order and went elsewhere.

Posted by: GMR Aug 14 2014, 04:09 PM

I just had a delivery today; it did what it said on the tin. Not only that but they let me know on my iPhone when it was dispatched and delivered. Too be honest when a business becomes very successful their complaint level goes up.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 14 2014, 06:10 PM

I believe the courier service is down to a number of agents, and not necessarily Amazon, as it were. I have, however, heard they have increased their charge for the Prime service to include video streaming, whether you want it or not, that has annoyed a number of people I know.

Posted by: GMR Aug 15 2014, 03:40 PM

It may annoy a number of people, but I doubt it will stop people using them. Their prices are still good and easy to use compared to the shops.

Posted by: On the edge Aug 15 2014, 04:13 PM

Best service I ever had with an online order from Amazon, or indeed anywhere was a specialist book I ordered one evening at around 6pm. Around 10pm someone pushed something through our letter box - the book I'd ordered! It turned out that the Amazon Supplier was a one man operation in Thatcham and he was on his way out when my order arrived. As our house was on his way, he dropped it off.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 15 2014, 04:39 PM

Well two people I work with have cancelled their Prime subscription.

Posted by: GMR Aug 15 2014, 06:12 PM

Two people I know had a sex change, however, I can't see everybody following them. We can always find people who buck the trend; but one swallow doesn't make a summer.

Posted by: GMR Aug 15 2014, 06:17 PM

It won't be long before they are taking over the world; Amazon, not your courier angel.

Posted by: On the edge Aug 15 2014, 07:17 PM

Ummm, that might be a truer statement than you think! After all, Amazon 'know what you are reading' so their data experts can deduce your level of intelligence and probably what you are thinking......they also know where you live. Next added value service could be 'send us your postal vote; we'll do the rest'. You wouldn't get that level of service from WHS.

Posted by: JeffG Aug 15 2014, 07:40 PM

GMR - I believe you are slightly misinterpreting what Andy Capp said. He said that some people are annoyed with the changes to the Amazon Prime service, not Amazon (and its prices) in general. I use Amazon a lot, but have never subscribed to Amazon Prime.

(I need Prime even less now that I have Netflix on my TV. How I could have missed out on Breaking Bad all this time I don't know.)

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 15 2014, 08:05 PM

That'll be you and your boyfriend then.


It's all very well all you people cooing over services like Amazon, but there is an unhealthy side to all this, as are things like supermarkets taking over retail.

Posted by: Mr Brown Aug 15 2014, 08:51 PM

Is unfettered retail competition really that unhealthy? Ironically, Tesco's grip is being fast loosened by Aldi and other discounters right now. I've never yet met anyone who complains about the loss of traditional shops who doesn't actually use one of the big multiples. They must be doing something right!

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 15 2014, 09:08 PM

It trains us to think that is how much things are worth. Every pound you save, is a pound more pressure to suppress wages for the most underprivileged. They are 'telling' us what to buy, not the other way round.

Posted by: blackdog Aug 15 2014, 10:36 PM

Amazon doesn't believe in unfettered retail competition - they are using their dominant market share with a pretty heavy hand.

Not so long ago it was Tesco taking over the world, now it's Amazon.

Posted by: On the edge Aug 16 2014, 06:16 AM

Tesco and the like telling us what to buy? Are all of us such sheep? I don't think so!! Its more to do with things being done that don't suit our own personal preferences. As for exploitation; sorry but that's how life always is; even in the 'good old days'. Our forefathers kept warm on the back of the miners, dressed in fine clothes made from materials made by exploited Lancastrian mill workers and so on. Then along comes the Co-op and the mutuals...,but we don't like them either! As for market share leading to dominance; what's new there; in the long run Amazon won't succeed any more than Tesco.

Posted by: GMR Aug 16 2014, 08:21 AM

Then I would have said one person I know, including myself; but I didn't.




I agree (with your second sentence), however, it could be just the evolution of society and retail. We, as people, don't like changes. They are seen as a threat. On the subject of Amazon I heard an interview with the creator and he said somewhere along the line something will come to replace Amazon. He then said "I hope it isn't in my life time." Nothing is safe; even the big companies.

Posted by: GMR Aug 16 2014, 08:22 AM

After that it will be somebody else. Nothing changes.

Posted by: GMR Aug 16 2014, 08:25 AM

It doesn't really matter if I misinterpret on this forum or any other; you will always get somebody coming along (like you good self) and either putting you straight or giving you a different interpretation. At least it give somebody something to do and I am only here to please.

Posted by: GMR Aug 16 2014, 08:28 AM

True. On the subject of WHS. I went into their shop in Newbury (the first time in a long time) and I was shocked at the prices. I wanted a printer cartridge and they were far cheaper in Sainsbury's. They didn't have good quality envelops so I had to Staples. They only had the standard cheap ones. Most of the things I looked at I could have got cheaper somewhere else. I am surprised they are still going. My kids gave me a voucher to buy items in that shop.

Posted by: JeffG Aug 16 2014, 08:48 AM

Typical rude response from you, as expected. I am awaiting your next comment as you can never resist having the last word.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 16 2014, 10:20 AM

Yes to both. If it weren't true, there wouldn't be so much invested in advertising.


It's not about exploitation or 'good old days'.

They have 'taught' us to eat out of season, and the cost and energy that creates. They have taught us to eat cheap meat, and the good stuff now is so cheap, there has to be something being abused somewhere. The have 'taught' us that TVs and white goods are so cheap, they don't last 10 minutes, or worthless if they fail, and all the energy that uses. And of course, once a commercial beast becomes too large it starts to wield political power too.

On top if all that, people should see how vicious (and often incompetent) they are to deal with when you a small concern.

Posted by: On the edge Aug 16 2014, 11:00 AM

I don't think they've taught us anything. Made things available, yes but we have a choice. After all the aristocracy always did have food out of season. Throwaway society came in as automated production lines started to impact back in the 30s - cheap white goods are just the end result. Yes, Tesco and the big oligopolies are ruthless when crushing competition, but that's nothing new. Look way back at the Enclosure Acts, the big boys sunk the little ones. Self interest is the way of the World. We did have a little break, just after 1945 when the collective good was seen as the way forward, and we became more important than me. That's now disappeared totally; it's everyone for himself. That isn't down to supermarkets, it's down to us.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 16 2014, 05:12 PM

I'm not blaming them, I'm pointing out that cheapest prices is best is not without its insidious side. The ruthless side I'm talking about isn't about between companies, but the way Amazon and supermarkets 'bully' their suppliers - not least in the field of sustainable and ethical farming.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Aug 16 2014, 05:37 PM

And yet Tesco didn't take over the world, and I don't see why Amazon will either. It's a free market, and good luck to retailers who out-compete their opposition.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 16 2014, 05:40 PM

It was only poor leadership that stopped it, but the idea that they are in a free market is also naive - partly free possibly. However, the supermarket model involves methods that are unsustainable and possibly ethically questionable.

Posted by: On the edge Aug 16 2014, 06:18 PM

I'm not wholly convinced they do 'bully' suppliers, indeed that in some undertakings would actually be a good thing. The NHS could do with a little supermarketing buying expertise to sort the drugs companies. Arguably, it's a great tactic by suppliers to put it about that they've been bullied; yet they still come back for more. The sustainable issue is a very good point as we now import more than half our foodstuffs, but this is really more down to government (who will doubtless blame the EU) policy than supermarkets. If bullying was rife, we'd see a lot more supplier combinations and some genuinely poor farmers.

The biggest concern I have with the retail food industry is that the very fast and rapidly growing competition is all from continental based firms - which means the HO type jobs (the intellectual ones) won't be UK based. Yet again lowering our home workforce skill needs, demonstrating that again we've lost it in commercial leadership terms.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 16 2014, 07:18 PM

They take all the profit but share no risk; demand exclusivity and give no breadth for suppliers to build a safe trading position; poor payers on unrealistic payment terms. All done by being in a big position of power. And we do see poor farmers.

A few examples, but there are many.

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/jul/02/british-farmers-supermarket-price-wars

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/farming/9408891/Dairy-farmers-are-being-skimmed-alive.html

http://www.corporatewatch.org/content/rough-guide-uk-farming-crisis-3-uk-farming-crisis-which-crisis-do-you-mean-0

Posted by: Exhausted Aug 16 2014, 07:28 PM

It's not only the food retailers that screw their suppliers, Halfords trading terms have to be amongst the worst.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 16 2014, 07:34 PM

There's also the poor way staff are treated. Anecdotally I occasionally see and hear of staff being illegally treated, but union 'power' in a certain supermarket is pathetic. A lot of the big stores are ran by kids.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Aug 16 2014, 07:38 PM

You're right that it's not a free market, and to some degree I agonise over the incompatibility of my laissez faire dogma and what I see as essential regulation such as to limit monopolies.

However, the sustainability or otherwise of the supermarket model is more nuanced than you suggest. I don't entirely accept that there is a "supermarket model" per se and I think you need to look at the social and ecconomic impact of individual undertaking in the context of commerce generally. I don't for you example see any reason why Tesco's business model should be sustainable and if it goes bust in ten years time then what the hey. Likewise if Tesco bancrupts its suppliers then where exactly is the problem?

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 16 2014, 08:01 PM

Be a bankrupt then.

Meanwhile, relatively unfettered commerce is making us fat while we throwing away 30% of the food produced for market.

http://www.unep.org/wed/2013/quickfacts/

I'm sorry Simon, but I find your politics on this subject disgusting, despite my admiring other 'philosophies' you have.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Aug 16 2014, 09:12 PM

"Disgusting" is a bit strong.

As i've mentioned before, i stacked shelves in the produce department at Tesco so I have better than average experience of their fresh food waste policy. The department had a waste budget, an order of magnitude lower than the 30% quoted in the reference, and it was hard to come in below budget so a lot of your effort was directed every day at minimizing waste by being obsessive with rotation and stock management, and I don't suppose that is any different in any other supermarket. The supply chain is also very well managed with stock ordering automatically triggered by sales and a very short chain between the farmer and the supermarket shelves.

Of that 30% that is suposedly wasted I would say that almost all of that is thrown away in the home, and a significant reason for that is people throwing out perfectly good produce because they slavishly observe unrealistic best-before dates, and because they have so much disposable income that they can afford to be wasteful.

I don't see how any of that is the supermarket's fault.

As for going banckrupt, why would I lose sleep over an uncompetative business? For example, if British dairy farmers can't compete with Irish dairy farmers then fine. I'm happy that we now drive Hondas and BMWs rather than Morris Marinas and Austin Allegros.

Posted by: Andy Capp Aug 16 2014, 11:35 PM

You might think so, but perhaps ugly may be more appropriate.


I didn't say this is Tesco's or other supermarkets' fault. Western culture's 'free market' environment see to this kind of waste. Tiny example: is it supermarkets that 'invented' BOGOF, thus 'outsourcing' their 'waste disposal' policy (well described already in your post)?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26908613

http://www.letsrecycle.com/news/latest-news/compost/bogof-deals-2018exacerbate2019-food-waste-problem


I think your point is a different argument. I believe, the switch to foreign cars was as much to about quality as price; however, I feel bad for those people that lose their jobs and homes due to policies employed by 'big brother' customers (like supermarkets), because they can source it from near slave labour countries abroad, or from suppliers with less rigorous production methods.


If I may, so that the argument doesn't sway too far from my original point, I originally said: "It's all very well all you people cooing over services like Amazon, but there is an unhealthy side to all this, as are things like supermarkets taking over retail."

I am not suggesting there is nothing good about the current situation, only that there is an unhealthy side too, and that is a fact. I certainly acknowledge that the consumer has as much, if not more to do with all this as the suppliers.