What a farce! (Parcelforce)

Member Name: sanejane

Product:	Parcelforce
Date:	19/04/07 (405 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: Far too many

I sent my son and his family some Easter Eggs through an on-line chocolate company - yes for Easter. Although online tracking suggested that the package was originally out for delivery on 4 April, no card was placed through his letterbox until second attempt on 5 April. The card indicated that he should either phone to arrange redelivery or collect from the depot. Opting for the latter he went to the depot on 10 April where he was informed by a Parcelforce employee -who refused to double check- that the package was out for another attempted delivery. No further card was received.

On 11 April he used the 08700844585 number on the card and managed to speak to an operator who informed him that no further delivery was attempted and that the package was indeed at the depot when he had gone to collect it (despite the protestations of the staff there that this was not possible and that it wasn't even worth them checking). He arranged with the operator for the package to instead be delivered to his local post office which is a more convenient pick-up point.

On 13 April he visited the post office to find that the package had not been delivered there. Checking the online tracking showed that the parcel was, and still is, at the depot. Using the 08700844585 number on the card,he once again eventually contacted an operator who explained that due to driver sickness and “people not showing up for work”, a large backlog had developed and this is why the package I had sent was still at the depot. He arranged with this operator for the package to be delivered to the post office on Mon 16 April. A full 12 days after the 1st attempted delivery.

Despite all the operators he spoke to being polite and helpful (not to mention apologetic and a little embarrassed), I find it astounding that a company such as Parcelforce is unable to carry out within a reasonable timeframe, that which is surely the very foundation of its operation; delivering parcels. The parcel’s contents are rendered all but redundant due to the tardiness of the service. Sickness in the workforce need not and should not impact so dramatically upon service within a well structured company which accounts for such situations with contingencies. I can only conclude that Parcelforce does not bear any resemblance to such a company.

Today 19th April I have once again checked the online tracking to find that it still shows the parcel being held at the depot. I phoned parcelforce who confirmed that my Easter present is still being held at their depot and has not been forwarded to the postoffice as requested. (Initially they could not locate it)!

From now on I will not purchase goods from any company that uses parcel force nor will I ever use them myself!

Summary: A useless delivery company