Coronavirus spike is 'in unvaccinated groups' says expert
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A study of 2,000 adults found they receive an average of six deliveries a month – more than 70 a year. But they estimate this has increased by more than a third thanks to lockdown restrictions. As life begins to go back to normal though, one in three have cancelled plans to sit in and wait for a delivery instead and 26 percent have had to take time off work. While one in 10 have even paid someone else to sit in their house and wait when they had to go out to ensure they didn’t miss a package.
Just under a quarter are also happy to pay an average of £5 extra to get a faster delivery of their longed-for purchase.
A spokesperson for Vansdirect, which commissioned the research, said: “A funny phrase that’s been doing the rounds is, ‘A delivery a day keeps the sadness away.’
“During the pandemic, especially during the heavier lockdowns over the winter months, sitting around at home has seemed very bleak.
“Having something coming through the post has been a real bright spot for millions, as something to look forward to.
“We’re sure the nation is very grateful to our delivery drivers and warehouse workers, who have kept these supply chains moving.”
But the study found that of the six deliveries Brits take in each month, an average of three are returned to sender.
Clothing, books and toiletries have been the most-ordered items over the last 12 months, with 37 percent also taking in food shops
Three in 10 adults even admit to checking the delivery status of their order ‘several times a day’ in anticipation of its arrival.
It also emerged nearly half (46 percent) expect their order to arrive the next day if the delivery company promotes ‘shipped by next day’.
But 26 percent are not so optimistic and expect their order to arrive within two working days.
If they do happen to be out when something arrives, nearly a fifth (18 percent) feel confident enough in their neighbourhood for a driver to simply leave their item by the front door.
However, the majority (27 percent) would rather it be taken in safely by a neighbour, according to the OnePoll figures.
And due to bonding more with their neighbours during lockdown, 57 percent of Brits fully trust them to take their deliveries when they’re away from home.
The study also found Royal Mail and Amazon were reported to be the delivery companies with the best track record of success.
Although customers were less impressed by Hermes and Yodel, which provided the most negative experiences – with Royal Mail also on this list.
Vansdirect’s spokesperson added: “From a consumer point of view, it must seem that delivering products is easy – just take the item from point A to B.
“However, logistics is an incredibly complicated process, if you have hundreds of deliveries to make each day, then every minute counts.
“Something like an unexpected road accident can put a fully loaded van hours behind schedule – which then turns into days of delays waiting for your precious parcel.
“Despite the odd negative experience, however, it’s clear online shopping has enjoyed a boom and is likely to continue to do so until some kind of ‘normality’ is resumed.”
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