What to Do if Your Amazon Shipping Delays

Amazon has changed the way we shop by putting convenience and a wide range of things at our fingertips. However, even the retail giant isn’t immune to occasional shipping delays. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your Amazon order is taking longer than expected to arrive, don’t worry. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Amazon shipping delays happen, what steps you can take to address them, and how Amazon’s policies come into play.

Understanding Amazon’s Shipping Policies

Amazon’s shipping policies for 2024 are as follows.

• Free shipping: Amazon Prime members receive free shipping on all eligible items, regardless of the order total. Non-Prime members get free shipping on items over $35.
• Shipping speeds: Amazon offers a variety of shipping speeds, including Standard Shipping (3-5 business days), Prime Shipping (2 business days), Two-Day Shipping, and Same-Day Delivery.
• Shipping restrictions: Some items may be subject to shipping restrictions, such as size and weight limits. Amazon also prohibits the shipment of certain items, such as hazardous materials and live animals.

• Standard Shipping: Standard Shipping is the slowest and most economical shipping option. It typically takes 3-5 business days for items to be delivered.
• Prime Shipping: Prime Shipping is the fastest and most popular shipping option. Prime members receive free two-day shipping on all eligible items.
• Two-Day Shipping: Non-Prime members can also choose Two-Day Shipping for an additional fee. This option is typically faster than Standard Shipping, but it is not as fast as Prime Shipping.
• Same-Day Delivery: Same-Day Delivery is available in select areas for an additional fee. This option allows you to receive your order on the same day that you place it.

What are the Common Reasons for Delays?

Here are some possible causes of late delivery.

Transportation issues

From the time you order a product until it arrives at your door, there are various steps in the process. Each item must be packed, labeled, put into a vehicle, and delivered by a delivery driver. If there is even the slightest problem during any of those processes, your package may be delayed.

Incorrect address (missing or inaccurate apartment, building, floor, or unit number)

The primary and most prevalent reason Amazon is having delivery issues is due to incorrect information. Most purchasers don’t pay attention to the information they submit while purchasing an item, and as a result, they occasionally enter an incorrect or prior address. Another common mistake made by buyers is forgetting to provide their apartment, building, floor, or unit number in the address. As a result, the buyer will experience Amazon shipping delays. On average, Amazon will struggle to deliver your order to the correct address. Because there are over 2,000 units in the building, Amazon must mail the item to the correct person. 

Third-party vendor timelines

Products ordered directly from the manufacturer are subject to strict delivery timeframes. These requirements, however, do not apply to things sold by the company’s external partners. If there is a delay in order times, it is possible that the third-party vendor is having problems.

It is preferable to contact the vendor directly and inquire about the shipment time frame in this scenario. After logging into your account, navigate to the ‘Orders’ tab. Locate your order and click the Contact Vendor button to choose your preferred form of communication.

Driver shortages

To keep up with the increasing quantity of orders, the company hires new delivery drivers on a regular basis. However, hiring and training new drivers takes time, and many require some time to get up to speed. As a result, there may be occasions when there are simply not enough drivers to provide a timely delivery service.

Large volume of orders/Peak Season

Shipping delays are also more common during peak seasons, such as the holiday season like Christmas and Black Friday/Cyber Monday. This is because there is a higher volume of shipments during these times, and shipping carriers may be overwhelmed.

Bad weather conditions

The third reason Amazon is taking so long to transport your things is because of bad weather. Although Amazon makes every effort to deliver things to customers, extreme weather events such as storms, snowstorms, tsunamis, tornadoes, heat waves, and so on might cause Amazon shipping delays. In that scenario, watch the local news channel for weather updates. If customers mention severe weather, there is a greater likelihood that Amazon may arrive later than usual. 

What should you do if your Amazon shipment is delayed?

1. Check the status of your order. This is possible via the Amazon website or app. The status of your order will tell you if there are any known delays and when you can expect your package to arrive.
2. Contact Amazon customer service. If your order is delayed and you need it by a certain date, you can contact Amazon customer service to see if they can expedite the shipping. They may also be able to offer you a refund on your shipping costs or a discount on your next order.
3. File a claim with the carrier. If Amazon is unable to help you, you can try filing a claim with the carrier who is shipping your package. This is usually UPS, FedEx, or USPS. You can find information on how to file a claim on the carrier’s website.

Tips for avoiding shipping delays

• Place your order early. If you need an item by a certain date, it’s best to place your order as early as possible. This will give the retailer and shipping carrier more time to process and deliver your package.
• Choose a faster shipping option. If you need your order quickly, choose a faster shipping option, such as expedited shipping or priority mail.
• Ship to a business address. If possible, ship your order to a business address instead of a residential address. Business addresses are typically more reliable for deliveries.
• Keep your address information up to date. Make sure that your shipping address is up to date on the retailer’s website or app. This ensures that your delivery is delivered to the correct destination.
• Avoid shipping during peak seasons. Peak shipping seasons, such as the holiday season and Black Friday/Cyber Monday, are known for delays. If possible, avoid shipping during these times.

Amazon shipping delays, while inconvenient, are not uncommon. Understanding Amazon’s shipping policies and knowing what steps to take when your shipment is delayed can help alleviate frustration and ensure a smoother resolution. Remember to check the estimated delivery date, track your package, contact Amazon customer service if needed, and consider the circumstances surrounding the delay. With these actions, you can navigate shipping delays on Amazon with confidence.