Australia Post Driver Giving Us a Hard Time. Help!

Hi,

Around mid last year, this delivery lady started leaving parcels in front of our door some which required signature. After one of them went missing (about 2 months ago), i made a complaint to Australia Post Office about her. Ever since, she has not tried to deliver any parcel but instead leaves the post card in our mail box. Having to go to Australia Post every day to collect our parcel really started bugging me as my family members order quite a bit. So last night i decided i will wait tomorrow morning (today) and confront her.

This morning at 7:30, i was waiting in my room and i saw her do the exact same thing (i.e leave a card in my mail box). I went outside and asked her why she isn't trying to deliver any of our parcels. She replied with 'because you made a complaint about me'. I told her the situation and why i did but she was very stubborn and rude. She continued to repeat the same thing and told me i would have to collect it from the post office. What pissed me off more was the fact she had our large parcels in her van but she refused to pass them. Anyhow, i just told her ok that's fine.

After she left, i waited until 8am and made another complaint about her to Australia Post on their complaints and feedback number.

She's been rude ever since she has been delivering to our house. She would pass parcels to my mum and wife in a rude manner but i just let it slide for over a year. I'm really sick of her now and i think enough is enough.

I'd really like some advice as to what more i can do or if anyone else has been in this situation.

Thanks in advance!

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Comments

      • head office has moved to melbourne cbd…

    • +2

      DO NOT FOLLOW THIS FOR THE GOOD OF BOTH DOG AND OWNER, EVER:

      https://www.lawanswers.com.au/blog/dog-attacks-consequences-…

      In most jurisdictions if your dog bites the postie you can get sued for it and dog may be taken by council or put down.

      • +2

        I think it is pretty clear that it was a joke, but in case anyone else is stupid enough to do something so idiotic for real a warning isn't out of line.

        • +1

          I'm a dog person =P

  • +20

    Not all post contractors are terrible. I love my postie lady, she's actually really ace and does a really good job and gone beyond the call of duty. Guess I'm lucky.

    • so nice to read a positive mail-related story. thanks sparkles.

      • +1

        Lol you should read Harry potter. It's story which is 1000 times better

        • +2

          Their posties are owls!!!!!!111

    • +1

      It must be my area, but the majority of contractors in this area are great. You get the occasional one who doesn't attempt to deliver but they're in the minority. They do seem to churn through them here though. They don't seem to last long here.

    • Got a good postie in Hornsby area as well. I've been lucky all my parcels have been delivered without any issues. He did sometimes leaves it at my front door.

      Although I heard from a neighbour they lost a parcel, apparently same circumstances as OP. :-(

    • Mines pretty awesome too, this older asian gentleman delivers my parcels.

      Does so many runs for me now he knows where to put my parcel so it's out of sight when I'm not home.

    • Nice to read, but be sure to let Aus Post know as well.

      • +2

        I have a fantastic one as well. I try to give him a xmas pressie every year. He even offered to carry heavy parcels upstairs when I was pregnant, so I didnt have to wait til hubby got home.

  • +1

    I might be going the opposite to most suggestions made here… But give her a bottle of drink (or some token of appreciation) and thank her for delivering the item. Despite the rudeness.

    If she's a normal person.. she might re-think about her behaviour and change. If not, then you're dealing with a stubborn pr*ck and I recommend you take it higher!

    • +7

      give her a bottle of drink (or some token of appreciation) and thank her for delivering the item

      OP's problem is that she's NOT delivering anything, so there's nothing to thank her for.

      • +3

        But trying to reset the relationship into something positive might actually be easier and make op feel better. Could be 'thanks in advance' for doing a good job from now on.

        [Being nice gets you places, complaining your way through life just gets you down]

      • +5

        That's the point. Its normal to thank someone for good job done. It's not normal when you thank someone for doing jack sh*t. And this creates psychological impact.. it gets them thinking about it because its not normal.

        A good person will respond positively. A bad person will simply take it for granted. Then you know exactly what type of person you're dealing with.

  • +5

    Use a Parcel Locker. You can set up a number of different addresses, depending on what is convenient to you. You get an email/SMS when the item has arrived. You can go and collect it anytime you like (ie, don't have to wait for the post office to be open, or wait in line)
    http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/parcel-lockers.html

    I understand the frustration, but AusPost is cutting more and more services. I suspect this will be the norm in the not to distant future.

  • +4

    Wait you mean this isn't normal service from Auspost?

    I dare say they pull this shit all over Aus.

    Anyway, I'd keep complaining, start recording them if you can.

    Maybe go to Auspost facebook page and publicly shame the postie?

  • +8

    i'm sorry but after reading this i can't get that episode of Seinfeld out of my head

    Newman 'when you control the mail…….'

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg_4z2adv6Q

  • +5

    I had a similar issue with the parcel delivery from Auspost. Complained online and at the post office. The post office lady I spoke to, was very nice and said she would talk to the postie delivering the parcel. A week later we started getting knocks on the door.
    We installed one of these mailbox with parcel chute. Spoke to the delivery guy one day and told him I was happy for him to drop the parcels in the chute if we were not home. We've been on good terms ever since.
    It can work. Don't despair.

  • +1

    Thanks guys, really appreciate the help.

  • +2

    A few years back I noticed I kept getting carded even when people were home to accept parcels. Submitted a complaint through auspost website, got a prompt reply back and the problem stopped shortly after. Pretty good!

  • +2

    If you know of people that live nearby who have similar issues from the same postie then get them to complain too.

  • I had a similar problem although my passport was left in my mailbox, anyone could of grabbed it but luckily didn't.. Not many people go through random letter boxes(and get away with it) I emailed auspost to get a hopeless customer service person reply once and then ignored my email.. Auspost is horrendous to work with I think

  • +1

    Next time she turns up give her a bunch of flowers and try to bury the hatchet. At least you can say that you've tried everything.

    • +8

      Also give her a hatchet to bury

    • +2

      Again this is rewarding her for bad behaviour so she thinks what she is doing is acceptable.

    • Turn the other cheek. Then you can have matching bruises.

    • Bury it deep.

  • -4

    If you have a regular contractor why didnt you just speak with them face to face about it.

    • +2

      Er… op did speak to the delivery person face to face.

    • +1

      You really have to learn to read properly.

    • Before making a complaint to the post office. No point getting her in trouble then trying to talk to her.

  • +1

    maybe have a chat with her and see how this problem can be solved, that it's in nobody's interest to waste time and effort with filing complaints, but you need your parcels.

    Even apologise (it's just a few words) if it will get you what you want, offer a cup of coffee.

    Then again some people aren't reasonable, but it may avoid the stress of dealing with paperwork and not getting parcels for a while

  • Video record her doing it several times and send it to Auspost HQ, ATT: CEO…

  • I understand your situation as I was in the same boat (postman keeps delivering other people's mails to my address, placed a complaint and suddenly half my mails went missing). After I moved I learned my lesson and never try to complain about my local postman ever again no matter how incompetent they are, it is just not worth the trouble. There is a reason they have the term "going postal" you know :).

    • +5

      If you don't complain don't be surprised when things keep getting worse.

      You need to complain and follow up with more complaints until it's sorted, not give up and recommend to all that we behave like doormats.

  • -5

    Eat my shorts

  • Had similar issues with my parcel guy. For some reason, he'd NEVER deliver parcels to us but instead, he'd leave the sorry we missed you card. My house isn't even in an apartment or a flat, it's a townhouse literally 10 seconds walk from the street. After 2 complaints to Australia Post, we've been getting our parcels delivered :) I think they got a new courier contractor.

  • -4

    Board of nails hidden outsode your house, right where the van parks. Really has no option but to deliver if they are stuck there. While they are stuck, whip out the super glue and give it a good squeeze into all keyholes on the van when they are not looking, including the ignition if you get the chance. Make sure you arent seen so you can deny, deny, deny.

    Then install a hidden camera for the inevtiable retribution ,which will result in their termination

    When the new contractor starts, be sure to go to the effort to make friends with them

    • +3

      aka the 'nuclear option'.

  • -2

    Keep at it, there maybe a solution where everybody concerned is going to be sorted, and the delivery issue sorted, just like our mail….sorted.

    But, oh there is always a but….we are in a complex and 3rd unit approx 70m, from the car park, with a complex multi letterbox unit placement in carpark.
    We don't get parcels delivered for 2-3 yrs, because…wait for it.. "the driver can't see vehicle from your front door".

    I kid you not, after the please help calls I made, compliants on the phone, in person to PO, calls to delivery centre staff,and eventually A/Post web site. In the end, with a reference number and a approx 7 week wait I received an answer, in my email. With the contractor being away from the vehicle, security issues arise and parcels could be stolen, as he/she could not see the vehicle. I argue, it is a delivery service, paid door to door delivery, and that would be the case in about 50% of all homes with trees, and side doors etc. Why doesn't the vehicle not have door locks, or an alarm, and or I could attack the door on the other side out of their view anyhow, so I do not understand the rule?

    They stated is was an Australia Post regulation, end of story, now go away.

    Mind you, the mail box contractor is not much better either, as when I was standing right beside him, and asked for my mail as he was machine like depositing mail into boxes, he said, he MUST put it in the box, Australia Post rules, and not into my hand.

    I also then stated, oh, I see the sign says "No Junk Mail" so please do not put 'that' other junk in my box, but he also states, "Australia Post Rules" Political and Election promotional material is not junk mail and it is going into my box.

    Which he did, which I promptly removed, but I am sure he was getting agitated as I tried to give it back to him, and boy did he swear when I dropped it back into his vehicle, exactly on the pile he was getting them from.

    So, it is maybe high time we threatened to start our own Postal System, which may push a response of better service, or at least have better accountability, clarity and resolution for all the dept's and customers concerned.

    Ever tried to buy a stamp at the PO? I do a few times a year, but I have to wait half a hour for all the other NON post office business customers first, so just to add another issue/resolution, how about a dedicated Mail/Parcel "only' express lane, in every Post Office.

    Breath, in….out….in….out, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ….10. Done, all good, now get back to work.

    • +5

      I can feel your frustration. I know a thing or two about Post and I can say the person delivering your mail is a postal employee and not contractor. Also what he did he correct procedure. He cannot hand mail to any body, his job is to put mail in the right box (i know some of them put in the wrong box lol). Whoever has the keys to the mail box gets it. Why is this you may ask? Let's say you know the local postie a long time. Then you rent out your property. Then you stand at the mail box everyday asking him to hand you the mail. What is he suppose to do?

      This also applies to situation where you go to a postbox and a postie is emptying the box. You cannot legally give him the mail to his hand. If he is nice, he let you drop the mail into the bag. Why? Because if the mail go missing, you can blame the guy and legally press charge against him.

      Also, when you are on your way to post a small 500g satchel that will fit in the red box. You walk past a red van, postie is about to go clear that same box you are lodging that 500g satchel. You ask him if you can put it in the van instead. He has all the rights to refuse for the same reason above.

      I know a lot of thing feels like common sense, giving it to the postie or putting in box, postie giving you the mail or putting it in the box, same thing. Well, there is strict rules and regulations, mainly because it is a government owned and government people like to blame as much as they can. If you follow the rules, you are less likely to get sued or blamed on, simple as that.

  • Oh no… I made a complaint about my local postie not even providing an attempted delivery card. Now I fear there will be missing parcels for ones that don't have tracking.

  • -6

    Australia Post Driver Giving Us a Hard Time. Help!

    A hard time? We don't even get deliveries here at all.. Also consider this, maybe she is fearful of unemployment and that is why she is being rude.. just a thought.

    • +5

      When there is a service being offered, it should be proper. We aren't living in some third world country.

      Shouldn't she be polite and show better manners if she is fearful of unemployment? I worked in this industry and i know they give contractors a hard time if there are complaints constantly.

      • -5

        Yes I agree, she should do her job properly. I wonder if it is an accepted norm for postal workers to leave signature parcels at front door. I know it has happened to me in the past on occasions. Consider this though people are people and she could be very upset about the complaint… who knows what management said about it to her? Your 1st world inconvenience might be very precious to you but consider the negative impact of this woman losing her job.

        • +4

          Consider the positive impact when someone who gives a damn takes over her job. Even better if this new person performs their job with integrity and respect for their customers who ultimately pay their wages.

        • @jg86tsv: Point is management might actually require staff to leave parcels if they can get away with it. Did I not make that clear?

      • -1

        Sorry only just caught your edit. Yes she should have better manners if fearful of unemployment but that doesn't trump the fear of not doing the job as per manager requirements. Like a waitress that isn't visiting the table very often because the manager requires her to do other jobs in between or help with deserts…. Anyway maybe she is just rude lol don't know just thought I would throw in a different perspective.

  • +3

    I'd just keep complaining until she delivers your parcels again, our local driver was always leaving cards for us and not attempting delivery until I made a couple complaints and now suddenly it's all changed for the better. To be fair though until the last 12 months we were not often home to receive the parcels and perhaps he assumed this was still the case.

    I find it outstanding that she actually admitted that she isn't delivering parcels due to your complaint; I would certainly mention this to Auspost.

    • Problem of complaining is you don't know what you are up against. A reasonable person will listen but someone like the postie here will take offence and commit revengeful acts.

  • Keep complaining. Stupid cow needs to realise that her negligence is costing us money.

  • +1

    PAKMAN Parcel Box from Bunnings
    all problems solved.

    • +1

      Unless you live in an apartment; Australia Post Parcel Locker is a good and free alternative.

      • didnt see OP mention he lives in an apartment.
        yes, aus post locker is good, but defeats the purpose of having parcels "delivered to your house"

  • +4

    I had a similar problem with the postie leaving cards in the letter box rather than walking up the relatively steep drive. I resolved it by telephoning the Post Office and telling them I saw him leave the card but am unable to get to pick it up due to an injury (house bound). Would they please redeliver.

    Next day … card in letterbox again. So I called again. Next day, he came and personally delivered it … I pretended to have difficult walking .. bit my tongue and thanked him profusely. Future parcels were delivered as they always should have been.

    A different person is on the route now so maybe others complained and he was replaced. As far as I know, parcel deliverers are usually self employed contractors so maybe he lost the contract.

  • +10

    She is an awful person, she should be fired and leave the job to someone who can do it properly.

  • +5

    A few good suggestions…

    Agree with getting a parcel locker. I have one at my local 7-11.

    You could get a IP Camera and confront her again and record the entire thing.

    However it doesn't matter what you do Australia Post are a bunch of useless c***s.

    Why the CEO is on such a large salary is beoyond me.

    I order a lot online and They do exactly the same thing at my house. I complained to whoever they told me to complain to and never heard back. Sometimes they deliver to my door and sometimes they don't.

    They especially struggle with intercoms. I try and track the package and leave my front gate open so it's obvious I'm at home.

    No wonder the postage price keeps going up they go broke unless something changes. I've started selecting other companies and paying up to $15 more just because I know they will at least bother to ring my god damn door bell.

    • +1

      i would love to pick another company to delivery the order if they do their job properly. I used to buy heaps of clothing online, where they use DHL, now UPS and it amazed me all the time when they always deliver the parcels on time with a proper tracking number. too bad we dont have a lot of options here in australia, only auspost standard shipping for like 10 bucks or sometimes more for big order.

      • -1

        Same with me I order clothes online and my orders are delivered by DHL. In fact the delivery time from London to Melbourne via DHL was the quicker than Melbourne to Sydney by Australia post.

        Other companies need to open local branches so us (Australians ) can force Australia post out of business. Basically the same as what uber is doing to taxis

        It's much more expensive to use another company if you are selling something on eBay for example.

        • +3

          Why would you want Australians to force Australia Post out of business? That will be 36,000 Australian jobs gone in a flash!

          Just because someone has a bad experience doesn't mean every single person does. There are a lot of people commenting on this thread that actually receive great service. Lets stop generalising so much.

          If smaller companies open that don't have a big enough network, then everyone will be angry that their parcel cant go to a certain place coz they don't deliver there or there will be a delay and all of a sudden we won't like them either. With such large volumes going through, there's going to be complaints and issues along the way.

        • +1

          This is what i have been commenting. The drivers for these companies ie Toll, UPS, DHL, are paid correctly and not under pressure to deliver a stupid amount of parcels hence they have the time to correctly attempt all deliveries.

          AusPost drivers are paid peanuts and expected to deliver around 250 parcels a day taking home $1200 max.

          You get what you pay for.

          Where possible buy from a online retailer that offers AusPost alternatives for delivery.

        • +2

          @xconcepx: you usually don't even have option to select another alternative. I've had to pay up to $50 for delivery and they still don't bother to attempt delivery.

        • @knick007:the contractor only get $1 for each parcel delivered according to a guy i know who does this.

        • @knick007:

          Totally understand, hence my advice to buy from a retailer that hand selects their delivery partners rather than relying on AusPost. Understandably some items aren't available from retailers that offer shipping choices but where possible use those that do.

        • @love2buy:

          Hes on a good rate at $1 a piece. Most are on less than $1 a parcel.

        • And people have to remember, these delivery drivers don't actually work for Aus Post, so they don't care. A lot of them are contractors, and a lot of delivery companies use contractors so you may get the same issue across the board if you're one of the unlucky ones

  • +1

    Personally I think that you should persist in the complaint process. Keep a log of all the occurrences including the discussions you've had. Even if the postie is a contractor, she's still bound by the code of conduct and values that Auspost operates under. I'd point them back to their own mission statement as well (http://auspost.com.au/about-us/vision-and-mission.html). They're not exactly meeting the customer's needs in this case and if the postie is treating you like this then it's likely a reoccurring pattern of behavior.

  • I noticed that the lady posties usually leaves the cards more than the guys posties do. I used to live in a townhouse and the lady postie working there just left cards and deposited into the mailboxes although there was no gate.

  • I think you should contact Current Affair and get them to do a report there. Show all your evident and I am sure you will get a new postie soon. :)

    • +4

      If things don't improve by next week, i plan on recording my next conversation with her.

      I say next week because Australia Post told me they have launched an investigation as to why she is refusing to deliver our parcels and they would get back to me by the end of this week.

      • Make sure Friday afternoon at 4:30pm if they haven't contacted you then call them.

        Try and get the Aus Post agent to email you after you have spoken to them so you have a running record of what is going on.

        • Yeah, will do.

          Ty

        • @sulmar:

          Really keen to hear the results but i already know crap all is going to happen. If they bother doing anything itll just be switching two drivers around so on face value it appears they have acted and you have a new driver, whilst other driver just does a different area.

  • +1

    Before you do anything I think you need to get security cameras installed. If you talk to her directly and/or complain to AusPost this will come in handy. She knows where you live and if her initial reaction to original complaints was to act like a bigger douche then who knows what she will do if escalated complaints result in more serious consequences for her.

    What do you mean by "in a rude manner"? Would help explaining more here since you will need to find the right words if you decide to do a formal written complaint anyway. For example if your family is feeling intimidated, bullied or threatened then her employers will take things seriously.

    You should try and talk to her first if you feel brave enough. Talking about bullying gets peoples attention and she may tone down when you make it clear how serious the situation is. Its surprisingly how many people just assume others have a think skin and them being rude is just sending a message and not causing distress.

  • +1

    Well today she left a card in front of our door instead of the mail box. A little improvement?

    I really don't understand why she is so butt hurt from just one complaint though… I mean i can't be the first person to have complained about her?

    • +1

      I'd say that sounds more like a deterioration.

      Where is the card more likely to disappear from - your mail box outside your door?

    • +1

      Lol, now she is taking the piss. Instead of leaving the card in the letter box for reasons of saving time she is walking to your front door and leaving a card.

      • Most probably because she has been told she can't leave the card in the mail box. Contractors are told to leave the card at the front door in a safe place, well atleast was like that a few years ago.

        • +1

          That has never happened at both my work and home. They are always dropped in my letter box where they are relatively secure.

    • Yeah this is worse!

      She has the package, but brings a card to your door?

      Camera(s). Set to record on movement detection. Be sure to test properly beforehand.
      Submit footage online and at local PO with relevant forms. Time to nail this b!tch to the wall.

    • thinking of suing auspost perhaps, too much hassle for you already dont you think

      • For anyone that hasnt been to court it is very expensive and end result is nothing will come of it for this particular situation. Driver will just be moved to another area.

    • How about write her a card and stick it on the outside of the box saying how sorry you are for complaining. It will go against your ego but worth a try.

  • +2

    that's exactly happened with all of my parcels delivered by Auspost. imagine you got up at 6.30 in the morning to wait for the delivery and you waited, waited the whole day only to find out they left a pick up note in the mail box at 10.30
    It happened like 10 times with me this year since my wife did a lot of online shopping this year and they all seem to have Auspost as a standard 9.99 delivery
    I can assure you all that they didn't attempt to delivery, which is unfair for us as we pay $10 shipping cost.

    • -2

      $10 is not enough to pay everyone involved in your delivery. Driver would have got paid about 70c.

      Yes i understand its got nothing to do with you but the reality of the situation is that they get paid peanuts and theres a more demand for drivers than drivers themself. Until you can fix thay situation nothing will change.

      • How is that the OP's problem? Should he opt to donate more money for shipping so the postie get's paid more?

        • Its not the OPs problem, hence i said unless the whole situation changes, nothing will change.

          I never said it was the OPs fault and was just explaining the situation for peoples understanding. Whether or not you agree is a completely different topic of conversation.

      • Why do you mean $10 is not enough to cover the shipping cost? I buy clothing online from europe they give me fast/free international shipping for over $100! We are here instead still pay $10 for delivery no matter the price is sometimes. Speaking from a consumer side Auspost obviously didnt do their job properly while expecting us sympathize and money

        • Thats because they're on a smarter business plan where they've already factored your shipping costs into the purchase. Everyone has to pay for shipping, they've just been smart about the way they disguised it.

  • -2

    Heres the thing. Every complaint you make gets chucked down to her and she actually does what they say. Just keep complaining until you mold the perfect postie.

    • You're dillusional if you think thats the case. See my other comments as to why this is the worse thing you can possibly do.

    • -1

      Guess you didn't see the sarcasm in the post.

  • Next time record her on your camera. Most people become nice in front of camera even if they're not you have sold proof to complain and took it further

  • Bro I have the same shit here, I live in an apartment.
    I understand it's a b*tch to call the lift and come up and deliver, but all my parcels are dropped off at the post office with a card left "WE MISSED YOU!"

    • +1

      Thats what happens when you live in an apartment. Imagine you get paid the same rate per parcel. Than are expected to do 250 a day. In the time you do one for a unit you could have done 5 houses. On top of that, most people who live in units are too lazy to come down and expect the driver to find them. Not so hard in older style units but newer complexes can be a maze with multiple buildings. People living in units don't pay any more than people in houses for a parcel delivery yet it is much more time consuming and an absolute headache especially when theres multiple parcels for same complex. You cant seriously expect the driver to buzz a unit, go in deliver, come out and buzz another unit, deliver than repeat til all the parcels for that complex are done. Too big a waste of time. You want reliable service, either move to a house or units with a active concierge.

      Thats the reality of the situation regardless of whether you agree or like my comments.

      • Im a part time delivery driver and you are spot on. You forgot to mention that usually theres no where to park to do the delivery. Even if you find a park owners may not be home after rocking up to the front door which may mean carrying to the top of a hill. If the buzzer does't work then you are faced with the trouble of calling headoffice to contact customer. Chances are customer not pick up phone so a non delivery and 15min to 20 min wasted for what, a dollar? People have to understand not an easy job and please be grateful whenever you see them working. Rain hail or shine much more exposed to elements than most.

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