Ready for a Change

After having my last three online purchases result in ridiculous, run-around experiences with delivery, I had a bit of an epiphany: why are our current delivery options so last century?

Think about it: you place an order online, and as soon as you hit the "purchase" button, your choices are now over. From here on out, the company decides how and when you'll get, or possibly not get, what you just spent your hard-earned money on. They pick if they'll use Fedex, UPS, or possibly even USPS. They pick whether or not they'll require a signature. They pick whether they're comfortable leaving the package on your front porch or at your door, or if they have to give it to you directly. And they pick how much they think is enough effort on their part to get it to you.

The last three times I've ordered online, I experienced issues ranging from irritating to completely inexcusable. First, I had Fedex completely ignore the signature I left, telling them that I wanted them to just leave my package at my front door - I then had to call them and explain it so that I could get my delivery. Second, I had Fedex flat out refuse to leave my package without getting a signature from me, even though they would only deliver during the hours that I was at work. I called the deliverer, had a conference call with them and Fedex, and made Fedex agree to deliver the package without a signature. They ignored it though again, and I missed it again because I was at work, so I had to travel to the warehouse (not located near public transit, and I don't have a car) to pick it up (and they would only keep it for five days!) Finally, I had UPS claim to drop off a package, at the front door to my apartment complex - which means on the street, and I live in NYC! - and of course when I came home, it was gone. The most frustrating part was that it was from Gilt Groupe, which means I lost out an a killer dress at an even better price, and I can't have them send it again. Ugh.

The point of this incredibly long rant is this: why aren't we allowed to choose how and when our online purchases are delivered to us? FreshDirect is light years ahead of the pack here, allowing users to choose a two-hour time frame, even late into the evening, when they'll be home to receive their order. Why can't I get this same deal from every company I order from? I can tell you this - if a store was able to offer me this option, I would be much more willing to throw my considerable business there way!