Portugal Forum

Aleo
Joined 2019
Posts: 38

4 years ago

Problems with package delivery

4 years ago

Hello.

Looking for an advice from the collective wisdom of this forum :)

During the eight months I lived at my address in the middle of Portimao in Algarve, almost every time I order something online, I am having problems getting my package, The problems come in two flavours:

1. The delivery drivers don't attempt to deliver and do not attempt to call - they simply mark "non-existing address" or "nobody's home". Also, they never notify when they are going to come, so waiting them all day is a pain in the neck.

2. My street name is very long (33 letters) plus the building number and the apartment number. As a result, all delivery systems have my address truncated, and, of course, the drivers cannot deliver to an incomplete address. And more often then not, they do not call to clarify, and simply decline to deliver. I am hesitant to abbreviate the street name, because I am not sure how far I can go before my abbreviation becomes ineligible.

The problem is amplified by the awful customer service in the courier companies,

Are there any known solutions for this problem? For example, is it possible to hire a "mailbox" in some business, which will be reliably receiving my packages, which I'll be picking up at my convenience? Ideally, something automated, like Amazon Lockers in other countries. Does CTT offer an in-store post office box where I can direct my mail and pick it up?

Now I am starting to understand why online shopping is not popular in countries like Portugal or Spain. With that many problems receiving your stuff, it is easier to go to a local store even though it will be way more expensive and have poorer inventory :(

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