Ordering a bulky item in the USA

score:7

Accepted answer

It very much depends on the carrier (US Postal Service, FedEx, United Parcel Service/UPS), any instructions by the purchaser/sender (leave at the door, get a signature), and the location layout (outside steps/porch, lobby mailbox, inside foyer door).

Most online vendors offer multiple shipping options, and costs, so that you can figure out when an order will be delivered, and by what carrier. Should it be the postal service, you can let your post-person know, leave a note, or tell them you'd prefer to pick it up at the post office if you're not there. UPS has the infamous ring-and-run, hitting the doorbell, dropping the package at the door, and dashing off before you can respond. It can be the least preferable, if your delivery point is not in a safe location (front steps of home on a city street).

And, quite often, neighbors can be asked to take in large packages, and are happy to do so. If a notice is left at the door, you'd have to make your way to the carrier location (post office, UPS depot, etc.).

Upvote:2

It comes down to how the package was sent--and that is likely based on their experience with your neighborhood or your address.

Amazon sends me stuff without a signature being required (I haven't heard of any packages going missing in our neighborhood and Amazon once shipped a cancelled order that sat outside for 10 days untouched) and it makes no difference what the size is.

I have found a bundle of garden stakes taller than my wife leaning next to the door and I have found a collection of boxes that added up to something like 20 ft^3 stacked in the same place. Smaller stuff is generally placed in a position with less visibility (but more open to the weather, not that that is a big factor here).

There are neighborhoods in which I'm sure Amazon would not do that, though. Other than asking the host I have no idea how you would know how it's going to ship.

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