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Handling Customer Delivery Complaints

3 min read

(Shipping & Delivery for Sellers)

Delivery complaints are part of online selling — what matters is how you handle them.
A calm, professional response protects your store reputation and prevents disputes, refunds, or chargebacks — especially when orders are Dispatched by Kingston Express.

This guide explains:

  • Common delivery complaints
  • What to say (and what not to say)
  • Who is responsible based on shipping method
  • When to escalate

Most Common Delivery Complaints #

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Customers usually complain about:

  • Late delivery
  • No tracking updates
  • Failed delivery attempts
  • Wrong address issues
  • “Delivered but not received”
  • Returned to sender

📌 Most complaints are about expectations — not mistakes.


Step 1: Identify the Shipping Method (Always First) #

Before responding, confirm how the order was shipped:

🟦 Dispatched by Kingston Express #

  • Kingston Express manages delivery and follow-ups

🚚 Seller-Managed Delivery or Courier #

  • Seller is responsible for resolution

📌 Your response depends on this.


If the Order Is Dispatched by Kingston Express #

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What Sellers SHOULD Do #

✔ Check the latest order status
✔ Reassure the customer calmly
✔ Explain that delivery is being handled centrally
✔ Escalate only if the delay is unusual

What Sellers Should NOT Do #

❌ Apologize for “messing up” delivery
❌ Blame drivers, couriers, or customs
❌ Promise delivery dates
❌ Offer refunds immediately

📦 Dispatchment complaints are monitored and handled through platform processes.


Best Response Example (Dispatchment) #

“Your order is currently being handled by Kingston Express and is still in transit. Delivery updates are monitored closely, and we’ll notify you if anything changes.”


If the Order Is Seller-Managed #

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What Sellers SHOULD Do #

✔ Acknowledge the concern
✔ Contact the courier or driver
✔ Verify address and availability
✔ Provide an honest update

📞 Fast follow-up reduces escalation.


Best Response Example (Seller-Managed) #

“Thanks for letting us know. We’re checking with the courier now and will update you shortly.”


How to Handle Specific Complaints #


⏱️ “My Order Is Late” #

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✔ Check estimated delivery window
✔ Confirm no failed delivery attempt
✔ Reassure without promising dates


📍 “You Delivered to the Wrong Address” #

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✔ Verify address on order
✔ Check delivery notes
✔ Escalate if dispatchment

📌 Incorrect addresses often cause this issue.


📦 “It Says Delivered but I Didn’t Get It” #

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✔ Ask customer to check household/security
✔ Review delivery confirmation
✔ Escalate to support if unresolved

⚠️ Do not refund immediately.


🔄 “My Order Was Returned” #

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✔ Explain why returns happen
✔ Confirm inspection outcome
✔ Follow refund or resend policy


What Sellers Should NEVER Say #

❌ “This isn’t our problem”
❌ “The courier messed up”
❌ “We’ll refund you now” (without review)
❌ “Guaranteed delivery”

⚠️ These statements increase disputes.


How to De-Escalate Complaints (Best Practices) #

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✔ Stay calm and factual
✔ Use neutral language
✔ Focus on process, not blame
✔ Set realistic expectations

📌 Tone matters more than speed.


When to Escalate to Support #

Contact **Kingston Express Support if:

  • A dispatchment order is delayed unusually
  • Tracking looks incorrect
  • “Delivered but not received” cannot be resolved
  • A complaint is escalating

📧 Include order ID and issue summary.


How to Prevent Future Complaints #

✔ Use Dispatched by Kingston Express for eligible products
✔ Encourage complete addresses & phone numbers
✔ Set clear delivery expectations
✔ Avoid overpromising


Final Tip #

Delivery complaints are not personal — they’re procedural.
Sellers who respond professionally, avoid blame, and rely on Dispatched by Kingston Express protect their ratings and keep customers confident 📦🚚

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