Delivery delays ignite online backlash after social media explodes in popularity

There's nothing quite like the frustration of waiting at home all day for a parcel, only to find a 'Sorry we missed you' card in your letterbox—especially when you never heard so much as a footstep on your front path.

This age-old postal predicament has found a new voice on social media, where one fed-up Australian woman decided to call out Australia Post in spectacular fashion.

The content creator's approach was beautifully simple: she left a note saying 'I am home, please knock' and filmed the aftermath when she inevitably received the dreaded 'attempted delivery' text anyway. Her caption said it all: 'Your move, Australia Post.'

The trend that's striking a nerve

While social media might seem like foreign territory if you're not familiar with social media trends, this particular story resonates because it highlights something many of us have experienced.

Social media users often create content that calls out poor service or frustrating experiences, and this delivery debacle has touched a nerve with thousands of Australians.

The video format is part of what's called a 'clap back' trend—essentially using social media to publicly respond to poor service or treatment. What makes this particular case interesting is how it's sparked a broader conversation about Australia Post's delivery practices.

The bigger picture: widespread delivery woes

This viral moment isn't an isolated incident. Australia Post currently holds a concerning 1.7 out of 5 stars from 15,277 genuine reviews on ProductReview.com.au, suggesting that delivery frustrations are far more common than they should be.

The complaints follow a depressingly familiar pattern. Customers report being at home while 'the driver does not even bother to knock to check if I am home. He places card in post box and drives off'. Sound familiar?

One particularly exasperated reviewer summed up the frustration many feel: they've 'made numerous complaints to Australia Post, but, to date, ABSOLUTE ZERO HAS BEEN DONE'.

What are your rights as a customer?

The good news is that you're not powerless when facing delivery issues. Australia Post has formal complaint procedures, and there are escalation options if you're not satisfied with their response.

Express Post guarantees and compensation

If you've paid extra for Express Post service, you have additional rights. For Express Post items, Australia Post commits to complying with the next day delivery guarantee. If they don't deliver your Express Post item in line with this guarantee, they will refund the cost of posting your parcel as compensation.

However, for regular postal services, Australia Post does not guarantee specific day delivery, only delivery within a reasonable timeframe. This is worth keeping in mind when planning important deliveries.

Beware of delivery-related scams

While dealing with legitimate Australia Post issues, it's crucial to stay alert for scams. Scammers often use SMS messages that lure you into clicking on links to resolve delivery issues or pay delivery fees. These links lead to fake Australia Post websites designed to steal your personal and financial details.

To receive delivery updates directly from Australia Post—and not scammers—download the AusPost app and enable notifications.

Tips for better delivery experiences

While we can't fix Australia Post's service issues overnight, there are some strategies that might improve your chances of successful delivery:

Be specific with delivery instructions: Use your MyPost account to provide detailed delivery preferences, including safe drop locations if you're comfortable with that option.

Consider parcel lockers: Australia Post's parcel locker network allows you to collect packages at your convenience, eliminating the guesswork of home delivery timing.

Track actively: Use the AusPost app to monitor your parcel's progress and get realistic delivery windows.

Build a relationship: If you have a regular postie, a friendly chat can go a long way towards better service.

The human side of the story

While it's easy to get caught up in the frustration, it's worth remembering that postal workers face their own challenges. Some social media users were quick to defend their local posties, sharing stories of delivery staff going above and beyond.

'I wasn't home for my delivery and he jumped our fence to deliver it. Gotta respect him for the effort,' shared one commenter, while another praised their postie for being persistent: 'I love my posty, I was just having a nap and she borderline banged the door down so I could come sign for it.'

Current service disruptions

It's worth noting that Australia Post is currently dealing with some significant operational changes. Due to recently announced changes to import tariffs for postal items sent to the US, Australia Post has temporarily suspended some postal services to these destinations, effective 26 August 2025. Letters and documents with no commercial value, and gifts valued under US$100, are not affected.

This kind of disruption can have flow-on effects to domestic services as resources are redirected and systems adjusted.

Your experiences matter

The social media video and the thousands of comments it generated show that individual experiences, when shared, can shine a light on systemic issues. While one person's frustration might seem insignificant, collectively these stories create pressure for better service standards.

Australia Post has acknowledged the original complaint, stating they're 'keen to look into this matter further' and encouraging customers to contact them directly. Whether this leads to meaningful change remains to be seen, but public accountability through platforms like TikTok certainly puts service issues in the spotlight.

What's your experience been like with Australia Post deliveries? Have you ever been home when they claimed to attempt delivery, or do you have a postie who goes above and beyond? We'd love to hear your stories—both the frustrating ones and the surprisingly good ones—in the comments below.