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'I'm home' note that Australia Post completely ignored—and why it happens more than you think

Gian T
By Gian T
  • Replies 1
Offtopic / Everything else

'I'm home' note that Australia Post completely ignored—and why it happens more than you think

1760409341954.png 'I'm home' note that Australia Post completely ignored—and why it happens more than you think
A clear message left for delivery drivers was still ignored, leaving frustration behind. Credit: Reddit

You know that sinking feeling when you've been waiting all day for an important delivery, only to find a 'Sorry, we missed you' card stuffed in your letterbox? Well, one frustrated homeowner decided he'd had enough and took matters into his own hands with a bold solution that backfired spectacularly.



The fed-up resident posted a handwritten note on his letterbox in large, clear letters: 'Aus Post, I am home!'



He even added helpful instructions: 'I can help with my package if needed as it is heavy. Please feel free to knock and ask!'



His social media post explained the desperation behind his creative approach: 'Very expensive and large package coming today. Ain't no way I'm driving to the airport to pick it up because of my area's driver! He loves to just put in the 'we missed you' note and speed off, and that's if he even finds the motivation to leave a note at all!'



The predictable (and infuriating) result



Despite his clear sign and obvious presence at home, the outcome was exactly what many commenters predicted. Just one hour after his confident post, he shared an update photo: a parcel collection slip sitting inside his clearly marked letterbox.





The Reddit community's response was a mix of dark humour and shared frustration. 'They 100 per cent did this out of spite,' joked one commenter.



nother cynically suggested: '$20 says it was not even in his van because it was heavy.'



But this single incident represents a much bigger problem that's plaguing households across Australia.










'He loves to just put in the 'we missed you' note and speed off'

social media user describing their Australia Post delivery experience



What Australia Post policy actually requires



Here's what makes this story particularly galling: Australia Post drivers are officially required to knock at the door three times and call out before leaving a card or safe-dropping a parcel. This isn't a suggestion—it's company policy.



Stephen Shergold created a Facebook group dedicated to complaints about Australia Post after experiencing multiple missed deliveries while he was at home.



His experience mirrors thousands of others who've found themselves victims of the dreaded non-delivery despite being clearly present.



When missed deliveries are legitimate (and when they're not)



Before we get too angry at all posties, it's worth understanding that there are legitimate safety reasons why drivers sometimes can't knock on your door.



If there's an unleashed dog behind a front gate, posties aren't required to knock. Similarly, they'll leave a card if a property has a high entry gate they can't see over or open.









It's also policy for posties to ensure their bikes are always in their sight, so if a front door requires them to leave it alone, they'll just leave a card in the letterbox.



However, none of these legitimate reasons applied to our social media poster's situation, making the ignored note all the more frustrating.



The 'roadside delivery' loophole you need to know about



Here's something many Australians don't realise: your address might be classified in a way that affects how deliveries work.



Some addresses are noted as 'roadside delivery,' which means drivers will attempt delivery to the letterbox, but if it doesn't fit there, they're not obligated to deliver it to the door.










Understanding your delivery classification



  • Street delivery addresses should get door attempts for signature items

  • Roadside delivery addresses may only get letterbox attempts

  • Individual posties have discretion in roadside delivery areas

  • This explains why delivery service can be inconsistent




This classification system explains why sometimes parcels arrive at your door, while other times customers find themselves frustrated after waiting all day only to discover a collection card.



Australia Post's latest response to complaints



Recognising the scale of customer frustration, Australia Post introduced a photo evidence system in May 2024, where drivers capture images to prove they attempted delivery when nobody was home.



These photos are available in the AusPost app when they can match the parcel to your MyPost account.



Importantly, this change doesn't alter the delivery process—posties and drivers are still required to knock three times.










New photo evidence system


From May 2024, Australia Post captures images of attempted parcel deliveries


Photos are available through the AusPost app when linked to your MyPost account


The system aims to provide proof of genuine delivery attempts


Drivers must still follow the three-knock policy




What you can actually do about persistent missed deliveries



If you're experiencing repeated issues like our friend, you're not powerless. Australia Post wants to investigate cases where drivers aren't following proper procedures and encourages customers to leave feedback or make complaints.



For persistent problems, consider these practical alternatives:





  • Set up delivery to a 24/7 Parcel Locker or direct to a Post Office near your home or work
  • Register a MyPost account for better tracking and notifications
  • If Australia Post's response is unsatisfactory, contact the Postal Industry Ombudsman



The bigger picture



Australia Post acknowledges it's not the only parcel delivery service facing non-delivery complaints, suggesting this is an industry-wide challenge as online shopping continues to boom.









Most late parcels arrive within 5 business days of their expected delivery date, but for time-sensitive or valuable items, that's often not good enough.



Did you know?


Did you know?
According to Australia Post policy documents, driver wait time shouldn't exceed 5 minutes—but this applies to accessible deliveries, not when drivers skip the knocking altogether.



The social media poster's experience might seem like an isolated case of postal rebellion, but it's actually part of a much larger pattern affecting households nationwide. While there are legitimate safety reasons for some missed deliveries, cases where drivers ignore clear evidence of occupancy highlight ongoing issues with delivery service standards.



The good news is that customers do have recourse, and Australia Post has introduced new measures to address these problems. The bad news? You might still want to keep that chair by the window, just in case.



Have you had similar frustrating experiences with missed deliveries? What creative solutions have you tried to ensure your parcels actually make it to your door? Share your delivery horror stories and success tips in the comments below.



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It boggles my mind when we find notices in the box, and KNOW we were home and awake. No knock, no nothing. We did have one that left a note saying he wasn't comfortable leaving our parcel on the doorstep because people in the apartments across the street were watchimg him closely.

Now WHY he could't knock is beyond *sigh*
 
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