Who’s really responsible? Mishandled AusPost package sparks debate online
- Replies 56
When you send a package, you expect it to be handled with care, especially if it's marked as fragile. But for one Australia Post customer, this was far from the case.
Her complaint about a broken package has ignited a fiery debate online, with some blaming the sender for inadequate packaging, while others are appalled by the apparent disregard for the package's fragile status.
The woman took to social media to share her frustration, posting images that showed a soggy Australia Post box marked 'fragile' and the shattered glass item inside.
The contents of the glass item—likely a bottle—had spilled all over the package, creating a wet, messy disaster.
'Australia Post is losing customers due to the inability of distribution people reading labels and being respectful and careful with parcel handling,' the woman wrote.
'Wrapped, packed and labelled clearly on every side that it was fragile, yet they still managed to break the contents.'
She also expressed her dismay with the postal service's response, which she felt lacked accountability.
'Oops they say: “Not our responsibility.” Not good enough. Where's the quality control? Seriously, you need to take accountability, especially with the costs of your service. Truly disgusted and disappointed with the handling of our parcels.'
However, people from the internet were quick to respond, with some blaming the sender for not packaging the item properly.
'Australia Post do not offer a fragile service,' one person wrote.
'The “quality control” is with the sender.'
Others pointed out that automated sorting machines, not humans, handle most packages.
'You have machine sorting freight automatically, not people handling them as much anymore,' a second commented.
'I doubt the sorter machine can read fragile on it.'
‘Wow, putting glass in a bag and posting, what a great idea…not!’ wrote another.
‘Then you complain because it arrived broken? Really?’
There were also those who criticised Australia Post for their lack of care.
'I'm looking at those images and can only think that a pack of animals handled it,' one wrote.
'Honestly, how does a package even end up in that state? It gets to the point that no amount of care by the sender would have protected the contents.'
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for Australia Post said that while 'the vast majority of deliveries made by Australia Post arrive safely', it’s clear that 'something has gone wrong in this instance'.
They urged anyone with delivery concerns to contact them via the AusPost app or by calling 13-POST (7678), and reminded customers to ensure they correctly package their goods to be sent.
‘To help ensure items arrive safely, parcels should be packed in appropriate, sturdy packaging that’s suitable for what’s inside,’ the spokesperson added.
This incident is not the first time Australia Post has come under fire for mishandling packages.
Last year, another customer shared images of his delivery ripped open and taped back together, sparking similar debates online.
While it's unfortunate that the woman's package was damaged, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper packaging.
It's also a wake-up call for postal services to improve their handling of packages and to ensure that their automated systems are as gentle as possible.
What are your thoughts, members? Have you had a similar experience with Australia Post or another postal service? Share your stories in the comments below.
Her complaint about a broken package has ignited a fiery debate online, with some blaming the sender for inadequate packaging, while others are appalled by the apparent disregard for the package's fragile status.
The woman took to social media to share her frustration, posting images that showed a soggy Australia Post box marked 'fragile' and the shattered glass item inside.
The contents of the glass item—likely a bottle—had spilled all over the package, creating a wet, messy disaster.
The customer was surprised to see her package mishandled even though it was marked ‘fragile’. Image: Facebook
'Australia Post is losing customers due to the inability of distribution people reading labels and being respectful and careful with parcel handling,' the woman wrote.
'Wrapped, packed and labelled clearly on every side that it was fragile, yet they still managed to break the contents.'
She also expressed her dismay with the postal service's response, which she felt lacked accountability.
'Oops they say: “Not our responsibility.” Not good enough. Where's the quality control? Seriously, you need to take accountability, especially with the costs of your service. Truly disgusted and disappointed with the handling of our parcels.'
However, people from the internet were quick to respond, with some blaming the sender for not packaging the item properly.
'Australia Post do not offer a fragile service,' one person wrote.
'The “quality control” is with the sender.'
Others pointed out that automated sorting machines, not humans, handle most packages.
'You have machine sorting freight automatically, not people handling them as much anymore,' a second commented.
'I doubt the sorter machine can read fragile on it.'
‘Wow, putting glass in a bag and posting, what a great idea…not!’ wrote another.
‘Then you complain because it arrived broken? Really?’
There were also those who criticised Australia Post for their lack of care.
'I'm looking at those images and can only think that a pack of animals handled it,' one wrote.
'Honestly, how does a package even end up in that state? It gets to the point that no amount of care by the sender would have protected the contents.'
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for Australia Post said that while 'the vast majority of deliveries made by Australia Post arrive safely', it’s clear that 'something has gone wrong in this instance'.
They urged anyone with delivery concerns to contact them via the AusPost app or by calling 13-POST (7678), and reminded customers to ensure they correctly package their goods to be sent.
‘To help ensure items arrive safely, parcels should be packed in appropriate, sturdy packaging that’s suitable for what’s inside,’ the spokesperson added.
This incident is not the first time Australia Post has come under fire for mishandling packages.
Last year, another customer shared images of his delivery ripped open and taped back together, sparking similar debates online.
While it's unfortunate that the woman's package was damaged, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper packaging.
It's also a wake-up call for postal services to improve their handling of packages and to ensure that their automated systems are as gentle as possible.
What are your thoughts, members? Have you had a similar experience with Australia Post or another postal service? Share your stories in the comments below.
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