Never Seen Anything as Unprofessional and Customer Unfriendly Like Centrecom

On 06.07.2023 i have placed an order for an iPhone with Centrecom. 10.07.2023 they shipped the phone out and 13.07.2023 Australia post claims it was delivered. When i got home there was no parcel anywhere. To my big surprise i had to realize that Centrecom shipped out a $2500 phone without signature on delivery. The postie chucked it close to the front door and by the time i got home someone stole it.

17.07.2023 after checking with all neighbors if it was maybe dropped off at their place i contacted Australia post. Within an hour i got an response saying "XXX, our apologies that this item was left in an unsafe place. The driver should have left the parcel in a safe place without public view, it would have been out of sight and not left totally visible to the street. I am deeming this item lost in transit due to the unsafe delivery location". It took auspost literally less than an hour to come up with the results of the investigation.

Same day i contacted centrecom and received as response "Thank you for contacting us. After checking your order was delivered and it was put on a safe place. Please see attached proof of delivery." How they knew that it was a safe location i still wonder. Australia post says the opposite. I objected that and said that i already contacted auspost and that they deem the parcel as lost in transit.

Response was "We will lodge an investigation with Auspost and our account manager there. PLEASE NOTE that Auspost investigations can generally take up to 7 business days, we have no influence to expedite their process". As someone who has a business account with auspost i know that this never takes 7 business days, maybe one or two tops.

20.07.2023 i emailed centrecom again asking about an update. No response.
21.07.2023 another email, and of course no reply.

I am leaving next week for my holidays and wondering if there is anything i can do to get them to move a bit faster. It is irresponsible to send an item worth $2500 without signature on delivery. Australia post has already accepted responsibility for the loss, this has been forwarded to centrecom and they have also received the case number. Something that should take a couple of hours, if even that, is taking now ages because centrecom simply doesn't give a shit about their customers.

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      • Centrecom provides several delivery options:

        Australia Post: FREE
        Star Track: $14.95
        Star Track Express: $20.58

        We should be questioning why did OP choose Aus Post for his $2500 item

        Also it seems that Centrecom requested signature on delivery, but OP somehow had requested Safe Drop for his address (which he claimed unsafe)

        • +1

          If the sender requests 'Signature on Delivery' from AusPost, the receiver cannot request Safe Drop.

          Assuming no one available to sign, AusPost (should) only card it, and you'll need to collect from a PO/LPO (and Sign for it). In this case, either CentreCom did not ask for Signature on Delivery, or the delivery driver decided to do it against AP stated procedure.

        • Because all the options are aus post who else is he ment to choose?

    • +1

      You are wrong? At least in Victoria and I'd wager all other states. It is the store's responsibility to supply the purchased product, if it's lost in transit (which Auspost consider to include cases where it was not left in a safe place), it is the store's responsibility to resolve the issue. This includes sending another or providing a full refund.

      https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/products-and-services/proble…

      /Edit
      Turns out it is federal law, see here https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-products-and-servic…

      • +1

        The item arrived at the designated address with confirmation of delivery. The store has fulfilled their delivery obligations.

        • +1

          It certainly gets a bit more grey in the case of stolen parcels. But if Australia Post has left it somewhere they admit was unsafe, and recognise it as lost in transit, I'd be confident that comes under missing and not delivered.

          Anything requiring a signature not signed for by the customer would obviously also count.

          Regardless your suggestion that customers should buy insurance is probably pointless, because any case not covered by consumer law is probably also not going to be covered by shipping insurance (stolen from a safe place on your property).

          • @nigel deborah: yep, and great link, I wasn't aware of that article on consumer affairs website, I read it as unless consumer gets the item, they haven't confirmed what was shipped was what they ordered. Box could be empty, contain a different item or less than what was ordered, or second hand item. A claim by a shipping company they landed the item "somewhere" I don't think mets the statement on consumer affairs website. what the customer ordered needs to be delivered to the customer, not to his dog, or neighbour or sidewalk. Even a photo of a brown box dropped somewhere around the house, what is that proving? Safe means secure location not accessible by anyone so a lock box or one way post box would count but the front lawn doesn't.

            I am also pretty confident your bank isn't going to take seriously rubbish evidence from centrecom if you do a charge back. But they can be slow to action the chargeback, NAB takes months to action as an example.

            May I make one suggestion to the OP, lodge a report to ACCC immediately, they won't help you directly as that isn't their role, but enough of these cases being lodged will eventually trigger them to investigate the company and that is good for everyone as Centrecom will get a lesson in consumer laws just like MSY did. They are complete idiots if they are shipping equipment worth $2500 without any kind of approach to ensuring delivery is successful. As a consumer you cannot insure their delivery, and most of the time you don't have any control over shipping method. If they cannot find good couriers then don't offer shipping on such items.

            Also as I recently experienced, even when you do pick the shipping method many of these unethical sellers like CPL or ebay sellers will change to a dodgy courier like fastway or couriers please on you to earn an extra buck, so you can do you best but still delivery will be wrong. I think this is why consumer affairs have called out the seller is responsible until the actual item (not box) is with you.

            good luck.

    • +1

      The shop has fulfilled their delivery service.

      By leaving a $2.5k item sitting on a public street?

      It never ceases to amaze me how much abuse some people here are willing to take from businesses.

      The delivery is complete when you actually receive the item.

  • I had a Z690I Unify motherboard lost. Took ages to get a refund back.

    • How long did it take for centerlink to admit fault and refund you? Has a similar experience and centerlink just straight up refused to take any action

      • 2 freaking months

      • +2

        Centrelink?

  • +5

    Lol, Op should change the title to - My $2500 Parcel is Missing and I'm Impatient

  • -1

    Is there a question or just a whinge cry post that someone needs sympathy and validation for?

    • If you manage to read and maybe understand the op you will find a question m

      • I see no question mark or any request for suggestion

        • Was there more to this sentence or did you also decide to join the Missing Punctuation Club?

  • +8

    How is this centrecom or any retailer's fault at all? Signature or none carries no significance in this. This post is pointless and takes up server space. Might as well get clean this junk up.

    • Who's fault else is it to ship out such a expensive item without signature on delivery?

      • +7

        The buyer who didn't check or request it.

        • +2

          Yup, I'm 99% they would give delivery options like:

          Standard Auspost
          Registered
          Courier
          Courier express
          etc

          I've never seen a big tech store not offer postage options for the buyer to choose!

          • @neosin: yeah a quick check shows the buyer chooses the postal method. guessing he choose the free AP method rather than something with sig on delivery like the courier options provide (and it even tells you that on their web site).

    • +1

      takes up server space

      It's not 1992 anymore, storage is plentiful.

    • Because the sender nominates/organises shipping and is therefore responsible for doing so in a manner which results in the goods actually being shipped to the buyer. How is this so hard for some people to understand or accept?

      Also because the sender pays Australia Post for shipping they, and not the recipient, have the rights in terms of seeking compensation from Auspost. Again, not hard at all to understand.

      Unless you nominate "leave my goods in the street to be stolen" as your preferred shipping situation, it's 100% the seller's problem until you actually get your goods.

      The person engaged by the seller to deliver the stuff failed to deliver it: seller's problem.

  • +1

    My man you just got double fisted. Just go lie down

    • +1

      Sounds eerily familiar to a video I watched once..

  • +17

    OP deserves it.

    Who gets a $2500 item delivered to a unattended address a few days before they leave?

    OP then argues with everyone but doesn't have the ability to understand how things work with AP. Its been pointed out multiple times, but hes that stubborn and closed minded, he cant comprehend it. Just because hes leaving on a trip they wont forego procedure.OP is a magnet for problems as someone else wrote.

    I have never in my entire life seen AP respond in a hour, let alone make that type of statement. We have a AP business parcel contract.

    • +3

      Right? Parcel lockers exist for situations like this

    • +1

      Seems fishy too me… Learned that these posts are usually one side of an argument. Or have logical flaws.

    • -1

      Agree. Deserves it 100%

    • +1

      Same OP bought a Euro car without RWC then immediately regretted it lol. Seems popcorn is always needed for their posts.

    • +1

      Deserves it? Lol get off your high horse

      • -2

        Men take responsibility for their actions and are accountable.

        Cowards, and their supporters, blame others,argue with everyone who has intimate knowledge about centrecom and AP procedures and come to a bargain website with titles like "Never Seen Anything as Unprofessional and Customer Unfriendly Like Centrecom".

        I like the view up here, better than slithering on the ground

  • +6

    Just checked all my past orders with Centrecom, they have all come with signature on delivery by default.

    https://ibb.co/kMnby6p

    Only way it would have been left is if op had chosen to Leave it in a safe place which the option is given when tracking is sent out.
    It also gives you the option of using a parcel Locker to collect and choose post office to collect. Why did you not use these options also if you knew you were not going to be home?

    Centrecom also offers freight insurance at checkout which i assume you did not use.

    https://ibb.co/gFzkf4k

    • they have all come with signature on delivery by default

      Seems strange to have this by default and also offer the option to "leave it in a safe place".

      • Some people know they won't be home and the nearest post office only operates during office hours so they like to have the option.

      • CentreCom (sender) sent out items with Signature on delivery by default.

        Aus Post (mailing service) has the option to redirect or safe drop a parcel. If you don't interact with the email/notification from Aus Post then the Signature on delivery applies.

        What is strange about it?

    • +3

      Everything I have ordered from a popular computer shop (and had delivered (to regional Vic) generally has sign on delivery. Not once in years have we ACTUALLY signed anything, we come home from work to find it on our porch or even when I've been home they just say here you go and leave. We're just lucky we don't live where people would generally see anything but the point is even when they plaster 'SIGN ON DELIVERY' on the package, they are just left. So I absolutely understand this situation.

    • -3

      Wow, this is a game changer….
      If this is true, OP needs to remove this post because, if OP really was offered an option for signature on delivery and insurance, and refused them, and it was OP's house that was unsafe and it was stolen from… then OP may be responsible not only for the lost $2500 phone (minus maybe the $50 austpost refund for uninsured), but centrecom could potentially rightly pursue damages for this post and intentional damage OP seems to be causing them.

      "Never Seen Anything as Unprofessional and Customer Unfriendly Like Centrecom" is somewhat defamatory / slanderous, could damage Centrecom's business, and given it seems to stem solely from them taking the time to do an investigation, which is not unreasonable given not many small businesses could just keep weathering $2500 losses either, it is quite a leap to say "never seen anything as unprofessional and customer unfriendly" - OP mustn't get out much as I've seen a whole lot worse regularly…. perhaps some remorse and lashing out for not taking out the insurance?

      That is, presuming they did refuse it. If it was the option that AustPost just ignored the signature requirement, well then it's AustPost the anger should be directed at.
      Either way I feel like its a bit of a leap to be so angry at Centrecom so quickly who may just be trying to get an explanation from AustPost why a signature wasn't attained if that is their standard requirement.

      • +2

        Freight insurance is a scam, the business is obligated to provide you the product you purchased in good condition. If it breaks or gets lost in shipment, it is their responsibility.

        Even if OP said to leave it in a safe space, the courier for CentreCom (Aus Post) said that it was not left in a safe place. So again it is up to CentreCom to deliver it to OP, however I imagine they will chase up AusPost for the money.

      • Wow, this is a game changer….
        If this is true, OP needs to remove this post because, if OP really was offered an option for signature on delivery and insurance, and refused them

        Dramatic, much?

        If signature was required on delivery then it’s likely OP wouldn’t have been given the option of leaving unattended.

        centrecom could potentially rightly pursue damages for this post and intentional damage OP seems to be causing them

        “Intentional”? Anyway, given how Centrecom has treated a lot of members of OzB lately I doubt they could prove much in the way of damages.

        • It's actually quite dangerous to post criticisms online regarding a small business - see my post below or this example where a Queensland woman was ordered to pay her vet $25,000 in damages for a bad review https://stacklaw.com.au/news/personal/defamation/social-medi…

          • @MrFrugalSpend: It’s actually not dangerous if you tell the truth.

            Just because you found one, single and rather irrelevant instance of a professional suing for defamation doesn’t change that.

            • @SolitaryMan: There are other case law examples, and whilst the facts of the case are not identical, it's still worth being aware of the risks of publishing such things.
              I am aware of the defences for defamation…(including in the very case law I referenced, Ms Barlow relied upon the defences of truth and honest opinion, and lost).
              I don't know much about Centrecom but I'd assume they are large enough they can't be defamed. So that reduces OP's risk considerably as other areas of law would need to be relied upon that would not be worth the retailers time.

              However I still don't think it is worth running the risk of posting things like OP's comments to thousands of viewers:

              "Never Seen Anything as Unprofessional and Customer Unfriendly Like C…"

              "i know that this never takes 7 business days," (can OP really be use it never takes 7 days?)

              "…is taking now ages because C… simply doesn't give a shit about their customers"

              … and then hoping to rely on such claims being the truth as an ultimate defence.

              Please note I did qualify my comment with "If this is true," "if OP really was offered an option for signature on delivery and insurance, and refused them," and "That is, presuming they did refuse it." OP is insisting in further comments that they never waived this, did not give authority to proceed and I have no reason to doubt that, so that invalidates most of what I previously said with such qualifications and could direct blame more to whoever accidentally overlooked the signature on delivery requirement (if it was in fact just ignored or overlooked). However that is my point, it has not fully played out when posted so shots should not yet be fired publicly. I have no doubt this is a terrible situation for OP and would be upsetting.

              However regardless of whether the business will be successful or not, the retailer could still cause the OP to run up legal costs to defend if they decide this post is a bit too damaging for them the let it go to the keeper. It's not a big leap for them to argue OP's potential damages - they are after all making claims publicly on a popular site used by people to make decisions on where to shop. I think it is prudent to just be a bit more careful and just attempt to resolve differences one-on-one and hope to get a favourable outcome… before plastering it all over the internet publicly, largely due to impatience, before the matter has reached its ultimate conclusion. At the end, if OP doesn't get a favourable outcome, feels it is worthy of posting true and factual account of what occurred, negative if necessary so long as it is true - then I agree, that is probably okay. (However I wouldn't do it for a small <10 person business in any circumstance).

              I believe it is important true factual blame is put where appropriate - and that may very well be more a delivery contractor, a mistaken authority to leave, or all manner of things - not necessarily Centrecom - the situation needs to play out fully before this can be safely determined.

              Sad, because everyone involved is a victim - it's the thief that anger should really be directed at.

      • +2

        "centrecom could potentially rightly pursue damages for this post and intentional damage OP seems to be causing them"

        righto uncle sam- watching too many law and order shows.

        Maybe you can shoot them as well under the second amendment.

        • The Americanisms in your comment make me think it's you glued to their sitcoms. Meanwhile whilst you were doing that, I actually studied Law at an Australian university and have a senior lawyer in my family that I discussed this very topic with only recently… but sure, it's me who is judging their opinion on TV shows?!

          I don't know much about Centrecom but I'd assume they are large enough they can't be defamed, so OP is probably okay. Whilst there are other areas of law, it is unlikely they would pursue them - but could still cause OP to have to waste time and money defending a claim if they decided to do so. My point being it is risky - If this was instead a small business, they sure can claim damages - don't believe me? Here is a case law reference: Asbog Veterinary Services Pty Ltd & Anor v Barlow [2020] QDC 112

          "Vet sues former client for online comments on Facebook, Twitter and TrueLocal
          A Queensland vet was awarded damages against a former client, Ms Barlow, after the client posted comments and reviews on social media.
          …Ms Barlow disputed the charges and the matter escalated, with her posting online comments on Facebook, Twitter and TrueLocal. One of her seven posts said: "Disgusting! This was my regular vet until my dog was attacked and I was grossly over-charged there. They truly took advantage of a distressed pet owner,…" etc

          The vet’s lawyers sent Ms Barlow a concerns notice, stating that her posts were considered to be defamatory, making an open offer for a written apology, an undertaking not to make any further statement and the payment of compensation in an amount of $6,300; being $2,200 for legal fees and $4,100 for damages. Ms Barlow admitted to publishing the posts, but denied that any of the imputations were defamatory. She relied upon the defences of truth and honest opinion.

          When Ms Barlow made the post on her Facebook page, it ended up in the newsfeed of her Facebook friends. It was found Ms Barlow had about 370 Facebook friends and that the publications were shared at least 473 times on Facebook.

          The matter went to court: Asbog Veterinary Services Pty Ltd & Anor v Barlow [2020] QDC 112. The District Court decided that Ms Barlow’s postings did contain defamatory imputations. The vet was awarded damages in the sum of $25,000 plus interest and costs. … see:
          https://stacklaw.com.au/news/personal/defamation/social-medi…

    • I always use freight insurance and signing with ANY place if they offer it for high cost goods. It's not worth the loss and worry.
      Especially if Centrecom are sending me a $1600 graphics card, with the extra protection no issues.

  • +6

    There you go

    You dont pay insurance because you wanted to save $10 or whatever on a $2500 item, now you can swallow the loss.

    My guess OP wont learn and continue to blame everyone else. I mean the title of post says it all about the calibre person were dealing with.

    • +1

      yeah - the thing is centrecom is everywhere… why have it shipped rather then pickup instore for such an expensive item…

      • +1

        I know this is hard for people in the city to understand, but some of us have to drive several hours one way to pickup anything..

    • +1

      The thing is shipping insurance is pretty much a scam.
      If item is not received - open a chargeback case and get your money back, it's as easy as that. Double dip with PayPal if having only 1 layer of protection worries you.

  • +1

    7 business days isn't an unreasonable time to ask you to wait whilst they investigate. Just because Australia Post investigated your enquiry, doesn't mean that Centrecom doesn't have a separate enquiry. And when Centrecom get an answer to that enquiry they may need to escalate it or try to get it reviewed by Australia Post such as where it wasn't insured, but the driver acted negligently by leaving the signature required delivery in an unsafe spot. This may be a different team at Australia Post. And then if Australia Post isn't compensating Centrecom, Centrecom likely has an internal procedure where it may need to be reviewed by senior staff at Centrecom.

    You have to understand that sometimes shit happens. And when it does, it sometimes takes time to sort it out.

  • +1

    If lost, that phone going to be a brick other than for parts, righti
    I never considered centrecom as comptative supplier for flagship phones.

    • +1

      Seeing as it wasn't as-yet registered to an Apple account, and it didn't come from a telco who could/would black list the IMEI, the thief will probably get away with it.

      Unsure whether Apple would do anything in this instance.

  • -1

    Does this happen often to you?

    • +1

      I think it does and either they don't learn from that experience and adopt a more risk reduced approach the next time, or, like others seem to think is appropriate, continue as before because you can alway blame someone else because you could never exist in a world of shared accountability.
      If I knew how to do it I would add that link that link that people do to OP's experience of lack of delivery of another item purchased on-line.
      I don't know why you would have been negged for this…I probably have some coming now

  • +2

    If you never get the phone (including after investigation) just do chargeback. No company can charge you for something you never received and your credit card will be refunded.

    https://www.commbank.com.au/business/payments/help/chargebac…

    No need to make song and dance about it in these forums.

    • +2

      Centrecom will argue that they supplied the phone and have proof of delivery so the chargeback will be challenged and rejected.

    • +1

      Chargeback will be knocked back. It's for items not received…. item WAS received (deemed received with Auspost showing proof of delivery).

      Chargeback isn't an insurance policy for someone stealing something off of your premises once delivered.

      • +1

        Yes just saw OP authorised ATL and CC has proof of delivery.

        The OP should accept his mistake and take it. Once he gave consent for “Leave in a safe place” he screwed himself.

        What silly thing to do with $2500 phone.

  • +6

    What buys iPhone from centrecom?

    • +1

      Humans?

    • +3

      Lol .. yea, very weird place to buy an iphone

    • Don't you mean WHO?

      • +1

        What's the World Health Organisation got to do with this?

  • just because they are a business dealing with another business doesnt mean they have a business account…
    or if they do they might just be in name sake/for getting bulk shipping rates…
    does not mean they have a rep or an agent to deal with for issues…

    just wait for what auspost says to them.

  • Just let the process run its course. They will reach the same conclusion as yours, they just need Australia Post to confirm liability with them and insure them for the item, then you'll get your refund. Focus on your holiday and enjoy your time, your money will return.

    Source: I've had the same situation happened, different retailer but same delivery service.

    • It depends though. Aust Post can be shitty and go yep our mistake - here is the $100 reimbursement. Centrecom won't be happy if they only get $100 back & expected to send out another $2500 phone.

  • This is definitely a tough situation, one could argue that all 3 are at fault here

    • Centrecom should have signature on delivery by default, with the instruction that if receiver is unavailable to take the item to the nearest LPO for orders over a certain amount
    • OP probably should have organised the iPhone to be sent to a Parcel Collect Address or Parcel Locker (If it was known during checkout that it would be sent via Australia Post / StarTrack) due to the value
    • The Australia Post driver should have assessed the 'Safe' locations available at OP's house and found an area that wasn't visible to the general public

    I thought the receiver had the ability to select the preferred place to leave it from a drop-down menu? Eg. In letterbox, under verandah, side gate etc? Was 'Front Door' selected by default? Maybe the driver was just following instructions based on the 'Default' place to leave it

    Who takes the sword here?

  • Aus Post left your item unattended? They usually leave me a note to collect at the Post Office.

    • It all depends on the person delivering.

      For years I've had notes left to pickup from post office, but on my last delivery ~4 weeks ago the absolute imbecile of a postie left a ~$850 motherboard on my front doorstep.

      Received SMS of delivery ~10.40am and luckily it was still sitting there, when I arrived home ~4pm…

  • Someone sure is enjoying OPs phone right now

    A $2,500 dollar freebie

    But if insurance not taken out by OP, there will be no refund or recourse

    Unless you take it to court

    • +3

      The seller is stupid to send such high value item without meeping IMEI.

      Hopefully they have the record and they can block the phone by contacting Apple.

  • Why would someone pay $2500 for a phone? Why need 1TB storage for a phone? Why not just go to a physical store and buy? Why?

    • I wont even spend a 10th of that price on a phone

      The way i treat phones it's not worth it for me :)

  • Good to hear their customer service hasn’t improved at all since I last shopped with them: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/580441

  • +2

    "As someone who has a business account with auspost i know that this never takes 7 business days, maybe one or two tops."
    Got over yourself, just wait the 7 business days for the investigation.

  • Apple > major partnered retailers > Reebelo (refurbished) > FB Marketplace/Gumtree > minor independent retailer like CentreCom

    • +3

      You'd take a Gumtree/Marketplace purchase over an Australian retailer?!?

      Get your hand off it Darrel.

  • +2

    Not sure why Centre Com is coping the blame, AusPost are the ones who left the package in an unsafe place.

    Does make me laugh the OP thinks forwarding on an email from AusPost will move it along, so easy to fake a child could do it.

    • -3

      Really? It is easy to fake a case bum er and put it in the system of Australia post? It takes three minutes to ring them up and quote the case number and they will confirm the outcome of their investigation

  • Just wait the 7 days then do charge back.

  • +2

    AP left a valuable item unattended, and someone stole it. It’s OPs fault how?

  • -8

    Just to explain a few things. First of all, I don't care how many begs I get. Doesn't really affect me.

    Second, we have placed tens of orders with centrecom and every single time it was sent with signature on delivery. Even for items that were low cost or under $100

    The last expensive item we purchased from there was an iPhone 14 pro 512gb on 09.06.2023 with invoice number 12300385 and it all went smooth, was delivered pretty fast Andewith signature on delivery, just like all the other previous purchases.

    So how was I supposed to know that centrecom would think that shipping an $2499 item without signature on delivery is a good idea?

    As for time for investigation, there's nothingeft to investigate. If you call up Australia post and quote the case number I have provided the with the can pull up the case and instantly say the outcome of their investigation.

    • Centrecom are happy to say that the product was delivered - they even have proof.
      Aust Post have investigated and will offer you a $100 reimbursement but I don't think you'll be happy with that

    • Did you opt in for Safe Drop with Australia Post? Safe drop is allowed on certain signature parcels:
      https://auspost.com.au/mypost/how-to/deliveries.html?about=s…

  • I dont think theres much you can do? Its just a matter of wait and see. i mean i understand, its an expensive purchase and that some scumbag out there just got a free iphone, but there isnt really much you can do but wait for return correspondence. They still have a few days to email you back, so constantly sending them emails is just gonna be straight out annoying.

    Only thing i can suggest is usually for purchases that are expensive or ones that i care about, more often than not ill do a click and collect, divert it to a post office or to like a Kmart or something and I go there. I know its a bit extra hassle, but imo, the safest hands to handle a valuable package is probably my own.

  • +4

    Similar happened to me. $1200 item was delivered by Auspost. Signature required. Was signed by the postie as I wasn't home. I have a sign on my door bell saying "Do Not Safe Drop. Please take it to the post office".

    I could not use a parcel locker as it was sent by a courier. What I didn't know was that the "last mile" was handled by Auspost.

    My CCTV shows the item being left right in front of my front door, which is 150cm from a busy footpath. Within 2 hrs, it was stolen by a masked guy in a hoodie.

    The sender said "We have signed delivery receipt from Auspost". Auspost said "Sorry, have $100 - that's our max payout". The ombudsman said "We agree with Auspost".

    So yeah, I'm outta pocket $1200. Lesson learnt? Not sure…. Don't buy things online? lol Or get a safe drop box. Or only order things that can be delivered to a parcel locker.

    OP: You can possibly make a claim on your home contents insurance.

    • Did you use a credit card or PayPal?

      • Credit card. Debit card, MasterCard actually. Business account.

    • That really sucks.

    • Hard to believe this actually happened. So the Postie are allowed to sign on receiver's behalf and drop it on the doorstep right next to a busy footpath? Isn't that the wrong thing to do? and Ombudsman didn't have anything to say about that?

      • I refer to your complaint of 8 November 2022 regarding Australia Post, which was
        referred to our Investigation team on 21 November 2022. I am writing to advise I have finalised my assessment of your complaint.
        To assess your complaint, I have considered whether Australia Post acted in accordance with its Terms and Conditions. These set out the rights and obligations under which it provides postal services.

        Your complaint details

        Based on the information you provided to the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman (the Office); I understand you ordered 3D printer parts from online seller on Alibaba.com. You paid approximately $1100.00. The article was marked for signature on delivery (SOD). On 31 August 2022, an Australia Post delivery officer delivered the article to your street address. The article was stolen on the same day it was delivered. You told the Office that Australia Post has acknowledged that the SOD process was not followed and has offered $100 compensation. The outcome you are seeking as a result of contacting the Office is compensation up to the full value of the contents of the article.

        Outcome and reasoning

        After carefully considering all of the information provided, we find the outcome provided by the agency to be reasonable in the circumstances. Australia Post is not obliged to provide compensation in excess of $100 for articles which do not have ‘Extra Cover’.

        Australia Post’s Terms and Conditions for the Parcel Post service includes up to $100 cover if the item is lost or damaged. In the case of a lost item, we would also expect Australia Post to refund the postage. Customers should purchase Extra Cover for valuable items worth over $100 and up to $5,000.

        Finalisation

        I appreciate this may not be the outcome you were hoping for in contacting our Office and that you may be disappointed with this decision. However, I do not believe that an investigation by our Office would achieve any practical outcome for you. For this reason, I have decided not to investigate your complaint. Your complaint will now be closed.

        If you would like to discuss this decision, please contact me using the details below.

        Yours sincerely

  • Lol how many more horror stories from Centrecom do people need? Stay away from these clowns

  • -2

    notice OP scrolls through posts but now only selectively answers, as hes being ridiculed and found to be a fool.

    "it would take 3 minuted to ring AP" hahaha. Seriously you have no idea and just dont get it.

    These are businesses, who has staff to sit and call AP all day and wait in hold for who knows how long. If they did that they would spend countless man hours for all the stuff AP lose or are delayed.
    Then ultimately its a verbal discussion, not in writing.

    Hope you enjoy losing $2500 you deserve it .

  • I don’t know them but in solution to see if this can help you.

    If you have purchased the phone using a credit card that comes with insurance. (Gold, platinum or Black etc), you should be able to claim insurance.

    You should now get a police report of stolen parcel and then go lodge a claim.

    If you have no insurance whatsoever. You are stuck. :(

  • From my experience Auspost will just check the status of delivery and provide you with a photo of where the item was delivered they won't say anything else. Then once the you inform the seller they will do follow up on their end getting details regarding the delivery.

    At this point all you can do is contact your bank and ask for a chargeback. It will mean you probably won't be able to buy from Centrecom again but I'm guessing you are ok with that.

    It's odd that the sender allowed safe drop on the order. Before Auspost would automatically allow safe drop if the recipients name was given for the order but I don't know if that is still the case. Regardless unless Centrecom insured the package they will only be able to get back $100 for a missing parcel.

  • I just placed two orders from centercom, one of them is a m.2 ssd($110) and the other is cpu+mobo(~750). Both were delivered through Auspost and signature were required for both of them.
    I didnt purchase insurance.

  • if you've ever done a collection from Centrecom warehouse you'd never want to risk such purchase with them on delivery. This is not their fault but Auspost fault but given how negligent Auspost couriers are, especially for parcel from no-name clients, you're taking a huge bet and lost. I've lost of parcel delivered by Auspost and not many of them give a crap about signature on delivery. However, they do a very good job if the parcel is from someone like Amazon, I always have to come to delivery centre to collect those $2 cutter.

  • How does the freight insurance work btw? If OP had bought it, would this process have being fast paced and OP would have gotten his money back?

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