Amazon Same Day Delivery, False Advertising?

Anyone else experience that their “same day delivery” items never arrive on the same day?

I’ve been Prime member since Amazon arrived in Oz but really starting to question the value of its membership. Prime TV offerings in recent years have been poor to say the least, and annoying how much they push additional paid ad on services. Insult to injury, adding adverts in recent months. Prime day was non starter the past 2 years.

I’ve never really been fussed about the same day delivery and it has only ever been offered for about 1/3 of my purchases. In recent weeks it just clicked with me that none of my “same day deliveries” have ever arrived on the advertised same day.

Yesterday I put in an order a knife sharpener (as it was cheaper than at bricks and mortar). Then, “add and additional $20.20 to qualify for same day delivery”, added a few items to get to the threshold, place the order. “Arriving today before 9pm”. Then at 10pm “sorry for the delay. If it has not arrived in another 4 days, contact us for a refund”.

I live within 3km of Flinders Street Station so doesn’t really get more central in Melbourne. Just seems “same day delivery” has zero guarantee and no consequence for non delivery, is this false or deceptive advertising? In my case, I would not have added that additional $20 of items if not for the promise of same day delivery

Poll Options

  • 18
    Always Arrives Same Day
  • 115
    Mostly Arrives Same Day
  • 145
    Usually 1 Day
  • 10
    Usually More Than 1 Day Late
  • 18
    Always Late

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Comments

  • +14

    We don't have same-day delivery (yet) but any Prime orders before midnight are delivered next day like clockwork. Never had an issue. Might be something with your specific location, route or the delivery partner there. Worth following up with support.

  • +2

    only paid once (brisbane has no free same day threshold yet) - and got it same day.
    Otherwise the standard next day service, out of say 20 orders only 1-2 is 1 day late. Considering some of my orders are for ridiculous things like $4 toothpaste or $23 pepsi max slab its great imo.

  • +1

    I used to get same day years ago, but it changed to next day when I moved. Surreal ordering toilet paper and then it showing up in the same calendar day, I assume Amazon keeps stuff moving 24/7 in preparation for someone in Adelaide ordering it?

  • +3

    I get same day delivery in Ryde, NSW. They tend to come later though between 19:00 - 21:00

    • +2

      Macquarie Park, I had a delivery at 22:30 once it was crazy

      • Had an Auspost guy come by at I think was either 1 or 2am.

    • +1

      I said none of my same day deliveries arrive same day. Would be a serious coincidence if the driver is sick every time I put an order in

      • -7

        Most of my deliveries have been 'next day' but where they were same day, they always arrived on time.

        • -1

          I didn't think Moe was included in the list of eligible postcodes for same day delivery.

          • @HamBoi69: I don't think I've ever been there so wouldn't know.

            • +2

              @jv: That's not what your medical records say.

              • +3

                @Clear: I don’t have medical records. I was found innocent.

  • +1

    Did you get a coupon? Usually you get one if you ask or complain.

    • We’re sorry for the delay. If you have not received your package by 18 September, you can come back here the next day for a refund.

      • +2

        That's an automated message displayed on app/website. You need to contact them and ask them for promo credit 9/10 times you'll get it, and if not, jump into another chat session and you'll likey get it with the next CS rep.

  • +5

    Ive complained numerous times to customer service about same day / next day delivery. Some drivers are just too lazy. Never got any coupons or even a half decent response from customer service, it's always "we'll leave a note on your account and forward the issue to the dispatch centre, but we can't tell you the outcome coz of privacy." It's a joke

  • +1

    Ordered something 10pm last night and arrived before midday.

    Australia is too big and too chaotic to be able to do same day.

  • Did you really need that knife sharpener so urgently?

    • +8

      Not really the point but sure, yes. Needed it yesterday, I would have walked to a local bricks and mortar store and paid more for it if it wasn’t for the same day delivery offered by Amazon. The point is Amazon are luring customers offering a service that they don’t really have any intention to provide.

      • But if you needed a knife sharpener, there was no point! maybe after sharpening it was pointy …

  • +2

    Yes, it's happened enough for me to take note.

  • +3

    the value of prime is mainly the free shipping. it saves alot in the long run for only 100 a year

  • +8

    "I live within 3km of flinders st station so doesn’t really get more central in Melbourne"

    I reckon that living within 3km of flinders st station makes it worse.

    The drivers would hate the traffic.

    I'm 15km from the city and never had an issue with same day delivery, however stopped my subscription because I didn't find much value.

    I still get free next day delivery, I just wait until I have $59 or more for my order.

    • ^This.

      Feedback from a transport company staff is that every single driver hates the cbd and surrounds because the people living in apartments/issues with deliveries:
      No quick feasible parking in the CBD/no parking spots
      Drivers cannot get access to common areas
      Drivers waiting forever for customers to come downstairs
      Customers not answering door bells
      Customers not answering phones when no access/bells not responsive
      Customers expecting drivers to deliver to door.

      ***Basically, you're not getting your delivery cause your driver has been held up deliverying his 50 parcels but was delayed because a 1 min delivery turned into 15mins.

      VS a suburban house, plenty of places to market, including the customers driveway, just slap it on the porch and off you go. Residential Streets normally empty during the day because everyone is at work so easy parking.

      • Boohoo to the transport company. Not the customer's fault to live in an apartment & in the cbd. More people will be living in apartments in the future, they have to find a way to be more productive and solve the issues as mentioned instead of blaming the customers.

        • You're definitely that guy who rocks up at an Australia post outlet and complains why the mailman didn't knock.

          Apartments with active well organised owners corporations have arranged appropriate parcel delivery mechanisms.

          Many apartments just don't give af and expect, as you say, the delivery driver to work it out.

          They worked it out, parcels not delivered in their 8 hour shift? No worries, deliver it another day…

          Attitudes like yours, drive up the cost of doing business.

          Make it easy for service people, they stay in the job. Make it hard for them, businesses cannot keep them on board, drives up the wages, drives up the cost of your deliveries.

          I would not be surprised if amazon starts to introduce a minimum purchase amount for free deliveries, even temu has done that.

          Australia is a very widely distributed population, for very few people. Transport is a massive issue for many businesses here and a massive cost. Yuppies drive up the cost because the world revolves around them.

  • +6

    Prime delivery is still a million times better than Australia Post. Prime Video is getting worse, but Amazon Prime subscription is still worth the combination of free delivery, cheap prices, free TV and music.

  • +4

    Ok so general consensus is somewhat of a “so what, it’s still better than the alternative”
    But this still doesn’t take the fact away that they are advertising a service they don’t guarantee or don’t really show and push to abide by. This is really something the ACCC are asleep at the wheel on, but there’s a long list when it comes to that.

    All this “free” stuff isn’t actually free, you are paying a subscription for it. I think Amazon have their foot in the door and are now racing to the bottom. Best “deals” I’ve seen in recent times are simply price matching colesworth, even then, price shoots up if you are not quick. It’s a slippery slope to Amazon delivery times just being slightly quicker than auspost

    • So, are you cancelling?

      • Yes, I reckon I will. I’ve been paying the annual renewal, so this time I will let it run out and not renew.

    • So what did Amazon do when you complained? Probably point to the fine print where it says best endeavours.

      • -3

        “ If you do not receive your order or receive it late, please contact us. If due to our failure, you do not receive an item we ship, our liability is limited to refunding the amount paid by you to us for the item (including applicable shipping fees) or replacing the item (subject to availability). You may have additional rights under the Australian Consumer Law (see our Conditions of Use and Sale for more detail and to understand more about Delivery Times and late deliveries).”

        Once you contact them, the only option you are given is to start a return if you wish

        • Once you contact them, the only option you are given is to start a return if you wish

          Check again. There is another button for if you need more help with option to chat or phone them.

    • But this still doesn’t take the fact away that they are advertising a service they don’t But this still doesn’t take the fact away that they are advertising a service they don’t guarantee

      No service is guaranteed, in a lot of cases they meet the same day delivery window without issue. I have the opposite issue, I want to order things and delay the delivery as I won't be home for a few days, but Amazing must do it as fast as possible!

      All this “free” stuff isn’t actually free, you are paying a subscription for it.

      You can get free delivery on Amazon without paying a subscription.

      It’s a slippery slope to Amazon delivery times just being slightly quicker than auspost

      Far from it, 99% of my orders arrive 'next day'.

  • -5

    I’ve been Prime member since Amazon arrived in Oz

    Cool so you get next day delivery then with your Amazon Prime.

    Yesterday I put in an order a knife sharpener (as it was cheaper than at bricks and mortar). Then, “add and additional $20.20 to qualify for same day delivery”

    Well that was your choice to not wait for next day delivery and instead buy more to get it today.

    “Arriving today before 9pm”. Then at 10pm “sorry for the delay. If it has not arrived in another 4 days, contact us for a refund”.

    So when did it arrive? If you do need things NOW, then best to go out to a bricks and mortar store and get it.

    • +1

      Great stuff jim, great to hear that in your postcode everything arrives on-time. Point of the post and as the poll shows, half the people on here are getting there same day orders one or more days late (most of the time).
      Considering “same day delivery” is only offered on some items and in some postcodes one would expect in the whole for it to live up to what is advertised. In my case it has been late 100% of the time.
      I get the point, if you need things now then go to the store, and I agree generally. Also, I get the my post can be interpreted as a snowflake whinge, give me my stuff now. That’s not what I’m trying to get across. I generally expect post and deliveries to be 3-5 days in Oz. Amazon are choosing to optionally offer same day shipping but not actually enforcing it in many places, it is disingenuous

      • -2

        Great stuff jim, great to hear that in your postcode everything arrives on-time.

        You asked a question, you got my answer, YMMV.

        I generally expect post and deliveries to be 3-5 days in Oz

        As in Auspost!? LOL can take 3-5 days just to be picked up.

        Amazon are choosing to optionally offer same day shipping but not actually enforcing it in many places, it is disingenuous

        You could always just op for next day shipping? 99% of my next day shipping items arrive the next day.

        So the question remains, when did your item arrive!?

      • Point of the post and as the poll shows

        87.6% of OzBargainers lie on the forum polls.

        • +1

          I didn't lie, I clicked the wrong option and can't change it.

        • Especially when it's related to earnings…

        • Please don't round up. its 87.59%

      • Point of the post and as the poll shows, half the people on here are getting there same day orders one or more days late (most of the time).

        Poor poll design on your part. If 4 of 5 poll options are a "fail", and the only "pass" is a 100% success rate, then of course most people will be forced to pick one of the four failure options.

        • Have another look. I would consider the first two options as a pass. Earlier today was 50:50 between 1+2 to 3+4+5.
          All ears for your expert opinion on poll design

          • -1

            @Rkel403:

            All ears for your expert opinion on poll design

            Don't hold your breath.

          • +4

            @Rkel403: The poll is missing the option of "same day delivery is not available in my area". There are people on OzB that don't know that it's even a thing to get deliveries same day, so they automatically are responding they receive it next day - rather than same day which is skewing your results.

    • Yes, made sure everything was part of the same day availability. Also got the notification after placing the order that it is coming before 9pm

  • +3

    I feel like the past few months there's been more misses than hits for me personally. The deliveries that come through something like Dragonfly(?) keeps coming up as attempted delivery even though there are people at home.

    • Please leave that feedback on their google review page.

      Also tell Amazon. The last time this happened to me they apologised, gave me the item when it finally arrived and also a full refund.

  • +5

    Ordered Space Marine 2 from Amazon today. "Order in the next 2 hrs 19 mins for delivery on 18 September". Click buy now. "Your order will arrive on 26 September." Cancel. "Your order is being prepared for shipping so you can't cancel".

    You win Scamazon, well played

  • +2

    Amazon has gone to shit in Brisbane for me.

    Firstly, yes OP I have also experienced false advertising.

    Items that on their page say same day delivery, I buy a second later and suddenly after payment has been taken, the delivery gets changed to the next day.

    Additionally for lots of ‘order in the next x hours to receive tomorrow’ items I order well within the time and again after payment has been taken, the date is an additional day later.

    And to make all of that worse, when you get stuck with an order being delivered by Dragonfly Shipping you are screwed. This company has the worst reviews on Google and the only positive one’s are the most obvious fake reviews you’ll ever see.

    Dragonfly simply never deliver on a Friday. They take your item, head to the pub for an early mark and you get an order update saying ‘rang doorbell nobody home’. I’ve had nearly a dozen of these complete lies where I’ve been home and also checked the security camera footage.

    The last time this happened Amazon actually conceded Dragonfly was pathetic and gave me the item (when it arrived on the Monday) and a full refund on top.

    I’ve seen an old couple from Dragonfly on my intercom camera (when I’ve buzzed them into the lobby to leave my item) start rummaging through our building’s existing deliveries left in the lobby from other couriers. Absolutely scary that they’d do that and as soon as it happened I reported it but who knows if Amazon acknowledged the issue higher up.

    Amazon work hard to establish themselves in new countries and once they are happy with their user base, their service goes to shit.

    • Dragonfly are garbage.

  • +2

    I live within 3km of Flinders Street Station

    And? Do you think Amazon is payout outrageous CBD rents for its huge warehouse? They are all in the outer suburbs. The CBD would be the hardest place to deliver. No parking.

  • -1

    I've literally never met anyone that didn't have Amazon Prime

  • amazon will completely lie to you about how, where and when an item has been delivered

  • I've had two orders just completely disappear after being out for delivery in the last couple weeks (as in never delivered, not missing once delivered). One was a bag of Doritos, the other a $200 camera. Not sure what happened there but I got them to give me a $10 credit each time.

  • +1

    I have used both Amazon and EBay
    And in my experience Amazon never lets you down
    They deliver on time

  • +1

    Its not as advertised but Prime delivery is the best that I have experienced. No complaints.

  • I sent a support request after a failed same day delivery.
    I was hoping for a $5 credit or something. The rep just refunded the order of about $80 and told me to keep the items if they arrive.

    The items arrived about an hour later.

  • +1

    Amazon same-day delivery uses gig economy drivers in a program called Amazon Flex. It pays approximately $36.5/hour. The drivers use their own car and pay their own expenses (fuel, insurance, depreciation and then income tax). Most of these drivers have a primary job so this is a side hustle.

    In general, it is a 3, 3.5 or a 4-hour shift averaging at 10-12 packages per hour. Same-day delivery shift starts at 4:30/5PM to 7PM so they'll most likely be driving in peak traffic. Total mileage ranges from 50-100 kms based on luck. The driver don't know where they are going and what they are getting until they are at the depot to pick up the packages. If the driver rejects the work, they get a warning letter.

    As you can see, it's already a shit situation to begin with. Now, I imagine a 3-km radius from Melbourne CBD would involve heavy traffic to drive into, potentially hard to find parking and delivering to apartments which can be tricky.

    All these factors contribute to the same-day delivery not being delivered on-time when the driver has had enough. They will get a warning letter when a package is not delivered. Repetitive occurrences will cause them to be kicked out of the program. This is the reality of Amazon free delivery.

  • +1

    losing my (profanity) marbles right now

    trying to get something delivered to Brisbane CBD (gave explicit instructions after first failed delivery)

    2 days in a row, attempted delivery / the carrier is unable to gain access to the front door to deliver the package.

    such a waste of time and energy. cancelled order, will reorder to home address.

  • Live 10km north of Melbourne CBD. I order from Amazon a lot (~50 deliveries a year). I've only had 2 parcels in the past 3 years be later than their specified delivery time.

    You just need to be realistic with your expectations and know that for 90% of items if it's says same day, it's actually next day. This is fine by my standards and way better service than any other delivery company.

    I think the only time I've had same day delivery for items is common stuff like books/ everyday digital goods/supermarket items and the order was placed before 10am

  • We don't even get next day delivery any more. All orders are at least 2 days now with delivery by Dragonfly. Usually tossed into the bushes or left in the driveway.

  • Not once have they delivered on the same day to an Amazon locker even when it was eligible.
    However, 1 in 3 orders to a residential address gets delivered same day if it is eligible.

    What's more annoying is when they attempt 3 deliveries to an Amazon locker but claim they are full and then refund on their own accord or when the driver is lazy and doesn't feel like delivering and says that the main door is shut when there isn't even a main door that locks…

  • +1

    Never had an issue in Sydney, ~25km from the CBD. 42 orders this year. Most recent was Astro Bot on launch day (10am order -> 2pm dispatch -> 6pm delivery).

    Same day morning orders are always here 6-10pm, Overnight evening orders are always here 10am-1pm. I suspect living in the burbs with multiple major roads in and out is an advantage.

    Evil Empire and all that, but I can't think of any companies that are more consistently reliable and hassle free shipping.

  • hi people! former amazon worker in shipdock here, i dont think same day is same day if your outside of 25km of an amazon FC but living in japan has been extremely consistant so i cant say the same of Australia but rural Australia is shit out of luck only city folk can take advantage of it

    • It's normal for Amazon Flex driver to drive more than 25km from the depot to the first stop. Source: I do Amazon Flex in Sydney. We drive as far as 40km to the first stop.

  • Anyone got feedback on prime delivery in Perth? Back in the day we could pay extra for same day delivery but if you wanted it free you would get it the next day. Unfortunately it seems you often wait 2 days for delivery. Seems like the cutoff times are set as Sydney / Mel times so if you order after 9/10pm you definitely won’t get it the next day.

    • Yes this is because for Perth, a lot of orders are shipped from Melbourne/Sydney. You can see the route of the package on the label. I believe Perth will get their own fulfilment centre in the near future and should help with delivery times.

    • I'm from Perth and I've probably ordered over 100 next day deliveries. I can't remember a time when it wasn't delivered next day. The only thing I don't like is their 8pm cut off which is way too late. I get mine delivered to my work address which closes at 5pm which I've set on my delivery address. Yet, a few times, they have still attempted the delivery with the driver usually calling me and leaving me a voicemail like 'I'm outside with your delivery bro'.

    • +1

      Perths new Jandakot Fulfilment Centre is just gearing up, its only 6? months old and not even remotely full yet. They send to a Kewdale Sortation Centre, there old site was near the international airport but was more of a 'test' site in an old Electrolux warehouse. Long story short, watch this space as Amazon spend $$$

  • Definitely due to location. I live near the fulfilment centre and all my orders with same day deliveries were delivered on the same day.

  • +2

    I've been mis-led by this several times, it seems like it is deliberately deceptive…

    Things will be advertised as "Prime free same day delivery" on the product page (with no other options shown). But at checkout you have to actually click on the "same day delivery" checkbox, because it always defaults to the next day checkbox despite not showing that as an option on the product page. Slimy behaviour.

  • +1

    I don't have same day delivery, but I've found Prime "next day delivery" to be extremely reliable. I order things from Amazon every few days and have only had a few occasions where it was not delivered on the indicated date. On all of those occasions, after reaching out to support, I was given an Amazon credit equivalent to the order (despite them all turning up several days later).

    FWIW, I don't use any other Prime benefits (e.g. TV / Music), but for the fast and free shipping alone, Prime has been absolutely worth it for me. No other retailer in Australia has anywhere close to the same level of consistency and reliability when it comes to delivery speed.

  • +1

    I've only had a delay like this once, and I often pay extra for the same day delivery. But watch out, amazon try to (profanity) you now! When you're at the checkout page, often they'll have two options. Free next day deliver, and free same day delivery. BUT, the same day delivery is not selected by default!

  • SW Melbourne: The same day delivery has usually been a 50% hit rate, but 100% for next day delivery. AP still beats any other service provider by a mile in terms of value for money.

  • Delivery has always been reliable for me.

    The only complaint I would make is my delivery address is my workplace. I clearly marked the delivery time as 8am to 5pm. A few times they have attempted a delivery at almost 8pm. I'm guessing these drivers have a quota to reach until 8pm (which I think is a ridiculous closing time even for residential) so they try their luck to squeeze it in.

    • The delivery driver can be given a package with delivery window between 9am-4pm at 4:30pm in the warehouse. It's out of their control and Amazon doesn't care. They'll just keep trying the next day and the next day.

      • Are you saying a driver is still expected by Amazon to make a same day delivery at 4.30pm when the customer specifically states in their details that the premise closes at 4pm?

        • Yes, the driver is forced to take given the package regardless. The driver could try to reject the package at the warehouse hoping the representative would take the package back and wouldn't ding them for it. Otherwise, attempt to deliver the package and hope there is somewhere safe to leave the package or it is a residential. If the driver had to return the package back to the warehouse, it would show up in their record and affect their performance/standing. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

  • Lucky to get anything delivered within a week in Australia, make the most of it before the government finds a way to get rid of this competitive company and revert back to the usual duopoly

  • I think Amazon uses several delivery companies, not just Auspost. It depends on your luck which delivery company is given the task to deliver your package. It also depends on the mood and professionalism (which most of them have none) on the delivery day.

    • +1

      It's not based on luck. Delivery partner depends on location and type of package.

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