Amazon Offers $20 Gift Cards For Late UPS Deliveries
Amazon is offering $20 gift cards to consumers who did not receive their packages in time for Christmas. To make up for the late deliveries, Amazon will also refund the cost of shipping.
Representatives with United Parcel Service said an unexpected spike in last-minute orders contributed to the issue. They said their fleet simply could not keep up with the number of packages. As UPS does not deliver on Christmas, many consumers got their packages two days late.
Some consumers received notices from UPS stating that Amazon failed to process the orders in time for holiday delivery. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Amazon spokeswoman with Mary Osako said the company processed the orders in plenty of time for delivery before Christmas. Osako also said Amazon will be “reviewing the performance of their delivery carriers.”
Although FedEx reportedly had similar problems, a representative said there were only a few “isolated incidents” and there were no significant delivery delays.
Analysts estimate online sales increased more than 35 percent this year. The increased number of packages, combined with a series of snow and ice storms, contributed to the delays. UPS delivers nearly 45 percent of all packages shipped within the United States.
Although the late deliveries were a serious issue for consumers, Amazon reported record profits during this holiday season. On Cyber Monday alone, the company reported more than 36 million items ordered worldwide, which is nearly 426 orders per second.
CNet reports Amazon sold several million Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets throughout December alone. They also signed over a million members to their Amazon Prime program. The annual membership program includes several incentives, including two-day shipping.
Amazon certainly had profitable year. Unfortunately, a large number of consumers were let down when their holiday packages were delivered late. It is difficult to tell who was at fault, but it was likely a combination of numerous factors.
[Image via Flickr]
