Receiving an empty package from Amazon can be a frustrating, confusing, and concerning experience for customers. It’s also extremely rare so most of the time you won’t have to worry about this. But if it has happened to you, there are some standard procedures you should run through to get the mistake taken care of for you. Obviously, when you place an online order, you expect it to arrive complete and intact – so an empty box can really rattle that trust. Amazon customer service is usually understanding and will fix mistakes that they make, but in certain cases, they might put up a little bit of resistance. This is especially true if they determine it was a case of package theft (and not a shipping error by their warehouse).
If you encounter an empty Amazon package, the first step is to verify the delivery. Check the order details and tracking information through your Amazon account to ensure that the package was meant for you. If everything appears to be correct, it’s crucial to act promptly. Contact Amazon’s customer service to report the issue, as they provide support for such occurrences. They will guide you on the next steps, which may include a replacement, refund, or further investigation.
Dealing with an Empty Amazon Package: What to Do
Receiving an empty Amazon package can be beyond frustrating. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do right away to get this resolved.
Step 1: Double-Check Everything
- Check all the packaging: Sometimes items might be hidden inside extra packaging material or even tucked inside the box itself.
- Small items: Check if the item is particularly small and could have been easily missed.
- Multiple items: If you ordered several items, see if one was shipped separately and you only received part of your order.
Step 2: Contact Amazon Customer Service
If you’ve carefully checked the packaging and the item is definitely missing, it’s time to contact Amazon’s customer service immediately. Here’s how:
- Amazon website or app: Go to “Your Orders” and find the relevant order. Select “Problem with Order” and then “Item Missing”.
- Phone: You can find Amazon’s customer service phone number on their help website.
What To Prepare Before You Contact Amazon
Gather the following information to make the process go more smoothly:
- Order number
- Missing item details (product name, description)
- Photos of the empty package
Possible Outcomes
| Outcome | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Replacement | Amazon will often send a replacement of the missing item. |
| Refund | You’ll receive a refund if the item is unavailable |
| Investigation | In rare cases of suspected fraud, Amazon may launch an investigation. |
Tips for Preventing Future Issues
- Record yourself opening the package. This can provide proof if an issue arises.
- Choose secure delivery options. Consider requiring a signature or opting for locker delivery if possible.
Key Takeaways
- Empty Amazon packages can be due to theft, errors, or shipping issues.
- Check your order details and tracking information for verification.
- Contact Amazon customer service quickly to address the problem.
Understanding Amazon Package Delivery Issues
When shopping online, receiving an empty package can be frustrating. This section helps Amazon customers understand why this happens and what actions they can take.
Common Reasons for Empty Packages
Empty packages from Amazon may result from several issues. These include:
- Theft: After delivery, packages left unattended can be stolen, often referred to as porch piracy.
- Shipping Error: The fulfillment center might make a mistake and send an empty package.
- Damaged Packaging: Items can fall out of damaged packaging during shipment.
Steps to Take Upon Receiving an Empty Amazon Package
If you receive an empty package, follow these steps:
- Verify the Order: Check your Amazon order history to confirm the package was sent.
- Contact Amazon: Use the “Problem with order” option to report the empty package.
- File a Claim: If necessary, select “Missing items” to start a claim.
- Report to Police: If you suspect theft, file a report with local law enforcement.
- Prevent Future Issues: To lessen the chance of theft, use secure delivery options like Amazon Hub Locker.
The sad reality is that Amazon may make you “jump through hoops” and do some things that may seem unusual to you to prove that you are telling the truth about your missing package. Especially if their audits show that the time was in fact sent out in the package that arrived at your door. It’s important to stay calm, realize that whatever is being asked of you is procedural and part of their policy, and understand for the most part that Amazon actually does want to make things right.
