Food Delivery Horror Stories in Exeter

With Halloween just around the corner, routing & scheduling software provider Descartes were interested in bringing to light some of the worst delivery horror stories researched on Tripadvisor. One of the common findings include the fact deliveries are being misplaced in unsafe locations, leading to stolen and damaged goods. Of course, this leads to very unhappy customers who will leave a bad review on both the business providing the goods and the delivery company. 

With some of the worst 1 star reviews mentioning parked cars hit by one of the delivery vans and drivers pretending to have only 1 parcel when in actual fact they had all 3, it makes you wonder if all major cities are exposed to these horrendous delivery stories or they are a rare occurrence. 

How do delivery reviews pan out for the specific city? To find out, reviews located in the city of Exeter were researched.

“I booked off annual leave to wait for a furniture delivery TWICE that never showed up”

“My delivery date arrived (2 weeks later) and I took the day off and booked a carpenter to arrive to install the furniture as part of a built-in wardrobe design. Waited all day...... nothing arrived. Can't call Ikea on the phone, had to sit on web chat for 3 HOURS!! To be told the items are still not in stock. Why did nobody inform me the day before???”

This delivery horror story clearly shows the importance of ensuring clear communication between the client and customer, to ensure all goods are delivered on time. 

You can read more about the review here >> https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186254-d15549530-r760096785-IKEA-Exeter_Devon_England.html 

As well as store examples, according to the percentage of negative delivery related reviews, food deliveries are working up to be a common theme. Some examples include: 

“Shame 0 STAR option is not available! This experience changed my perception forever”

“Highly disturbing experience. Shame 0 STAR option is not available. This experience changed my perception forever. Ordered £20 worth of pizza and 20 minutes after the anticipated delivery time I called the branch and asked where my pizza was. The ‘manager’ at the time mentioned that delivery drivers are delayed and they are short staffed. The manager then made a snap decision to CANCEL the entire order!”

You can read more about the review here >> https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186254-d4924289-Reviews-Pizza_Hut_Delivery-Exeter_Devon_England.html 

“Our order was out for delivery for two hours”

“Our order was out for delivery for two hours. Tried to call to ask where it was, no answer on the first dozen calls. Finally someone answered, "we'll get the food when we get it" it will be hot for "five to six hours.”

You can read more about the review here >> https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186254-d17830670-Reviews-Domino_s_Pizza_Exeter_Sidwell_Street-Exeter_Devon_England.html

The importance of delivery communication

Looking back at some of the horror delivery stories mentioned by Descartes as well as some of these Exeter specific delivery reviews, its clear communication problems during the last mile delivery process is one of the biggest issues faced by consumers. 

Last mile delivery refers to the very last step of the delivery process when a parcel is moved from a transportation hub to its final destination, which has a significant impact on the customer satisfaction level. 

This can be achieved by the use of route delivery route planning software.