Weight, accessorials and the last mile · The part the buyer experiences
Last mile, attempts and returns
Delivery attempts, address corrections, hold-for-pickup and return-to-sender fees decide the final cost and the buyer experience.
Key facts
| Attempts | Carriers usually make a limited number of attempts |
|---|---|
| Address correction | A wrong or incomplete address can trigger a fee |
| Hold for pickup | The buyer may collect from a carrier location |
| Return to sender | An undeliverable parcel can be returned at a cost |
| Reshipment | A replacement shipment adds a second transport cost |
| Buyer communication | Tracking and delivery notifications reduce failed attempts |
| Official source | Carrier service terms and your own shipping policy |
A failed delivery is a double cost
The first shipment is paid, the parcel comes back, and a replacement goes out. For a low-margin product, one failed delivery can erase several orders. Address validation at checkout is cheaper than reshipping.
Set a clear policy for address errors: who pays the correction, who pays the return and when a refund is issued.
Tracking is part of the product
Buyers who can see the parcel status are less likely to open a dispute. Send the tracking link proactively and explain what happens if delivery fails.
For cross-border orders, include the customs status in the explanation. A parcel held at customs is not the same as a lost parcel, and the response is different.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for a returned parcel?
It depends on the carrier terms and your shipping policy. Many sellers charge the return cost when the address was wrong or the buyer refused delivery.
Can I reroute a parcel after shipping?
Some carriers allow an address correction or hold for pickup for a fee. It is not guaranteed, especially after delivery has been attempted.
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