What is a delivery attempt?
A delivery attempt is every time a carrier tries to hand over a parcel at the delivery address. If the attempt fails, for example because nobody is home or the address can’t be found, the tracking shows “delivery attempted” or “delivery attempt unsuccessful”, and the carrier tries another option.
Core principle: Every failed delivery attempt costs time and money and annoys the customer, so the best fix is to get the first attempt right.
What happens after a failed delivery attempt?
- Neighbour: some carriers leave the parcel with a neighbour and a card saying where it is.
- Pickup point or locker: the parcel goes to a parcel shop or locker for collection, usually for around 7 days.
- Second attempt: the carrier tries again the next working day; some allow a new date or address online.
- Return to sender: if it can’t be delivered or collected, the parcel goes back to the shop’s warehouse.
Common reasons for failed delivery attempts
| Reason | How to prevent it |
|---|---|
| Nobody home | Offer pickup points, lockers and delivery time choices at checkout |
| Wrong or incomplete address | Address validation at checkout; check house numbers and flat numbers |
| No access to building | Ask for door codes or delivery notes |
| Signature required | Only require a signature for high-value orders |
| Cash on delivery not ready | Remind customers before delivery |
Example: A brand sees that 6% of its parcels to one country need a second attempt. It adds parcel lockers as a delivery option and sends an email with the tracking link on the day of delivery. Failed attempts fall, and so do returned parcels and customer service tickets.
See also last-mile delivery and proof of delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What does “delivery attempted” mean?
The carrier tried to deliver the parcel but couldn’t hand it over. It will usually try again, leave it with a neighbour or take it to a pickup point.
How many delivery attempts do carriers make?
It depends on the carrier and service, usually one or two before the parcel goes to a pickup point or back to the sender.
What should I do after a failed delivery attempt?
Check the tracking and the card left by the courier, then choose a new date, address or pickup point, or collect the parcel.
