DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

I recently purchased something from Germany. We used Deutsche Post because I've had good experience with Royal Mail/ParcelForce.

Initially the tracking was with DHL then it changed to ParcelForce when it landed in the UK which is what I expected, but the tracking stopped updating after it arrived at the delivery depot.

The next day a plain white van (no ParcelForce name) came to my door without me knowing as the tracking was still not updating.
The driver handed over an opened box (strong sellotape slit open). I asked him why is the box open but he couldn't speak English.

Luckily nothing was stolen nor damaged.

But why did ParcelForce use a sub-contractor and why did they employ a driver who can't speak English?

IanM wrote: ↑Thu Sep 04, 2025 9:41 am
But why did ParcelForce use a sub-contractor ?

They do it all the time - probably because it's cheaper.


.

I think the parcel was opened by customs. Happened to me also several times when I ordered something (@ ebay.co.uk for instance). They check whether the item as stated on the shipping label matches what is in the package. they mainly assess the stated value of the item.

Long live Brexit!

Thanks.

Twice last week Parcel Force claimed they had tried to deliver a parcel to me when I was working just outside the house. Blatant liars as the definitely did not. When I contacted the item seller she told me this is not the first time she has heard this complaint!

stichill99 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 06, 2025 7:40 pm Twice last week Parcel Force claimed they had tried to deliver a parcel to me when I was working just outside the house.

Did they leave a card?

They were never there to leave a card. Parcel was delivered this week and the driver said that the regular driver was off ill and they had used agency drivers who were useless last week and he was getting no end of abuse trying to appease customers who had not received parcels last week!