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The absolute chaos prevails in the transport companies as the lockdown that will last during the holidays has brought the absolute “heart attack”!
See what rights you have as consumers and what happens from now on.
General Post was the first courier that announced the suspension of services as it stated in an announcement while it was preparing for a 60% increase in its operations, this percentage has far exceeded!
The announcement of the General Post Office
“The unforeseen prolonged suspension of the retail stores and the completely unbalanced forecast regarding the time of their reopening have created suffocating pressures in all transport networks.
This pressure is expected to intensify in the coming days due to the festive season, since, traditionally, during this period there is a vertical increase in retail sales which in the current conditions are served entirely by online shopping and therefore end up with the buyer through courier services.
In the General Post Office we have timely created the necessary infrastructure so that we can handle volumes up to 60% increased compared to the “normal” period.
Nevertheless, the pressure exerted by the market already exceeds this possibility with the immediate consequence of creating dysfunctional phenomena [delays, errors, losses, complaints, etc.].
It is not insignificant to point out that in not a few cases there is a complete lack of understanding by users [senders or recipients], a weakness associated with the completely wrong [and clearly underestimated] view of the specific service that is the main business object of General Post.
Under these circumstances and for the duration of this abnormal situation, we are obliged to take some measures so that, on the one hand, we maintain a good level of service as General Post and on the other hand, the people working in General Post can work as humanely as possible. .
In this context:
- all additional services are suspended immediately except for the basic service either single shipping or cash on delivery [indicatively suspended special shipments, Saturday delivery, delivery in Inaccessible, etc.]
- The new service “VIP shipment” can be used for any emergency [attention! It has increased costs, it is provided in a specific area and it does not have unlimited possibilities] which was created just for such cases “.
ACS… “Six days and we’ll see…”
The second company to collapse under the weight of mass orders was ACS.
With its announcement, the company informed that the transports to Athens and Thessaloniki will reach their destinations in more than six days…
The announcement by the company:
“ACS, with a sense of responsibility to the consumer public, has chosen to honestly and regularly inform its customers about developments, the necessary changes in the management of shipments and the adjustments of its services, due to the pandemic.
The company continues to assess the current situation on a daily basis and operates invasively with additional human resources, means of transport and new infrastructure, in order to achieve shipment times as close as possible to normal levels.
The combination of the current lockdown, Black Friday and the pre-holiday period has pushed the volume of missions that our customers trust us to unprecedented levels, much higher than the previous lockdown and at any time in the past.
Given these conditions, and as a result of the significant increase in shipments this week, the average handling time of shipments is expected to reach 6 working days, while it may be in Attica and Thessaloniki to exceed these times.
In any case, we would like to assure you that ACS continues its efforts and evaluates the services it provides in order to meet the expectations of its customers, while advising consumers to avoid sending sensitive products during this period.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause due to exceptional market conditions. Thank you for your understanding, trust and patience, and we are committed to keeping you informed of any new developments.
Delays also with ELTA Courier
ELTA Courier also issued an announcement stating that the traffic is significantly increased both compared to last year and the first lockdown.
The announcement in detail:
“Dear customers,
Given the special circumstances brought about by the second lockdown, Black Friday and the upcoming festive season, the volume of missions we are called upon to manage has increased more than ever before.
Indicatively, in relation to the corresponding period last year where there were no restrictive measures in the market, the percentage of increase reaches up to 60.8% while in relation to the spring period there is an increase of 22.5%.
As a result, the infrastructures of both the e-shops and the couriers are being tested, with the consequence that modifications and deviations in the usual times of handling and delivery are observed especially in Attica.
In any case, we assure you that ELTA Courier assesses the current situation on a daily basis based on a business plan in order to meet the excessively increased needs of its customers, having already expanded its infrastructure, strengthened the available logistical and human resources and restructured of its services, so as to better respond to particular circumstances.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and trust. ”
Consumer rights
On the occasion of the following festive period, and taking into account the special conditions prevailing for the treatment of the Covid-19 pandemic, EETT addresses useful advice to consumers-users of postal services and draws attention to the following:
Shipping cost: Check if the shipping cost is uniform or varies by region and also if it is affected by factors such as the volumetric weight of the shipment (for items that exceed the weight limit set by the company and / or are bulky, such as e.g. electrical appliances), delivery at the recipient’s premises or in inaccessible areas, the provision of specialized services (eg express).
Delivery time: Find out from the postal provider about the expected delivery time and / or the possibility of providing specialized services regarding the delivery time (eg same-day delivery, delivery within a certain period of time or on a non-working day), which may incur an additional charge.
How to pick up: Find out about the available pick-up options for the postal item (eg at your place, from the company’s stores, from the mailbox, from extended service points, etc.) as well as about the possibility of changing the delivery address of the item (forwarding services to another address).
Shipping tracking: Find out about the delivery of the postal item, e.g. from the company’s website, via sms, email, phone, etc.
Repeat the delivery attempt: The postal providers are obliged in a second attempt to deliver the item, in case of your absence during the initial attempt, with your relevant written notice.
Receipt by reservation: You may either pick up by reservation or declare a reservation within one day of receipt of the postal item, stating in writing if the item delivered to you has been damaged.
Non-signature capability: For the purpose of preventive protection of public health, it is allowed, exceptionally and only temporarily, the delivery of postal items by courier without the signature of the recipient. If this feature is used, the distributor certifies the service and records, at least, the date, place, time of delivery and the details of the recipient, and / or the entry of a unique personal identification code that will be sent to the recipients.
Entitlement to compensation: You have the right to claim compensation within 6 months for the improper provision of postal services, in case of total or partial loss / theft / destruction of the contents of the letter or parcel, as well as the late delivery of the postal item, according to the conditions provided in individual contract you signed upon shipment.
Return of products: Find out about the possibility of returning products and the available shipping methods given to you by the online store (eg through a cooperating postal company or with a company of your choice) as well as the relevant costs.
Market research: Carry out market research and search for detailed information on postal services and related invoices through the websites and hotlines provided by postal providers. To facilitate the search and selection of courier service, EETT Pricescope online tool is available, which provides you with the ability to search and compare prices for courier services of the largest postal providers in Greece.
Modification of services: Ask if there are changes in the provided postal services, due to pandemic mitigation measures (eg suspension of services, modification of delivery terms, change of delivery times, etc.) through the websites and / or service centres of the postal companies and online stores.
For more links inregards to rights and finding correct prices in Greek click on source link:- https://xristika.gr
