Now shopping online for Xmas is a gamble

SHOPPERS buying Christmas gifts online this week are being warned it is a gamble whether items will arrive in time.

A shortage of drivers across the country means ordering on the internet has effectively become a game of Russian roulette, according to an industry expert.

Couriers are struggling to meet targets of dropping off up to 200 parcels a day. There are also concerns about the vetting of drivers, many of whom are seasonal workers, amid reports that items are being stolen.

Some companies, such as Amazon, Argos, Currys and Net-a-Porter, are promising customers will be able to order up until Christmas Eve with same- day delivery. Others have last order dates of Thursday or Friday.

But David Jinks, head of consumer research at Parcel Hero, which acts as a middleman between consumers and courier firms, issued a warning to shoppers.

He said that while leaving it late can mean there are more bargains available, there is a real risk items will be delayed. ‘The issue building is that retailers are pushing back final order dates as far as they can – but then a combination of a busy Black Friday, which led to a small backlog, followed by snow, which led to deliveries getting backed up in the worst-hit areas, has created a problem with some deliveries,’ he said.

He added: ‘Many companies have of course employed extra drivers and warehouse staff, but there is a growing need for more drivers. We advise consumers not to leave buying online until final order dates in case services become too stretched.’

Jo Causon of the Institute of Customer Service said: ‘It is getting worse year on year. Businesses need to take responsibility.’

Social media is weighed down with complaints from shoppers over delayed and missing purchases. Amazon Prime customers, who pay £79 a year for next day delivery, have complained about delays. The Advertising Standards Authority has received complaints that the company is failing to match its marketing promises and is considering an investigation.

The Twitter feed of courier giant Hermes, which serves Amazon and other retailers, has also been swamped with complaints.

An Amazon spokesman referred questions to Hermes, which said: ‘We have strict delivery standards. We believe that our couriers are doing a great job.’