This year a lot of people didn't get their Christmas deliveries from UPS and Fedex in time. Packages they were told would reach their destinations by December 25 ... DIDN'T.
So what?
It's amazing to me how this has become such a big deal. Part of it is just media hype at a time of year when there is a paucity of real news; this is something we've come to expect in the age of instantaneity.
But it goes beyond that, evidently, because people are grumbling, and both the delivery services and the companies that use them are offering more than just a kiss to make up.
For the retailers, I would say: Stop with the freebies, gift coupons, and so on. You sell goods; unless you also run your own in-house nationwide delivery service too, you have absolutely nothing to be sorry for. Once you release that shiny new dustbuster, or that fancy new tablet, to UPS, you're absolved. The "guaranteed" delivery is Fedex's claim, not yours. Only an idiot would hold you responsible. Unfortunately you, there are many, many idiots out there; and many more who won't say "no" when you offer them an unnecessary freebie. So maybe you believe it's better to offer bennies - which you can pay for out of the refunds you should get from shippers -- than take the risk. Sad, but contemporary.
For the delivery companies, I offer the following thought: I don't really think it's your "fault" either. Weather is unpredictable. But maybe you should stop overhyping the last-minute delivery. It's evident to me, if not to you, that the more you push volume into the last day or two, the more likely it is that you'll be unable to handle it, even without a major storm. Can you get more planes and hire more workers on a day's notice? I doubt it. Delivery in general is usually an estimate, but for those who paid extra for a "guaranteed" delivery, you should provide refunds of that shipping. I feel certain that you've factored the odds of a huge weather disaster into the stiff prices you charge for the service.
For people who are grumbling as if it's the end of the world, I offer this advice: Get over it! No, that's really wrong, it should be: Don't get into a tizzy in the first place. Mother Nature doesn't give guarantees, and neither does life. If you took the "free shipping" a week ago and didn't get your delivery, remember that you get what you pay for. If you paid extra for those guaranteed fast delivery, I commiserate and believe you should get your money back. In either case, though, I have two suggestions: (1) Order earlier! And (2) relax, get a sense of perspective, and consider how spoiled we've become, if this is all we have to complain about.