The careless couriers giving new meaning to 'express delivery'
An investigation is underway into the actions of a careless courier filmed hurling fragile parcels into an Adelaide front yard.
It's become an online shopper's nightmare - pricey, fragile items tossed into your front yard by thoughtless couriers.
Industry experts say the rough delivery is widespread amongst couriers, but there are ways you can protect your precious items from being damaged.
Security cameras caught one man throwing a parcel into Josie Grummel's Kudla property.
Ten days later he returned, again putting his throwing skills to the test.
"It clearly says it was fragile, and this way up, which it wasn't," Josie said.
Inside were delicate air diffusers intended as Christmas gifts for the family.
Fortunately, inside the package the items were wrapped up well enough that they survived the courier's rough handling.
He is not the first courier to be investigated, with vision emerging on Monday of an Australia Post worker mishandling goods.
But consumer advocates warn against shooting the messenger.
"Your starting point is the retailer," Consumer Affairs spokesman Dini Soulio said.
"That's who your contract is with and the retailer can then take it up with the delivery company."
Experts also say there are steps you can take to protect your online shopping, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.
"You can take out insurance on products," Mr Souli said.
"Certainly it's worth doing some research about where you're buying from.
"Is there any feedback where people have had this experience in the past?"
If so, the experts say, find an item from a company with a reputable and reliable courier service.
