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How to work around a delayed shipment

2020 Holiday shipping deadlines
Posted at 6:08 PM, Dec 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-14 19:08:29-05

This has been a busy year for online shopping, and unfortunately, this means that shipments could be delayed. If you are worried that your packages will not arrive in time for the holidays, here are a few things that you can do:

Shop early and pay attention to shipment dates. Although many retailers are providing an expected date of arrival, this date may not be accurate or guaranteed. You may want to add on a few extra days for packages to arrive.

If you have not yet ordered, but need something by a specific date, it may be best to forego the free shipping and pay extra for expedited or overnight delivery.

If it is well past the promised delivery date, contact the retailer and ask if they will ship a duplicate immediately, using expedited shipping. Although you will be charged for the extra order and faced with returning the duplicate, you may be able to negotiate the shipping costs or a discount.

If you do not receive the original order, and cannot get the merchant to provide a refund, you may be able to contest the charge with your credit card company.

If the gift does not arrive in time, consider giving a gift card or cash, a picture of the item, and a note explaining your best efforts to have it delivered in time.

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