The notification that an Amazon delivery was “attempted” can be frustrating, indicating the driver could not complete the final step. This means the package is still in transit and not yet in your possession. Understanding the specific reasons for the failure and taking prompt action is key to securing your package quickly. This guide provides a clear path to successfully receiving your order after a failed delivery attempt.
Decoding the “Delivery Attempted” Notification
This status appears when the delivery driver was unable to finalize the delivery for a specific reason. Common causes include the driver needing a signature when no one was available, the delivery location being inaccessible, or the driver determining there was no secure place to leave the package. It can also occur if a business was closed.
Amazon communicates this information immediately through the tracking page, email, or the mobile application. You should check the tracking details for the exact time and stated reason for the failure, as this is the most useful clue for troubleshooting. Sometimes, the driver leaves a physical “Sorry We Missed You” slip, which may contain specific instructions.
Immediate Steps: Locating the Package
Your first action after receiving the notification should be a thorough search of the immediate delivery area. Drivers prioritize safety and discretion, sometimes placing packages out of plain sight to prevent theft. Check less obvious locations like behind planters, near side doors, or inside unlocked storage bins.
The Amazon tracking application is an important resource, as drivers often capture a photo in the app, even if the attempt was unsuccessful. Review the photo to confirm the package’s location or the exact spot the driver reached. If you live in a multi-unit dwelling, check with the leasing office, front desk staff, or mailroom, as drivers may leave packages there for security. Also, ask immediate neighbors if they accepted the delivery on your behalf.
Carrier Protocols and Automatic Re-delivery Attempts
Following a failed attempt, most carriers utilized by Amazon have standardized re-delivery procedures. Carriers will automatically attempt delivery multiple times before holding the item or returning it to the sender. For many services, including Amazon Logistics, the system is set up to attempt delivery two or three times.
These subsequent attempts usually occur on the next business day. If the delivery required a signature, the driver may try again at a different time of day. Amazon Logistics generally adheres to a three-attempt policy before classifying the package as undeliverable. Third-party carriers like USPS or UPS may have different hold times or require a manual re-delivery request.
Taking Control: Managing Your Delivery Options
If you anticipate being unavailable for the automatic re-delivery attempts, you can actively intervene and change the delivery plan. The most effective way to prevent a second or third failure is to use the “Manage Delivery” or “Delivery Preferences” link found on the tracking page within the Amazon website or app. This feature allows you to override the automatic process.
Using this management feature, you may be able to reschedule the delivery for a specific future date when you know you will be home. You can also explore options for changing the delivery address, though this is only possible if the package has not yet reached the final local delivery station. A reliable option is to redirect the package to a secure Amazon Hub Locker or a counter location for pickup at your convenience.
Redirecting the package to a designated pickup point is particularly useful if the initial failure was due to the need for a signature or concerns about package security at your home address. Once the package arrives at the Hub Locker or counter, you will receive a unique code or barcode to retrieve it within a short window, usually three days. Taking immediate control of the delivery via the management page is often faster than waiting for customer service to manually intervene or for the automatic attempts to succeed.
When All Attempts Fail: Return to Sender and Refunds
If the maximum number of delivery attempts is exhausted, or if the package remains unclaimed at a carrier facility, it enters the final stage: being marked “undeliverable.” At this point, the package is prepared to be returned to the Amazon fulfillment center. The total hold time before a return-to-sender is initiated typically ranges from 5 to 15 days, depending on the specific carrier’s policy.
Once the package is processed as undeliverable, it is shipped back to Amazon’s warehouse. A refund is typically initiated after the item is received and scanned at the fulfillment center, not immediately upon the final failed attempt. The time it takes for the funds to appear in your account can vary, often taking 3 to 5 business days for a refund to a credit or debit card after the return is processed. For items you still need, contacting customer service is necessary to arrange for a new order to be shipped, as the original order cannot usually be re-sent once the return process has begun.