Amazon have launched an investigation into the missing deliveries of the much anticipated release of the PlayStation5 and Xbox Series X consoles.
PS5 and Xbox Series X customers have been reporting to Amazon and FedEx that their delivery drivers have allegedly been trying to steal their consoles. Many have gone to Twitter to share their frustrations.
Twitter user @andywatt89 voiced their troubles in an exchange with wrestling star Austin Creed.
I had my PS5 pre-ordered in the UK but my courier stole it. Still nothing from retailer I can relate in different ways.
— Andy watt (@andywatt89) November 27, 2020
A spokesperson for Amazon said it was investigating what had happened and urged anyone affected to contact its customer service team, in a statement recently released from Amazon addressing the wave of complaints.
The spokesperson added: “We’re all about making our customers happy, and that hasn’t happened for a small proportion of these orders.”
‘‘We’re really sorry about that and are investigating exactly what’s happened. We’re reaching out to every customer who’s had a problem and made us aware so we can put it right. Anyone who has had an issue with any order can contact our customer services team for help.”
The reports explain that the delivery drivers are alleging that the parcels have been left with neighbours or safely placed somewhere. As the customers come to retrieve their deliveries, they are nowhere to be seen.
The consoles have been in high demand and now at a shortage of stock. Averaging at £449.99 retail price they are being sold at inflated prices online.
The stock shortage also means that those offered refunds may not be able to buy a replacement elsewhere.
YouTube influencer and gamer Manny tweeted his annoyance: “Aye I didn’t know that the PS5 and Xbox Series X would be so hard to get. I went on Curry’s at 9 and the queue was 160k people loool.”
Some sites such as eBay have listings for the console for hundreds of pounds more than its recommended retail price.
Earlier, Manny was among those who complained of not receiving the console he had purchased.
Someone stole the Xbox Series X I got for Jed. “Handed to resident.” Is that what we’re calling it? ? pic.twitter.com/Xh18JGI6hE
— Manny (@Manny_Official) November 11, 2020
Due to the second lockdown hitting the UK many shops remain closed. Many people are shopping online so they can fulfil their shopping needs.
With Covid-19 comes new restrictions on how delivery companies are carrying out their operations. The contactless services require no signature upon delivery.
Due to these restrictions, some people are pointing out the difficulty in presenting evidence that the employees were attempting or have already succeeded in stealing the console.
Forums and Twitter feeds have opened up all across the internet asking for answers to why this is happening and what could be done.
A community has formed with people sharing their similar experiences, building a network of people trying to call out possible perpetrators.
Journalist Bex April May shared her frustration with her own experience by tweeting: “Tried to document our one’s unveiling, but Amazon have tricked us with an unsolicited air fryer instead (after giving delivery password). Anyone else had this problem today?”
With the PS5 being the biggest PlayStation console to date, it means the packaging is large and makes it easily distinguished. This causes some fans to ask why not all packaging has been concealed and is still in its original packaging.
Amazon has admitted there have been issues with deliveries but have also tried concealing the comments, according to some commentators.
I wrote a bad review/experience about an Amazon deliverer stealing my PS5. Amazon sent me an email refusing to post it. What’s sad is how Amazon/FedEx/Ups are refusing to address the issues thousands of people are having with their employees stealing #ps5 @amazon @AmazonHelp pic.twitter.com/8wDODsaivc
— Eric Jacob (@left_hook_larry) November 20, 2020
Amazon has made no comments about the next steps within their investigation.