Shoppers buying Christmas gifts online this week are being warned it is a gamble over whether items will arrive in time.
A national driver shortage means ordering online now has effectively become a game of Russian roulette, according to an industry expert.
Couriers are finding it impossible to meet targets of dropping off up to 200 parcels a day.
There are also concerns about the vetting of the drivers, many of whom are foreign seasonal workers, amid reports that items are being stolen.
Some companies, such as Amazon, Argos, Currys and Net a Porter are confidently promising people will be able to order online up until Christmas Eve with same day delivery.
Others have last order dates of Thursday and Friday this week, however there must be a question about whether items will arrive.
Some companies, such as Amazon, Argos, Currys and Net a Porter are confidently promising people will be able to order online up until Christmas Eve with same day delivery. Amazon’s warehouse depot at Hemel Hempstead is pictured
David Jinks, head of consumer research at ParcelHero, which acts as a middleman between consumers and courier firms, issued a warning to shoppers.
He said while leaving it late can mean there are more bargains available, there is a real risk items will be delayed.
‘The issue building is that retailers are pushing back final order dates as far as they can possibly go – but then a combination of a busy Black Friday Cyber Monday, which led to a small backlog; followed by snow, which led to deliveries getting backed up in the worst hit areas, has created a problem with some deliveries,’ he said.
‘The issue seems to have been compounded by the fact that many shoppers have their presents sent to their work address, but haven’t allowed for the fact couriers are delivering on a Sunday – when there is no one there.
‘This adds to the number of parcels getting stuck in the system.’
He added: ‘Many companies have of course employed extra drivers and warehouse staff – but there is a growing need for more drivers: particularly skilled HGV drivers for the first leg in the delivery chain.
‘We advise consumers not to leave buying online until final order dates in case of more snow or in case services become too stretched.’
Social media is weighed down with complaints from shoppers over delayed and missing purchases.
Amazon Prime customers, who pay £79 a year for next day delivery, have complained about delays.
The Advertising Standards Authority has received complaints that the company is failing to match its marketing promises and is considering mounting an investigation.
The Twitter feed of courier giant Hermes, which is second only to the Royal Mail in terms of Christmas deliveries, has been swamped with complaints.
The company serves Amazon and many other retailers, such as Debenhams, Zara, John Lewis, Tesco, Asda, and ASOS.
Argos has also been making same-day delivery promises to customers
The social media feeds of courier firms DPD and Yodel were also registering complaints.
One customer sent a tweet to DPD saying: ‘Your online information system says that I received a package today and signed for it. In fact, I could see the driver pull up in front of our house, go to the trunk, go to the front and drive away again. Didn’t leave a package, no-one signed for it’.
John Henderson wrote: ‘@DPD_UK were supposed to deliver a @bodyshopuk parcel to my wife, say we were not in and they left card. Someone was in all day and we’ve had no card.’
Many people making complaints on the Yodel twitter service did not get a reply for several days.
Evidence that delivery promises are not being met can be found on the official Twitter feed of companies like Hermes, which operates under the brand myHermes.
Many of the complaints involve emails and texts which list items as ‘delivered’ when this is not the case.
Suzanne Howard complained one driver was filmed leaving with a parcel that he claimed had been delivered.
She wrote: ‘I had a card put through my door saying it was left by bbq, but when I looked – not there. Checked my cameras and shows him, but takes a picture then walks off with it – theft.’
Kylie Bawden wrote: ‘I’m so cross with @Debenhams and @myhermes. My mum has been told that she will have to pay for the £200 order which she has not received because the Hermes courier ‘left it somewhere secure’ without leaving a card. Therefore @Debenhams deem this to have been delivered.’
Terry Sambridge sent a series of Tweets which went unanswered. He wrote: ‘@myhermes Missing a parcel. Says it was delivered and signed for, but I wasn’t in. Need to find it! Had no card through the door to say it’s with a neighbour either.’
Sherelle Murphy wrote: ‘I have had an email to say that my parcel has been delivered and signed for by customer. This has definitely not happened.’
Valerie Stroud wrote: ‘@myhermes Cried all day yesterday. Said parcel was delivered & signed for, all lies. Now without table & chairs for xmas dinner as have to wait 30 days for investigation and refund from seller. So many same complaints.’
Phil Daniels wrote: ‘@myhermes I paid @Debenhams for delivery y’day, failed to arrive, you claim weather conditions. What weather conditions? There are no issues here in W Mids other than a bit cold, disgraceful excuse.’
Robert Griffiths said: ‘Ten days and still delivery not here @myhermes I won’t be having Christmas now.’
Many people have complained to Amazon about using Hermes for some of its deliveries.
Hogan wrote: ‘Parcel of medical supplies not delivered on Sat….Very unhelpful. Will ask Amazon NOT to use @myhermes in future.’
A spokesman for Amazon referred questions about delivery delays to Hermes, saying the company serves many retailers.
Hermes said: ‘We have strict delivery standards and the types of incidents highlighted here are extremely rare and not acceptable to the business.
‘We encourage enquiries through social media and other online channels as it allows us to investigate and correct any issues quickly.
‘We believe that our couriers are doing a great job this Christmas, particularly during the recent bout of bad weather where many went ‘the extra mile’ to ensure that parcels were delivered safely. This attitude is reflected in our independent customer satisfaction scores which are high and rising consistently.’
Research by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS) suggests 20 million Britons suffered delivery problems last Christmas. As a result, it estimates retailers missed out on £3.9billion in terms of refunds and lost sales.
Its chief executive, Jo Causon, (correct) said: ‘It is getting worse year on year. Businesses need to take responsibility, or face further financial losses.’