I've been failed once again by [Home Delivery Network Limited](http://www.hdnl.co.uk/) pretending to deliver my [Amazon](http://amazon.co.uk/) order. I'm getting properly fed up with it, and I'm [not](http://www.amazon.co.uk/tag/deals/forum/ref=cm_cd_ttp_ef_tft_tp?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx1DEIHNWYF5SA9&cdThread=Tx1A9GFNUAIDZ&displayType=tagsDetail) [the](http://www.amazon.co.uk/tag/deals/forum/ref=cm_cd_ttp_ef_tft_tp?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx1DEIHNWYF5SA9&cdThread=Tx12HUCZT5EPZUV&displayType=tagsDetail) [only](http://www.mrdaz.com/why-does-amazon-persist-with-home-delivery-network/) [one](http://www.reviewcentre.com/r150787_5_Home_Delivery_Network_Limited_.html).
I've tried calling both numbers on the [HDNL contact us](http://www.hdnl.co.uk/Contact-Us/) page. Both require a delivery number, which is written on the card the driver supposedly leaves when they attempt delivery. There's been no delivery attempt, so there's no card and no delivery number. Tremendously helpful.
I tried talking to [Amazon support](http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/contact-us/general-questions.html/ref=hp_gw_cu), who were very apologetic and tried to call HDNL on my behalf. They couldn't get through to anyone at Home Delivery Network and said they couldn't see a delivery number in the system, which strongly suggests the driver didn't leave a card. Correct! After I complained about this being a recurring problem, they added a query to request that HDNL investigate what happened and contact me. I don't hold out much hope that anything beyond "we attempted delivery but couldn't access the property" will come out of that.
A quick search turned up the phone number for the HDNL depot at New Cross Gate, where my package had set out from and been returned to after the non-existent delivery attempt. It's listed at [Say No To 0870](http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php) (search for "Home Delivery Network") as 020 7635 8094, in case anyone else needs it -- other depots are listed there too. The chap on the other end didn't seem particularly surprised when I told him the driver never showed up, told me I couldn't come down to pick it up (the depot is a 10-minute bus ride from my flat) because it would be mixed in with all the other parcels by now, and said my best bet was to wait in on Monday. To complain, I'd have to call one of the original premium-rate numbers and wait -- paying through the nose -- until an operator eventually picks up.
A week ago I signed up for Amazon Prime, thinking I'd get a reliable delivery service for my GBP 49 a year. This package was ordered for next-day delivery. Does that sound like value for money? Shouldn't I be able to trust that deliveries will actually be attempted on the day the courier claims they will be?
I want to see one of two things added to my Amazon delivery options:
1. **Don't use HDNL for any of my deliveries.** I'll happily pay more.
2. **Let me collect from the depot.** HDNL clearly struggle with the last-mile problem, so send it to the depot and I'll pick it up myself. I'll pay less.
Please, Amazon -- give me some way to avoid this terrible delivery company.
Update: Monday 14th March
When I called on Saturday, both Amazon and HDNL told me to wait in my flat for the parcel to arrive on Monday. This morning at 06:45 I was emailed by Amazon to say that HDNL will now deliver my Kindle on Tuesday. High five, guys. Big success. Meanwhile, James Cridland has pointed out that if I'd just nipped into the local Tesco superstore I could have picked one up in about 10 minutes.