Common causes
- The buyer is hit with unexpected import duties at the border.
- Delivery is much slower than the buyer expected.
- The item does not match the description or arrives damaged.
- Tracking goes dark, so the buyer gets worried and cancels.
How to reduce failed deliveries
- Handle duties up front with DDP/IOSS so the buyer pays nothing extra.
- Provide real-time tracking and send proactive updates.
- Describe items accurately and pack them to prevent breakage.
- Be honest about delivery times.
The key point
Most failed deliveries come from surprise duties and slow delivery. Fix those two and your refusal rate drops sharply.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the number one cause of failed deliveries?
- The buyer being charged unexpected import duties at the border; shipping DDP or using IOSS avoids this.
- Does tracking help reduce failed deliveries?
- Yes. Showing the parcel's journey reassures buyers and reduces cancellations.
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