It’s practical, especially for working people who aren’t at home when the delivery person rings: after a drop-off permit has been issued, the goods ordered online can be left in certain places, such as in front of the front door or in the garden. However, the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor advises against this practice. If the goods are damaged or the package is stolen, the consumer bears the full risk.
The topic is a “perennial issue,” says Ulrike Weiß from the consumer protection department. All delivery companies are affected by this; they can usually prove that they left the package at the agreed location. The delivery is therefore considered delivered, regardless of whether the consumer ultimately holds it in his hands or not. If the package has disappeared, there is usually no legal recourse, says Weiß: Anyone who refuses to pay the bill is doing so illegally and must expect reminder fees.
Anyone who grants a parking permit should think carefully about the location and describe it in detail; a photo should be sent to the deliverers. Places accessible to the public, such as stairwells, pose a great risk. The storage location should also be protected from rain, snow and wind.
In general, the Chamber of Labor advises using pick-up stations or parcel boxes. “Strict consumer law actually applies in this area. The dealer bears the full risk for the transport. With a storage permit, the consumer puts themselves in a worse position,” says Weiß.
