Proof of Delivery (POD)

Proof of delivery (POD) is documentation that confirms a package reached its destination. It’s your evidence that the shipment was completed and can include signatures, photos, timestamps, and GPS coordinates.

Types of Proof of Delivery

Basic Tracking Confirmation

• Timestamp of delivery
• General location (“Front Door”, “Mailbox”)
• Included with most shipping services

Signature Confirmation

• Physical or electronic signature from recipient
• Name of person who signed
• Date and time of signature

Photo Confirmation

• Image of package at delivery location
• Increasingly common with residential delivery
• Helpful for “I never received it” disputes

Adult Signature

• Verifies recipient is 21+ (required for alcohol, some medications)
• Government ID checked
• Higher fee than standard signature

Why POD Matters

For Sellers:

• Prove delivery in customer disputes
• Process refund requests fairly
• Evidence for payment processor chargebacks
• Insurance claims documentation

For Shippers:

• Confirm goods arrived
• Close out invoices
• Verify delivery time compliance
• Track carrier performance

POD by Carrier

When to Require Signature

Consider signature confirmation for:

• High-value items ($100+)
• Items prone to “not delivered” claims
• Age-restricted products
• Important documents
• Areas with high theft rates

Accessing POD Documentation

Online:

• Carrier tracking page shows basic POD
• Signature images available 24-48 hours after delivery
• Download for your records

Request formal POD:

• Call carrier customer service
• Provide tracking number
• Receive official documentation (may take 1-3 days)

Handling “Not Delivered” Claims

When a customer says they didn’t receive a package:

1. Check tracking and POD documentation
2. Review delivery photo if available
3. Verify address was correct
4. Check with household members/neighbors
5. File carrier trace if genuinely missing
6. Process refund/replacement per your policy