Hi everyone,
Things have been a little quiet around here lately due to some shipping issues, so I wanted to share an update on what's been happening, along with a small change to this week's ordering schedule.
Over the past week, I've become aware of a growing number of packages experiencing issues with tracking updates. Some have been going days or even weeks without an update after drop-off, which is not at all the norm. While shipping issues do occasionally happen, the number of packages experiencing these delays recently is higher than I'm accustomed to seeing.
I've been working through these shipments this week and trying to identify every potentially affected order, but it's proving a little tricky to distinguish between packages that are simply experiencing delayed tracking updates and those that may have genuinely been misplaced or missorted within the USPS network.
In all honesty, it's been an incredibly stressful and frustrating situation. Once packages leave my hands, I have access to essentially the same tracking information that you do, and it's disheartening to spend so much time carefully preparing orders only to have them seemingly disappear into the void. Even more frustrating is knowing that there are customers on the other end who have been patiently waiting for their samples.
One small ray of light in all of this is that, after filing Missing Mail Searches and speaking with my local post office, some packages have finally started moving again! I'm cautiously hopeful that more will follow.
If you've noticed unusual tracking activity, a lack of updates, or a package that appears to be stuck in transit, and you haven't already heard from me, please reach out! USPS doesn't provide a reliable way to flag shipments that have stopped moving, so hearing directly from you is incredibly helpful in allowing me to resolve the issue for you.
Early Closure This Week
Given the unusual number of shipments experiencing these delays, I want to make sure each affected package gets the attention it deserves. That's why I've decided to close ordering early this week, as of Thursday evening, 10/8, to dedicate additional time to investigating and preparing replacements where necessary.
Ordering will reopen next Wednesday, 10/14, for two days, with the possibility of extending that window depending on how things are progressing at that time.
I also have a previously planned international trip coming up later this month for a family wedding, during which I won't have access to my workshop (since I won't even be in the same country 😅). With that in mind, it's especially important to me that I do everything I can to resolve outstanding shipping issues and get any necessary replacements out before I leave. The last thing I want is for customers who have already been waiting patiently to be left waiting even longer while I'm away.
I know closing ordering early isn't ideal, especially for those of you who were planning to place an order this week. This is only a temporary adjustment to give me the time needed to work through the shipping issues without adding further to the current workload, and I really appreciate your understanding. I want to make sure every order receives the care and attention it deserves, and I'd rather make this adjustment now than risk overcommitting and creating additional delays for anyone.
What This Means for Existing Orders
If you've already placed an order, this early closure does not mean your order is being canceled or put on hold. I'll continue working through existing orders alongside the shipping investigations and replacements.
Each stalled package requires its own investigation, whether that's filing a Missing Mail Search, following up with USPS, or submitting an insurance claim. It's quite a time-consuming process, especially when there are multiple shipments involved. I've arranged for some extra help with the administrative side of things so I can focus on preparing replacements and getting orders out as quickly as possible.
I know how exciting it is to wait for your perfume samples, and I'm genuinely sorry that shipping has been such a frustrating experience for some of you lately.
I'm also exploring alternative shipping carriers to help prevent similar issues in the future. Some of you may receive replacements via UPS as I test out their service, and I'd genuinely love to hear how those deliveries go! Your feedback will help me decide whether to offer additional carrier options or potentially make a switch altogether.
Thank you so much for your patience, understanding, and willingness to reach out when something doesn't look right. I really appreciate it. 💛
xoxo,
Anna