DPD Says Delivered But You Have Nothing? Here's What Works
If DPD tracking shows 'delivered' but you have nothing, DPD is different from Evri. DPD gives a 1-hour delivery slot, takes a photo, and records precise GPS. That sounds good, but it creates a different problem: drivers will mark "delivered to safe place" or "delivered to neighbour" to protect their performance score, even when you never agreed to it.
Why DPD "delivered" scans are misleading
For other couriers, see our main delivered-but-missing guide and Evri guide.
Three DPD-specific issues:
- Safe place abuse: Drivers select "porch" or "shed" in the app to complete the drop, even if no safe place exists.
- Neighbour drops without cards: DPD often leaves with a neighbour but fails to leave the card, or leaves it with the wrong house.
- Photo proof problems: DPD photos are better than Evri's, but they often show a parcel on a doorstep with no house number visible.
How to read DPD delivery proof
DPD provides retailers with a photo and GPS pin. Here's what counts:
Photo that proves delivery
- Clear image of your house number or unique door
- GPS pin directly on your property
- Your signature in the DPD app
- Delivery within your 1-hour slot
Photo that does NOT prove delivery
- Parcel on a generic step with no number
- GPS shows next street or neighbour's house
- "Left in safe place" you never authorised
- Photo taken at 07:12 when slot was 14:00-15:00
- Delivered to neighbour with no card left
Tip: Check the DPD app for the delivery time vs your 1-hour slot — if the photo was taken outside your window, tell the retailer. They refund immediately when times don't match.
The DPD GPS trick retailers don't check
DPD records GPS to 3-metre accuracy. Retailers rarely look at it unless you ask correctly. When you say "please provide DPD GPS coordinates and metadata for delivery," most find the scan was 40 metres away at a neighbour. At that point they must refund.
Our letter includes the exact DPD-specific phrasing that triggers this check.
DPD's three statuses explained
- "Delivered": Should mean to you. Check the photo time vs your 1-hour window.
- "Delivered to safe place": Only valid with your prior written permission in the DPD app.
- "Delivered to neighbour": DPD must leave a card with the house number. No card = not delivered.
What to do today (DPD checklist)
- Check DPD app for the photo and exact time
- Ask immediate neighbours (check both sides and across)
- Note the DPD tracking, photo time, and 1-hour slot
- Take a photo of your front door for comparison
- Contact the retailer in writing – not DPD
Get the DPD letter that works
Our generator creates your personalised DPD claim with GPS request wording, Consumer Rights Act citations, and evidence checklist — ready in 2 minutes.
Create My DPD Letter – £3.99If the retailer says "wait for DPD investigation"
You don't have to wait. Your contract is with the retailer. DPD investigations are for the retailer's benefit, not yours. After 14 days, escalate to chargeback.
DPD FAQs
Why does DPD say delivered when I'm home?
DPD drivers often deliver to a neighbour or safe place to keep their on-time stats. They must get your permission first. Without it, it's not legal delivery.
Can I get DPD GPS coordinates?
Only the retailer can request them from DPD. Ask the retailer specifically for 'DPD GPS coordinates and delivery photo metadata' – our letter includes this wording.
DPD left it in my porch but I didn't agree?
That's not delivery to you under UK law unless you gave written permission in advance. The retailer is still liable for a refund.
How long do DPD investigations take?
DPD gives retailers 48 hours, but retailers often delay. You don't have to wait – your contract is with the retailer, not DPD.