Tracking Packages

COVID19 has shaken up almost every aspect of our lives getting your packages scanned so that tracking numbers are useful seems to be one of the latest unintended consequences. 

 According to the USPS website: "Postal Service Priority Mail® products and First-Class® packages may temporarily require more time to be delivered due to limited transportation availability as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic." Click here to visit the USPS website for more information. 

That doesn't tell us why packages seem to be stuck in a "pre-shipment" status for days, often times until the delivery has been made. When you see the pre-shipment notification, that usually means you have purchased from a business that has the ability to print postage at their place of business, which cuts down on time at the post office. Bella's Apothecary processes all orders on Fridays. That means that orders are printed, individually packed, postage is printed and then they are all taken to the post office on the following Monday. Here is where the packages are in the hands of the post office. 

While we expect for the scan sheet to be the end-all-say-all, it is not. Usually, the initial scan doesn't update until the following day and that is *if* it was scanned by postal workers. Depending on how busy they are, and on who is working that day, packages may not be scanned upon drop-off. Most times they are scanned along the way, which may or may not happen until delivery. 

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I've Placed Other Online Orders. Why is this one delayed?

The USPS has notices on its website, which can be found here, that state packages may require more time for delivery. This change took effect on April 17, 2020 and has continued since then. While packages used to take 2-3 days to arrive, they may take an additional three to four days during this time. This extended delivery estimate is in addition to the fact that the package may not be scanned until it is out for delivery. 

Bella's Apothecary processes orders every Friday and will continue to do so. We have no control over these delays so please plan accordingly when ordering gifts or products with time-sensitive delivery dates. If you have any further questions, you can contact us at [email protected]