Can the postal services NOT deliver a package (surprise gift) and leave just for pickup?

Question

New in the area, only live with brother whos b day is coming up and i ordered something for him online from ebay . thing is hes home a lot and im at work (cannot ship to job either) and anything i could do so its not going to be a spoiled surprise? does the post office allow certain things like not delivering a package and rather just pick it up?

Answer 1

In the UK, Royal Mail is duty bound to ATTEMPT delivery. If the item is large, and nobody answers the door of the address, it may be put somewhere reasonably secure (greenhouse in the garden, porch, etc), and the postman will put a card through the door explaining where the item is, or if not, it will be taken back to the local Delivery Office, and it is up to the addressee to come and collect it, although a redelivery may be arranged if you contact the Delivery Office. The postman should put a card through the door explaining this also, and it is usually first class or registered items that are taken back.

I'm not entirely sure what you are asking, but I think that should be the best answer and I hope that has helped.

Other things that can hinder an item of mail's arrival are incorrect addressing, with no or an incorrect postcode, or missorting somewhere in the Post Office network.

Me and my friends do like to go for the "postal surprise" on birthdays or Christmas, or even for no real reason. I know Amazon, at least, has the option of sending the item to someone else other than invoicing address, and it is nice to receive a DVD or something unannounced in the post!