What To Do When You Can’t Sign For A FedEx Package In Person

Most shipments from Shows To Go Backdrops require a signature for delivery. Signatures are a requirement from FedEx for any package valued at $500 or more. Many times customers ask us to "waive" or remove the signature requirement. Unfortunately, FedEx does not allow the sender to “waive” the signature requirement for high-value items. Luckily FedEx has many options for people who won't be able to accept a "signature required" shipment in person, including signing for the package in advance online or through the FedEx app.

But first...

Don't Sign In Advance If You Don't Have To

At our office, we regularly get calls from customers who are in "panic mode" because FedEx tracking said "delivered," but they have not been notified by anyone in their receiving department. Even worse, sometimes customers will have their order dropshipped to a hotel or event venue, and they can't find any employee that knows anything about it. 

If a packaged is delivered to a building with a required signature, you will be able to see the name of the person who received the delivery and at what time. This information is available to you when you track your package through FedEx online or the FedEx app, and it shows "DELIVERED".

A name and time of delivery are usually all that is need to locate your missing shipment in a hotel, large office or exhibition center. 

The Low Tech Pen and Paper Approach

If you know a FedEx package is coming that requires a signature, you can usually just leave a note for the delivery driver given permission to leave the package. The note must reference the tracking number, delivery address, and name and signature of the person signing. Your cell phone number is also a good idea.

Something like this works fine:

DATE: (Date of Delivery)

RE: TRACKING NUMBER 1ZAITJGL837381437

I give permission for FedEx to leave this shipment at my front porch.

(SIGNED)

Your Name
Address
Cell Number

If you are really in a hurry, we created a template for the note to leave for FedEx to sign for a package. (Link Opens PDF) Print. Fill-In and Done. 

You may want to call FedEx and have them note in the delivery information that you will be leaving a signed release. FedEx customer service: (800)463-3339.

Your delivery should be waiting for you when you return. "And that's why you always leave a note!" - George Bluth, Sr.

If You Can Spare An Extra Day - Sign The Door Tag

If you have not signed in advance or made other delivery arrangements, FedEx will attempt the delivery as usual. If nobody is available to sign for the package, they will leave a door tag saying that they attempted delivery. FedEx will try to deliver your package again – usually the next day. To make sure you don’t miss the redelivery attempt, sign your door tag in the spot indicated, and stick it back where the FedEx driver left it. Your backdrop package should be waiting for you after the next delivery attempt.



Additional information about managing your FedEx delivery can be found at FedEx.com or by calling the FedEx customer service line at (800)463-3339.