There is a page on this site about Amazon.co.uk- and it is positive.

 Here is another experience of them:

 I tracked a package sent via Hermes. First thing this morning their tracking history showed it was out for delivery, so I ensured I stayed in all day.

 When I checked again after eating lunch, (which I ate within 10 feet & full view/hearing of the front door) I discovered that their website records that they attempted to deliver at lunchtime. Either this is a blatant lie (which is what I believe) or they went to the wrong address where nobody was in. If it is true then they left no card; neither did they telephone. Amazon confirmed the correct full address and telephone number was available to the courier.

 I contacted Amazon via their call-back system. They seemed very efficient and I was put on hold while their man investigated. He contacted the courier and was told they were no longer in my area and would redeliver tomorrow. The Hermes website just says, "Courier to re-attempt delivery"….if I hadn't phoned Amazon I'd've thought they could still arrive today.

 This is the first time I can remember that I have had Hermes used by Amazon- I have dozens of Amazon orders a year delivered with no problems….but with other couriers. I live in semi-rural Scotland- about 90 minutes drive from Inverness-  but most of the couriers know us. We are not actually difficult to find - unless, it appears, you are a driver for Hermes. I know that couriers sub-contract to one another down the line so can only assume that the last one in the chain to us is a "bad apple." 

 My complaint is not that the delivery was late; my complaint is that it looks as if the driver deliberately lied. I can only speculate as to why. But whatever the reason it is inexcusable. It makes Hermes look extremely bad- and, as the email from Amazon to me after my complaint implies- it does Amazon's reputation no good either.

 So do I stay in tomorrow in the hope that the package arrives? No- I have appointments I must keep. And there is a little devil on my shoulder urging me to ensure I am out so that the courier has to return several times to make the delivery……but this would be…. inexcusable….wouldn't it…..?

I am not alone: more Hermes customer experiences

http://www.toytowngermany.com/lofi/index.php/t220552.html

 33 pages of experiences: on a Forum

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=1648725&highlight=hermes

26/10/11   2 p.m.

UPDATE (& conclusion!):

A pleasant young man delivered the package today.  When I asked about yesterday he apologised and explained that although he had had the package (as reported on the tracking system) he didn't deliver it as he had others to do "out in the country".  He is self-employed. He said he had no idea why the system reported: "Delivery attempted". He is not paid much per delivery and as he pays his own fuel, who can blame him for not making a delivery if it makes him a financial loss?  The package was delivered within the time range Amazon gave.  My concern is that the Hermes tracking system seems to have either incorrectly reported or be hopelessly inefficient. Whatever the reason, Hermes would seem to have a problem of credibility and possibly structural management weaknesses....creating a negative impact upon some of their customers and their own reputation.

It doesn't help that Hermes & Amazon's tracking displays don't match:

Contrast this with the professionalism of DHL: