Target Customer Stunned After AirPods Left Unbagged on Doorstep, Sparking Delivery Debate
CHICAGO — A Target customer was left speechless after discovering their delivery of two brand-new AirPods left unbagged and fully visible on their front porch — a sight that has since gone viral and reignited debate about delivery safety and professionalism.
The photo, shared by the Reddit user BluePeriod_, shows two Apple AirPods boxes sitting openly on a doormat outside a red door, with no bag, receipt, or attempt at concealment. “How Target’s local delivery decided to drop off my order of two AirPods,” the caption read.
Within hours, the post gained thousands of reactions from users frustrated by what they called careless handling of high-value orders.
“No Excuse for This” — Delivery Workers and Customers Weigh In
The viral thread attracted input from both shoppers and delivery drivers, many of whom said there was no reason for this kind of oversight. “I’ve shopped Shipt orders before,” one commenter wrote. “There is no reason for this to happen unless Target ran out of bags — and if that happens, they should tell you. In 4–5 years, that’s only happened to me once.”
Others blamed poor communication or laziness on the part of the delivery worker. “Bad shopper for either not getting a bag or not telling you they were out,” another added.
A former delivery driver commented that while some Target locations may temporarily run out of bags, employees are typically expected to find alternatives or notify the customer before leaving electronics in plain sight.
Customer Says Promotion Led Them to Try Target Delivery
The original poster explained that they tried the service during Target Circle Week, a promotional event that included a free year of membership and complimentary delivery. “We thought we’d take advantage of the little things since we’re busy,” the user wrote. “If it was gonna be like this, the whole thing had me thinking twice.”
Other users sympathized, saying the experience could discourage shoppers from using Target’s delivery platform again — especially for expensive items like AirPods or tablets. “It’s not about convenience when it turns into a theft risk,” one commenter said.
Delivery Tips and System Insights
Several experienced shoppers shared advice on how to avoid similar mishaps. One noted that customers can “request a preferred shopper” through the Shipt app so that future orders are handled by trusted individuals. “Whenever you get a shopper you like, request them,” a commenter suggested. “They get first priority on your orders — just don’t forget to tip, or no one will accept your request.”
How Target’s local delivery decided to drop off my order of two AirPods.
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Another pointed out that while Target stores sometimes run out of plastic bags in specific departments like electronics, that’s “not an excuse.” “Even if that’s true, shoppers can still grab a bag from checkout,” the user wrote.
Rising Customer Concerns Over Delivery Practices
This incident is one of many viral examples showing how quickly poor delivery execution can undermine trust in major retailers. In recent years, companies like Target, Amazon, and Walmart have faced growing scrutiny over package handling and “porch theft” vulnerability.
Retail analysts say that as same-day and local delivery services grow in popularity, shoppers expect higher attention to detail — especially when expensive electronics are involved.
“It’s not just about speed,” said retail analyst Jordan Clark. “Customers want assurance that convenience doesn’t come at the cost of care.”
From Frustration to a Lesson in Delivery Awareness
The viral post has since become a cautionary tale for both shoppers and drivers, showing how even a small oversight can turn into a major PR headache. While the AirPods reportedly weren’t stolen, commenters say the situation easily could have ended differently.
As one user summed it up, “Leaving $500 worth of electronics out in the open isn’t ‘delivery.’ It’s an invitation.”
Have you had a frustrating experience with local delivery or store pickup? Share your story and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
