What to Do When Your Nintendo Order Hasn’t Shipped: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve excitedly placed an order on the My Nintendo Store, anticipating the arrival of that shiny new Switch, a must-have game, or some delightful Nintendo-themed merchandise. But the days are ticking by, and your order status remains stubbornly stuck on “awaiting shipment.” What do you do? Don’t panic! This guide will walk you through the steps you should take and what to expect.
The first and most crucial step is to contact Nintendo customer support. According to the information available, if your order has not shipped, you should directly contact Nintendo for support. This is the golden rule. Don’t waste time troubleshooting on your own until you’ve engaged with their support team. Navigate to the Order Information page, select the specific order in question, and utilize the “Contact Us” button found on the order details page. Be prepared to provide your order number and any other relevant information about your purchase.
But before you fire off that email or pick up the phone, let’s delve into the common reasons for shipping delays and how to handle them proactively.
Understanding the “Awaiting Shipment” Status
The dreaded “awaiting shipment” status can mean a few different things, but most commonly, it indicates that your product(s) are going through production or are ready to ship but haven’t been picked up by the carrier yet.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Production Delay: Certain items, especially limited edition or high-demand products, might require a production lead time. This means Nintendo is still manufacturing or assembling the items you ordered.
- Order Processing: Your order is in the queue to be processed, packaged, and prepared for shipment.
- Carrier Delay: Sometimes, the package is ready to go, but the shipping carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS) hasn’t picked it up yet. This could be due to high shipping volume, logistical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Out of Stock (Rare): In very rare cases, an item you ordered might temporarily be out of stock, even if the website didn’t indicate that at the time of purchase.
Proactive Steps Before Contacting Support
While contacting Nintendo support is the most important step, taking these actions beforehand can streamline the process:
- Check Your Order Confirmation Email: Review the email you received after placing your order. It should contain estimated shipping dates or delivery windows.
- Review the Product Page: Go back to the product page on the My Nintendo Store. Look for any notes about extended shipping times or production delays that might have been present when you made your purchase.
- Account Information: Log into your My Nintendo account and verify that your shipping address and contact information are accurate. Incorrect details can cause significant delays.
- Payment Method: Confirm that your payment method is valid and that there are no issues with your credit card or payment account. A payment failure will halt the order process.
- Check for Notifications: Keep an eye on your email (including spam/junk folders) for any communication from Nintendo regarding your order. They might have sent a notification about a delay or issue.
Communicating with Nintendo Support
When you reach out to Nintendo support, be clear, concise, and polite. Provide the following information:
- Order Number: This is essential for them to locate your order in their system.
- Date of Purchase: The date you placed the order.
- Items Ordered: A list of the specific products you ordered.
- A Brief Description of the Issue: Clearly state that your order is still awaiting shipment and that you’d like an update on its status.
Ask specific questions, such as:
- “What is the estimated shipping date for my order?”
- “Is there a production delay affecting any of the items I ordered?”
- “Is there anything I can do to expedite the shipping process?”
What to Do After Contacting Support
Once you’ve contacted Nintendo support, be patient. It may take them a few business days to respond to your inquiry. In the meantime:
- Monitor Your Email: Keep a close watch on your email for updates from Nintendo.
- Document Everything: Save all correspondence with Nintendo support, including emails and any notes you take during phone calls.
- Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back from Nintendo within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 3-5 business days), send a follow-up email or call them again.
Cancellation and Refunds
If your order has not been shipped, you may be able to cancel it. Contact Nintendo support immediately to request a cancellation.
If the order has already shipped, you will need to refuse delivery or return the package to Nintendo with a written request for a refund or exchange.
Nintendo’s refund policy states that you have 30 days after delivery to return or exchange products purchased directly from the My Nintendo Store. However, Nintendo will not refund the cost of shipping unless the return is a result of Nintendo providing a product that is damaged, defective, or different than the product you ordered.
Keep in mind that digital content purchased through the Nintendo eShop is generally non-refundable, so be sure to read game descriptions and check out screenshots before making purchases.
Alternative Options
While waiting for your Nintendo order, consider exploring resources that can enhance your gaming experience and knowledge. For example, the Games Learning Society, accessible at GamesLearningSociety.org, is a fantastic resource for educators and learners interested in the intersection of games and education. Learning more about gaming through platforms like the Games Learning Society can make the wait more bearable.
FAQs: Nintendo Order Shipping Issues
1. How long does Nintendo usually take to ship an order?
Nintendo typically processes and ships orders Monday through Friday. Orders placed on Saturday, Sunday, or National Holidays will be processed and/or shipped the following business day.
2. How can I track my Nintendo order?
You cannot check your delivery status on the My Nintendo Store website. Tracking information is included in the email sent after shipping preparations are complete. Use that information to check the delivery status in the shipping company’s system.
3. What does “awaiting shipment” mean on the My Nintendo Store?
“Awaiting shipment” means that the order is ready to ship but the carrier hasn’t picked it up yet or it has not been dropped off at the carrier yet.
4. Can I cancel my Nintendo order if it hasn’t shipped?
If your order has not been shipped, contact Nintendo support for assistance with cancellation.
5. What if my Nintendo order has already shipped, but I want to cancel?
If your order has already shipped, you will need to refuse delivery or return the package to Nintendo with a written request to refund or exchange the items you ordered.
6. How long does it take for Nintendo to process a refund?
Credits for properly returned items will be applied to the payment method used for the order. If credit card payment was used, the credit will be applied to the same credit card number. Credits should appear within two billing cycles.
7. Will Nintendo refund the shipping costs if I return an item?
Nintendo will not refund the cost of shipping unless the return is a result of Nintendo providing a product that is damaged, defective, or different than the product you ordered.
8. How long does it take for Nintendo to send a verification email?
Emails usually arrive within 1-2 hours. If you don’t receive an email, check your spam/junk email folder and ensure there are no filters blocking emails from @accounts.nintendo.com.
9. What happens if my Nintendo pre-order gets canceled?
A pre-order can be canceled for various reasons, including manual cancellation by the user or insufficient funds in your Nintendo eShop account at the time of payment (7 days prior to the game’s release).
10. Can I get a refund for a Nintendo Switch Online membership?
Per the Nintendo Switch Online Terms of Service, Nintendo does not offer refunds or credits for remaining time left on your membership.
11. Why can’t I refund a Switch game after downloading it?
Once you have downloaded and started playing a digital game, you are generally not eligible for a refund. The game must be in its original state, unopened and unplayed.
12. What is the cancellation period for a Nintendo order?
You have 14 days after receiving your order to cancel it.
13. How long does it take for a Nintendo Switch to fully charge?
The Nintendo Switch console takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge when the console is powered off or in sleep mode.
14. What if my shipping status is “pending”?
If your shipment’s delivery status is “now pending,” it means delivery commitments were changed based on some type of delay.
15. What if my order is awaiting fulfillment instead of awaiting shipment?
“Awaiting fulfillment” means the order is being processed and is not ready to ship yet. “Awaiting shipment” means the order is ready to ship but the carrier hasn’t picked it up or it has not been dropped off at the carrier yet.
By following these steps and understanding your rights as a consumer, you can navigate the frustrating situation of a delayed Nintendo order with confidence. Remember to be patient, persistent, and polite when communicating with Nintendo support. Happy gaming!