If a box arrived but an item is missing, compare the packing slip and shipped-item list before treating it as carrier loss.
Before you act
Check the exact carrier, service, role, and date in the official order or tracking page. A support inquiry, carrier claim, and seller refund are separate paths.
Start here
- Check whether the merchant packed the order in more than one box.
- Photograph the package label, seal, packing material, and the items received.
- Compare the itemized invoice and packing slip to the contents.
- Ask the seller to investigate packing first; if damage or tampering is documented, ask who can open a carrier shortage claim.
Evidence to keep
- Unboxing/inside-box evidence
- Itemized purchase receipt
- Shipment and tracking count
Keep address, order ID, and tracking number private. Share them only in the merchant or carrier's official support flow.
Packing error or in-transit shortage?
A sealed box with a missing item may point to a fulfillment error, while a damaged or opened package may need a carrier investigation. Keep the packaging for inspection and describe only what you observed.
Carrier, seller, or payment provider?
A carrier inquiry seeks the parcel or records a delivery problem. A carrier claim concerns loss or damage under a shipping agreement. A merchant refund or replacement concerns your order. Those paths may run in parallel, but one request does not automatically open another.
If the first response does not resolve it
Ask for the case number and the reason for the decision in writing. Recheck the exact service, shipment date, and any seller or payment protection window before escalating. Do not assume a delivered scan settles a possible misdelivery or theft dispute.
Official next step
Use the company website directly. Do not use a link from an unexpected delivery text or email.
Official sources and checking date
- Target Ship to Home help Official source · checked 2026-11-02
Policies and contact routes can change. Verify the current US terms and the actual service before filing.