Valve is replacing a $1,300 (roughly £1,000) Steam Machine after a customer reported that their order was stolen from their doorstep. The incident occurred when a delivery driver left the package unattended while the customer was away at work.
The customer, Reddit user mdumtshali, explained that they received a notification regarding the delivery while in a meeting. Video footage of the event shows the delivery driver attempting to conceal the box with a nearby plastic bag before leaving it outside the residence. Upon the customer's return, the package was missing.
Valve's Response to Delivery Issues
Initially, Steam Support suggested the customer check with neighbors to see if the package had been taken in for safekeeping. Following further communication, Valve confirmed it would ship a replacement unit to the customer. This follows a broader trend of consumer-friendly support from the company, which recently replaced a Steam Deck case for a user after it was damaged by a newborn.
Community Concerns Over High-Value Shipments
The incident has sparked discussion among users regarding how such high-value hardware is handled during transit. Community members have pointed out that Valve, as the retailer, bears responsibility for the delivery under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Quick Facts
- Item: Steam Machine
- Value: Approximately $1,300 USD (£1,000)
- Issue: Package left unattended and stolen from doorstep
- Resolution: Valve agreed to send a replacement unit
Users on social media have urged Valve to implement stricter delivery requirements for expensive hardware. Commenters noted that requiring a signature upon delivery—which was not requested in this instance—would have prevented the driver from leaving the package exposed. Some users suggested that high-value items should be diverted to local collection points if the recipient is not home, a standard practice for other carriers to avoid theft.