At the risk of ... I dunno, something 
... I just wanted to point out that buyer issues are (by virtue) at the very least seller considerations, which is clear to see in the replies to this thread, both by buyers, and the sellers (see jens' posts, for example - which indicates couriers aren't always a complete solution, and that ATL is provided on courier packages for the customer's convenience and thus far at minimal risk).
I would actually be fairly close to you target customer - working from home in a metro area means couriers don't make me avoid a seller, but that doesn't mean they can't be a major PITA, particularly in cases where tracking says "out for delivery" at 9am, and then it's 4pm and I'm still waiting, not being able to go anywhere all day - it's a situational inconvenience, others may always be able to have at least one person present at the delivery address, and certainly places of business generally don't find having to make someone available at all times an issue (I do have horror stories as a recipient, way worse than anything I've experienced with Aus Post, and it's impossible for me to pick up from any depot if I miss a delivery - they're all miles away and I don't drive, so my refusal to provide ATL contributes to my inconvenience, but in the grand scheme of things, I'd rather my $500+ orders are delivered securely and remain insured until I definitely take possession of them).
I think, though, the main thing I wanted to say is that it can be counter-productive to change your entire business operations based on one instance (or even a few). I definitely get the "I'm never letting that happen again" thing, but at the same time, if I did that every time I (as a seller) had a delivery issue, I wouldn't be here anymore, or if I was, I'd be sending everything by express post, with SOD and extra cover. 
@digital*ghost wrote:At the risk of ... I dunno, something
I would actually be fairly close to you target customer - working from home in a metro area means couriers don't make me avoid a seller, but that doesn't mean they can't be a major PITA, particularly in cases where tracking says "out for delivery" at 9am, and then it's 4pm and I'm still waiting, not being able to go anywhere all day - it's a situational inconvenience, others may always be able to have at least one person present at the delivery address, and certainly places of business generally don't find having to make someone available at all times an issue (I do have horror stories as a recipient, way worse than anything I've experienced with Aus Post, and it's impossible for me to pick up from any depot if I miss a delivery - they're all miles away and I don't drive, so my refusal to provide ATL contributes to my inconvenience, but in the grand scheme of things, I'd rather my $500+ orders are delivered securely and remain insured until I definitely take possession of them).
I think, though, the main thing I wanted to say is that it can be counter-productive to change your entire business operations based on one instance (or even a few). I definitely get the "I'm never letting that happen again" thing, but at the same time, if I did that every time I (as a seller) had a delivery issue, I wouldn't be here anymore, or if I was, I'd be sending everything by express post, with SOD and extra cover.
It is not just 1 instance in the last 3 weeks I have had 2 customers contact me telling me parcel have been left without being carded one I thought was trying it on and actually posted here asking for advice it turned out AP had shoved the parcel behind a bush and left. I had a parcel express post that was left on a settee outside my place and no card I know they did not knock as I was in all day.
The worst one is a buyer who AusPost just left the parcel uncarded and it has gone missing and AusPost really do not care and refuse to accept any responsibility. I could take the same attitude as AP and say well it is just the buyers problem I have proof of posting so I am covered but to me that is wrong so eventually I will refund/replace the buyer and I will be out of pocket.Why because they are my customer and I want to keep them happy shame AP does not see it the same.
I 100% hear you about waiting as I get up to 3 deliveries a week which I have to wait in for and as you say can not leave until they arrive. If I use courier I will have this every day and I will deal with that
Using couriers is something I have been considering since the start of the year, to be honest the only reason I still use AusPost is I am lazy and have not done anything about. This is not really about if I should use a courier but about the best way for both me and my buyers to do it.
