We all know it is frustrating when you order something important online, especially if you run a small business, and it has still not arrived after several weeks.

You track the package and cannot get any help from doing so.

Your item seems to have been lost in the cosmos—and worse yet, you have already shelled out good money for it.

What do you do?

DON’T panic. This does not help you or anyone else. It’s also unattractive and can be perceived as unprofessional. (Even if you are self-employed and work alone, you should always act like the professional you are.)

DON’T stew and call the people at the company from which you ordered or the delivery service bad names like “stupid” or “incompetent.” This will produce bitterness in your heart, and believe me, you don’t want that—no matter how powerful it might make you feel for a little while.

DON’T call the company from which you ordered and yell at them like a mad dog. See my note above about being professional. Besides, your call is most likely being recorded.

DO realize that mistakes can be made, and orders can be lost. It’s not like you have never made a mistake in your professional life.

DO take care of the problem right away. Otherwise, it may slip your mind and the issue will not be dealt with. Plus, your order will fall farther behind.

DO be courteous when you call the company. Chances are that you are not talking to the person whose fault the problem is, so if you are rude to them, that is not fair.

DO be calm. Simply answer the person’s questions, such as what the order number is and the date the product was ordered. Have your receipt in front of you on your computer screen, or printed out as a hard copy where you can see it.

What do you do when a product you ordered online won’t arrive?