All about how they were stored. Most of my 2000-2010 pairs are falling apart due to a lack of AC in the summer and heat vents blasting warm air during colder months.
The good 'ol days. Waited over 2 hours in the Footlocker line that didn't release at midnight due to line shenanigans so ended up heading over to Modells. Waited an hour for the first pair then circled back for 3 more pairs. Hooked up a few NTers with the additional pairs.
UPS doesn't always update in real time. I live near an east coast hub that is open 24/7, not necessarily for customers but trucks are arriving and leaving at all times.
Factory Workers take a piece of fabric and apply to the upper. They don't concern themselves with matching the same-looking print for Left/Right shoe. Could be out of a job wasting time trying to match.
UPS/FedEx shipping apps allow you to hold at a location for pickup (not just reroute) or change the delivery date. May have to pay for the additional service.