Evri certainly has a bad reputation and many, many posts similar to yours are posted here.
However, for some myself included , we have a superb Evri team, always on time, they use our 'safe' place if we're not in, so I have no complaints, and would use Evri .
It is an option on seller's listings, as it is one that Private sellers under Simple Delivery have as an option to use, but equally they can deselect Evri.
Before buying and paying, if you see Evri selected ask the seller if they would remove it for you, as your Evri peeps are just not reliable.
@gazzer-007