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I got scolded at the Post Office!
Spigrimace
Posts: 134
I have sent about 500 flat rate ($3.85) priority mail envelopes containing cards over the last 2 years. I typically use click-n-ship and bring them to the post office and drop them in the "out of town" slot inside the Post Office to get them to my clients ASAP.
For some reason today was different. I dropped about 10 flat rate prioroty mail envelopes in the slot and a lady bolted out from behind the slot and confrontationally yelled at me "Heloooooo!!!! If these weigh more than 13 ounces, I'm returning them to you!!!!!!!! you MUST bring them to the clerk!!!!"
I was stunned as at her abrupt response, my line of thought was that maybe now there is a weight limit on the flat-rate envelope but then I remember I always enter 2 pounds when using click-n-ship which is more than the package actually weighs anyhow and click-n-ship assigns the $3.85 price, and I felt that she just killed the convenience of click-n-ship that I now have to wait on line. I replied, "I thought priority flat rate envelope was flat rate regardless of weight." to which she rolled her eyes to the ceiling and waddled back behind the door.
Unfortunately for her, I have a regional postal inspector who lives next door. He is responsible for the whole northeast corridor. I asked him what did I do so wrong to get such a exaspertaed response. He did explain that there IS a rule for security reasons about 16 ounces or more cannot be placed in that out of town slot, and if it's over it must be either handed to a clerk, letter carrier or put in a mailbox. But he felt it was inappropriate how I was treated. I simply stated how much I have done it in the past, and there is no sign to that effect and I could not find anything on www.usps.com that states that, but also that if the woman simply explained it (she never told me what I was doing wrong), I would have gladly placed it in the mailbox outside the post office.
He is going to report the incident to the local postmaster of that branch.
Thank god I'm moving in 2 weeks so I hope she doesn't go postal on me!
For some reason today was different. I dropped about 10 flat rate prioroty mail envelopes in the slot and a lady bolted out from behind the slot and confrontationally yelled at me "Heloooooo!!!! If these weigh more than 13 ounces, I'm returning them to you!!!!!!!! you MUST bring them to the clerk!!!!"
I was stunned as at her abrupt response, my line of thought was that maybe now there is a weight limit on the flat-rate envelope but then I remember I always enter 2 pounds when using click-n-ship which is more than the package actually weighs anyhow and click-n-ship assigns the $3.85 price, and I felt that she just killed the convenience of click-n-ship that I now have to wait on line. I replied, "I thought priority flat rate envelope was flat rate regardless of weight." to which she rolled her eyes to the ceiling and waddled back behind the door.
Unfortunately for her, I have a regional postal inspector who lives next door. He is responsible for the whole northeast corridor. I asked him what did I do so wrong to get such a exaspertaed response. He did explain that there IS a rule for security reasons about 16 ounces or more cannot be placed in that out of town slot, and if it's over it must be either handed to a clerk, letter carrier or put in a mailbox. But he felt it was inappropriate how I was treated. I simply stated how much I have done it in the past, and there is no sign to that effect and I could not find anything on www.usps.com that states that, but also that if the woman simply explained it (she never told me what I was doing wrong), I would have gladly placed it in the mailbox outside the post office.
He is going to report the incident to the local postmaster of that branch.
Thank god I'm moving in 2 weeks so I hope she doesn't go postal on me!
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<< <i>He is going to report the incident to the local postmaster of that branch. >>
She will probably get promoted.
Regards,
Alan
CHARACTER #1: Mid-50's Career guy who could pass for Santa Claus. This is the clerk who also reminds one of Sergeant Hartman (Full Metal Jacket). When you get to the counter you had better have ALL forms filled out correctly and know how to succinctly state exactly what service you would like. If you falter, or seem confused, the wrath of Khan will be heaped upon your unfortunate soul. Typical quote: "What do you mean you don't know what ZIP code? If you don't know where it's going then how are we supposed to know how to get it there?"
CHARACTER #2: The High Inquisitor. No matter how carefully you package your item, this lady will find some fault with it. She will even question the amount of insurance you are asking for regardless of what you tell her is inside it. Typical quote: "Baseball cards aren't worth that much! Come on now!"
CHARACTER #3: The Gabber. It doesn't matter how long the line is, nor whether she is the only one currently working, she will talk your ear off. The others in line will blame you and sneer when you turn around with that familiar, exasperated look. Typical quote: "You're sending this to Montreal? I went on vacation there a few years ago! Did you know that's where William Shatner grew up? Yeah, he went to McGill College--that's also where my great-grandfather went. Did you go to college?"
CHARACTER #4: The Stamp Peddler. While they are all required to ask you if you want to buy stamps, the Peddler will really make you feel guilty if you decline her offer. Typical quote: "No stamps? You know you need them! You're going to run out! Fine, you're loss!"
I hate going to the PO...especially in Orange County, California.
<< <i>The PO I mostly go to has a nice mix of characters working behind the counter:
CHARACTER #1: Mid-50's Career guy who could pass for Santa Claus. This is the clerk who also reminds one of Sergeant Hartman (Full Metal Jacket). When you get to the counter you had better have ALL forms filled out correctly and know how to succinctly state exactly what service you would like. If you falter, or seem confused, the wrath of Khan will be heaped upon your unfortunate soul. Typical quote: "What do you mean you don't know what ZIP code? If you don't know where it's going then how are we supposed to know how to get it there?"
CHARACTER #2: The High Inquisitor. No matter how carefully you package your item, this lady will find some fault with it. She will even question the amount of insurance you are asking for regardless of what you tell her is inside it. Typical quote: "Baseball cards aren't worth that much! Come on now!"
CHARACTER #3: The Gabber. It doesn't matter how long the line is, nor whether she is the only one currently working, she will talk your ear off. The others in line will blame you and sneer when you turn around with that familiar, exasperated look. Typical quote: "You're sending this to Montreal? I went on vacation there a few years ago! Did you know that's where William Shatner grew up? Yeah, he went to McGill College--that's also where my great-grandfather went. Did you go to college?"
CHARACTER #4: The Stamp Peddler. While they are all required to ask you if you want to buy stamps, the Peddler will really make you feel guilty if you decline her offer. Typical quote: "No stamps? You know you need them! You're going to run out! Fine, you're loss!" >>
Wow!!!! We must use the sam PO.
As for the rest, find one clerk at the PO who knows what you are about and let people go in front of you if needed so that you can deal with that person. Similar to getting a bad haircut.
Unfocused, impulsive collector of everything ...
Scott
T-205 Gold PSA 4 & up
1967 Topps BB PSA 8 & up
1975 Topps BB PSA 9 & up
1959 Topps FB PSA 8 & up
1976 Topps FB PSA 9 & up
1981 Topps FB PSA 10
1976-77 Topps BK PSA 9 & up
1988-89 Fleer BK PSA 10
3,000 Hit Club RC PSA 5 & Up
My Sets
<< <i>If there is anything about the eBay card business I hate, it is the PO. >>
Amen to that. Between long lines, poor service, and stolen packages, I loathe going there. Not much else we can do though.
Brian
edited to add - DirtyHarry don't feel bad, my Sports Illustrated and Maxim mags are always creased and pages folded.
Have you noticed that the flag has been flying at half mast for an extraordinarily long time ???????
For all of you Post Office bashers : If you don't like it....... Move to Iraq !!!!!!
I haven't heard anything bad on the news about their postal service
Vic
Now collecting:
Topps Heritage
1957 Topps BB Ex+-NM
All Yaz Items 7+
Various Red Sox
Did I leave anything out?
<< <i>The PO I mostly go to has a nice mix of characters working behind the counter:
CHARACTER #1: Mid-50's Career guy who could pass for Santa Claus. This is the clerk who also reminds one of Sergeant Hartman (Full Metal Jacket). When you get to the counter you had better have ALL forms filled out correctly and know how to succinctly state exactly what service you would like. If you falter, or seem confused, the wrath of Khan will be heaped upon your unfortunate soul. Typical quote: "What do you mean you don't know what ZIP code? If you don't know where it's going then how are we supposed to know how to get it there?"
CHARACTER #2: The High Inquisitor. No matter how carefully you package your item, this lady will find some fault with it. She will even question the amount of insurance you are asking for regardless of what you tell her is inside it. Typical quote: "Baseball cards aren't worth that much! Come on now!"
CHARACTER #3: The Gabber. It doesn't matter how long the line is, nor whether she is the only one currently working, she will talk your ear off. The others in line will blame you and sneer when you turn around with that familiar, exasperated look. Typical quote: "You're sending this to Montreal? I went on vacation there a few years ago! Did you know that's where William Shatner grew up? Yeah, he went to McGill College--that's also where my great-grandfather went. Did you go to college?"
CHARACTER #4: The Stamp Peddler. While they are all required to ask you if you want to buy stamps, the Peddler will really make you feel guilty if you decline her offer. Typical quote: "No stamps? You know you need them! You're going to run out! Fine, you're loss!" >>
That's incredibly funny and incredibly true....
Magellan,
I have never been out West but I can see that I will have to take a trip just to see that Vargha fella.Me being a redneck and all,I guess I will send him a tape of that movie "Deliverance" along with a note of my impending arrival .
David,
Looks like I'll be seeing y'all next year.
Vic
<< <i>Magellan,
I have never been out West but I can see that I will have to take a trip just to see that Vargha fella.Me being a redneck and all,I guess I will send him a tape of that movie "Deliverance" along with a note of my impending arrival .
David,
Looks like I'll be seeing y'all next year.
Hey, Reb...I hate to tell you, but there are about ten thousand 'Deliverance' wanna be rednecks prowling the streets of west LA. The Latinos eat you guys for breakfast .
Vic >>
and a GREAT local Post Office full of wonderful, friendly workers.
BUT
I have on occasion (in and out of town) visited other POs
and they all, without exception, sucked!
but hey, It makes me really appreciate my local office.
The way my post office works:
There are 3 registers, 99% of the time there is only 1 cashier there, and about 20 people in line. Of course 3 or 4 people in line in front of me will also be picking up packages, so when they hand the lady their slip, she has to go in the back for 10 minutes to locate it.
Many times have I walked into the post office, 20+ people standing in line, and there not be one cashier behind the counter. And magically, about 10 minutes after I get there (by which time there is another 5 people in line behind me) 1 cashier will appear.
Simply put, its a freaking joke. I know I pay more going to the pack-and-mail place down the street to mail my packages, but it worth the extra $0.50 because I easily save an hour a day. Its just a shame my postman doesn't know how to ring a doorbell.
Parrotpaul,
If they are prowling the streets,they are neither rednecks nor Rebs.If your LA boys can cross a swamp in the pitch black night,or check out a bear on the ground right under their feet,then I will be impressed.
Vic
I'm a retired school teacher, so I have an understanding of the kinds of money and bennies local, state, and federal employees get. I was one for 34 years.
Do all mail carriers leave little postcards in their residents' mailboxes at Christmas time for the good will, or is it done to 'guilt' a tip from someone? Now I'm laid back and cool enough to go with the 'good will' motive, but I'm pragmatic enough to really entertain the latter motive.
This year I will be leaving a gift certificate for my carrier. Not because he does his job like any other public emploees do. Those others who risk dismissal for taking gifts, but because he has carried a whole bunch of extra stuff to me, and he has lugged a bunch of stuff from me. He worked overtime for me this year.
But, it really is kind of embarrasing that some mail carriers stoop to the level of newspaper deliverer..they do the same thing, but they don't enjoy the pay nor the bennies mail carriers do. What's up with that, folks? You you get a lot of stuff at Christmas?
<< <i>Parrotpaul,
If they are prowling the streets,they are neither rednecks nor Rebs.If your LA boys can cross a swamp in the pitch black night,or check out a bear on the ground right under their feet,then I will be impressed.
Vic >>
Why would they want to?
<< <i>
<< <i>Parrotpaul,
If they are prowling the streets,they are neither rednecks nor Rebs.If your LA boys can cross a swamp in the pitch black night,or check out a bear on the ground right under their feet,then I will be impressed.
Vic >>
Why would they want to? >>
hey, Reb..I'm just funin' with ya, but check out what the parrot does when he ain't writing on bulletin boards or selling and buying cardboard. This will make you droool and think twice about the West...ever stepped on a rattlesnake? CHECK IT OUT
Parrotpaul,
I would hope that those carriers are putting a stamp on those postcards.Otherwise,that is mail fraud.We fall under the same rules that the general public does.Anything that we put in a mailbox is required to have postage affixed.If your mailman is soliciting gifts,then he really is a scumbag.
BTW,
I am not a postal carrier,although I did that job for a few years.I am presently a clerk that works in the box section delivering post office box mail and also works the window for a couple of hours a day.I was always reluctant to take gifts at Christmas time because I felt that we got paid very well and it was our job.
Hey Paul,
I just read the last part of your thread,and I am enjoying the banter.I hope that you don't think that I am taking this seriously !!!
Yes,I have stepped on a rattlesnake and it ended up on my dinner plate.It was an eye opening experience(stepping on the snake),to say the least.It was an enjoyable experience (dinner).
Vic
Just checked out the pics. Very Cool !!!!
<< <i>Parrotpaul,
I would hope that those carriers are putting a stamp on those postcards.Otherwise,that is mail fraud.We fall under the same rules that the general public does.Anything that we put in a mailbox is required to have postage affixed.If your mailman is soliciting gifts,then he really is a scumbag.
BTW,
I am not a postal carrier,although I did that job for a few years.I am presently a clerk that works in the box section delivering post office box mail and also works the window for a couple of hours a day.I was always reluctant to take gifts at Christmas time because I felt that we got paid very well and it was our job. >>
I admire your professionalism, Reb. Yes our carrier does put a stamp on his postcard. BTW...other than that bit of cheese, the carrier is as good a carrier as anyone could hope for.
I have had nothing wrong with mailmen except that I had a xbox that never made it too my house. Luckily it was insured, but trying to get the insurance money wasn't a fun experience.
However the PO in town has the same cast of charactors as described.
All the people at the counter of my Post Office are great folks and I enjoy dealing with them.
They have to stand there all day and explain the same rules over and over again to one moron after another.
Also, I always give the guy who delivers my mail a 20 dollar bribe
... err ... I mean tip at the end of the year. He appreciates it, and I get great service.
"How about a little fire Scarecrow ?"
However, it is packages over 16 ounces and it bears stamps, it needs to be handed to a postal worker or put in your own residential mailbox.
My 1952 Topps Baseball Set
I used to have exactly the same post office. Then, about a year ago, everything changed. I don't really know why, either. It muct be a new manager of the branch. The same people work there, but now ,whenever the line starts to get long, they always bring in extra people to wait on you, and even have a worker go through the line taking anything that can be done without need of a cash register, like pickups, etc.
Where I used to always wait at least 15 minutes each visit, now I rarely wait even 1 minute.
I even commented to the workers how much better the place is, and you wouldn't have believed how proud they all felt.
Like I said, I don't know what made the difference, but they have taken customer service to a new level. Which is quite a compliment for the PO.
Everyone calls me by name. They know what kind of service I want based on the package. My mail carrier rings my doorbell for oversized stuff. The building is less than 1/2 mile from the house. People come from other zip codes for the great service.
Wolfbear gave you guys excellent advice. I tip my clerks 40 bucks each every Christmas, and it lasts all year. Try it.
RobBob
<< <i>Guys,
I used to have exactly the same post office. Then, about a year ago, everything changed. I don't really know why, either. It muct be a new manager of the branch. The same people work there, but now ,whenever the line starts to get long, they always bring in extra people to wait on you, and even have a worker go through the line taking anything that can be done without need of a cash register, like pickups, etc.
Where I used to always wait at least 15 minutes each visit, now I rarely wait even 1 minute.
I even commented to the workers how much better the place is, and you wouldn't have believed how proud they all felt.
Like I said, I don't know what made the difference, but they have taken customer service to a new level. Which is quite a compliment for the PO. >>
They do the same thing at the Irvine, California post office. There are enormous numbers of overseas shipments, but there are always enough people to do the counters, others to sell stamps, and an other to assist those who are picking up mail. Down the road in Laguna Hills, the business is never-ending, bit there are always 2-3 empty counter slots. I drive to Irvine...it's easier.
Just sent you a PM.
Allen & Ginter Cards
My Blog -- Ballcard Mania
<< <i>Hey ParrotPaul,
Just sent you a PM. >>
Where do I go to retrieve it?
Allen & Ginter Cards
My Blog -- Ballcard Mania
I use the Irvine Post office too. The one accross the street from UCI.
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
<< <i>Parrotpaul,
I use the Irvine Post office too. The one accross the street from UCI. >>
I use the one off Sand Canyon Road, and I also use the little annex (it's only open in the morning) in old Irvine where Sand Canyon links to the 5 where Tia-juanas Long Bar and Knowlwood restaurant are. I'm the guy in the gold Lakers 2002 championship basball cap.
<< <i>Up at the top of the page, it should say "1 new message" or something like that. It's right under the "Collectors Universe Message Boards" logo. >>
Thank you, sir...I found it.