Mine is hit-or-miss. Worst is when I have to pick up a registered package and mail one, and there's only one clerk, and it's the reeealllly sllloowwww one who acts as though they've never seen a registered package or the claim slip for one before. "Union Yes," I suppose. A couple others are really good, friendly, greet me by name, and are efficient.
Some customers are crap, too, though. Last week, there was some woman with an abraisive voice and haughty attitude picking up a certified letter (maybe she was being served). The clerk, who was Korean, but fairly easy to understand, told her to "sign here" on the return receipt. She asked, indignantly, "What am I signing?" The clerk, assuming she couldn't understand or hear him, spoke slightly louder and more slowly answered the question she asked, "Sign this card, here." She then lectured the clerk about "nobody talks to me that way, blah blah blah," while everyone else waited in line rolling their eyes, making faces at her behind her back while the other clerks tried not to laugh. After her majesty left, the clerk muttered, "That is one stupid woman," to the agreement of everyone in earshot.
<< <i>For 41 cents, someone will drive to your house, pick-up your letter and send it anywhere in the world for you. >>
Anywhere in the world? Don't you mean anywhere in the USA?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I have a PO within 2 blocks of my house. They have about 7 windows, usually 2-3 clerks open. Fridays and Mondays I've learned to skip, the line can be out the door, about 30-40 feet. Other times is a hit or miss. The clerks there tell me the pay for the window duty is very sub to most other PO jobs. I forget the exact pay range, but I recall it to be peanuts. All the window staff are great, all know me by name. They work very hard. Standing all day, always trying to educate patrons as best they can given the need to service others. It's a hard job at a busy PO, I wouldn't want it. I've learned to buy most postage online. I drop large and heavy boxes into the drop chute that have a restriction of I think 1lb or so, but I assume since they know me, they have never returned a box or even admonished me for dropping in a large 10lb box in the thing. Mailing isn't a problem, but picking up and waiting in the line for a signature package is a pain. I always try to be my most patient in line because I know how hard they are working and that a smile on my face gets me a whole lot more in the long run than a bad attitude.
<< <i>The clerks there tell me the pay for the window duty is very sub to most other PO jobs. I forget the exact pay range, but I recall it to be peanuts. >>
That pretty much sucks. Not only are the customer-facing positions most likely to make you endure a lot of crap and abuse, but the pay is a lot worse, too?
No real problems with the post offices I use. For pickups, on weekdays I try to get to my local PO office a little before opening, the line is usually short. On Saturdays I try to get there about 1-2 hours after opening, when the initial rush has died down.
If I'm mailing packages the 24/7 post office at the airport is only 10 miles away! It's great to go there at 11pm and have more clerks at the windows than customers.
R.I.P. Wayne, Brad Collecting: Conder tokens 19th & 20th Century coins from Great Britain and the Realm
<< <i>I'm not knocking postal workers but, I am really tired of going to the post office and having to stand in line for twenty to thirty minutes because they have five windows for you to go to but only one or two tellers working. This has been going on for months, it's to the point now that I dread picking up a coin because I know that it's going to kill my Saturday morning. Is this just a South Florida thing or is it happening everywhere. By the way, I have complained several times to the supervisor/manager on shift to no avail. >>
FYI I live in South Florida. Why do I have a 4 star shipping speed on Ebay? Because I have to wait 1/2 each time I goto the post office so I do it only 1 time per week and then even priority mail takes 4-5 day to arrive.
I am still waiting for a registered package to arrive from April 28th!
I seldom check PM's but do check emails often jason@seated.org
Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.
I just went to my local Post Office after lunch to get a Money Order for a BST purchase.
I encountered many of the frustrating issues mentioned in this thread.
Whole family of non-english speakers trying to mail a whole bunch of poorly packaged stuff. Kids running around bumping into folks. Not quite to the point of needing a translator. Long line out the door. 20 minute wait. Only two clerks, one of which was tied up with the family mentioned above. One BO challenged individual in line. One poor old lady who found that mailing that box of whatever was pretty darn expensive at $9 something. And then counted out lots of change. No, I did not get a look at the change for silvers. One person packaging stuff in front of the clerk, asking about every different kind of box they have.
I think the PO here in east central IL is in the dark ages. None of the high-tech equipment and they close for lunch at NOON! The only person there who has any personality is the Postmaster, otherwise, the rest of them are fat, lazy, stupid, underworked, overpaid idiots (and the USPS is not the only federal agency that has this problem, as the IRS is just as bad.) Want to get me on a rant about bloated bureaucracy - the State of Illinois is chucked full of morons (who, like their federal counterparts, are usually fat, lazy, ignorant, grossly overpaid, and very much underworked.) The unemployment office is a prime example of this - employees at their desks either reading newspapers or playing solitaire on their computers. They, like most agencies here in Illinois, are just plain useless and a huge waste of taxpayer money (which I begrudgingly have to pay.) Heck, even our wonderful Governor, Rod Blagojevich, is like the aforementioned morons that I just described. And he is being investigated for bribes and kickbacks. Illinois, like the rest of the USA, is really screwed up! Come election time, let's throw the bums out!
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
I think the PO here in east central IL is in the dark ages. None of the high-tech equipment and they close for lunch at NOON! The only person there who has any personality is the Postmaster, otherwise, the rest of them are fat, lazy, stupid, underworked, overpaid idiots (and the USPS is not the only federal agency that has this problem, as the IRS is just as bad.) Want to get me on a rant about bloated bureaucracy - the State of Illinois is chucked full of morons (who, like their federal counterparts, are usually fat, lazy, ignorant, grossly overpaid, and very much underworked.) The unemployment office is a prime example of this - employees at their desks either reading newspapers or playing solitaire on their computers. They, like most agencies here in Illinois, are just plain useless and a huge waste of taxpayer money (which I begrudgingly have to pay.) Heck, even our wonderful Governor, Rod Blagojevich, is like the aforementioned morons that I just described. And he is being investigated for bribes and kickbacks. Illinois, like the rest of the USA, is really screwed up! Come election time, let's throw the bums out! >>
Based on posts here, in terms of crooks in Government and politics I have to think that Illinois is tops with no one in the rear view mirror.
I think the PO here in east central IL is in the dark ages. None of the high-tech equipment and they close for lunch at NOON! The only person there who has any personality is the Postmaster, otherwise, the rest of them are fat, lazy, stupid, underworked, overpaid idiots (and the USPS is not the only federal agency that has this problem, as the IRS is just as bad.) Want to get me on a rant about bloated bureaucracy - the State of Illinois is chucked full of morons (who, like their federal counterparts, are usually fat, lazy, ignorant, grossly overpaid, and very much underworked.) The unemployment office is a prime example of this - employees at their desks either reading newspapers or playing solitaire on their computers. They, like most agencies here in Illinois, are just plain useless and a huge waste of taxpayer money (which I begrudgingly have to pay.) Heck, even our wonderful Governor, Rod Blagojevich, is like the aforementioned morons that I just described. And he is being investigated for bribes and kickbacks. Illinois, like the rest of the USA, is really screwed up! Come election time, let's throw the bums out! >>
Based on posts here, in terms of crooks in Government and politics I have to think that Illinois is tops with no one in the rear view mirror. >>
Ain't that the truth. Lets see - 6 governors indicted, but 3 of them went to the pokey (the previous one, George Ryan, is currently in the Federal Pokey in Terre Haute, IN - 33 miles east of here.) For those outside Illinois, our governor, Rod Blagojevich (aka Blago), is very much an idiot. Won't live in the guv's mansion in Springfield (rather be in Chicago), has a child-like way of getting what he wants (acts like a spoiled brat), and made sure any attempts to pass a recall measure is shot down (thanks to his sugar daddy, Emil Jones, the president of the Illinois senate.) Illinois is drowning in red but good ol' Blago is spending money on questionable social programs. And most of the Illinois Democrats (whose party Blago belongs to) are shaking their heads on Blago's obvious logic (and the Illinois GOP is laughing at them because of Blago.) In fact, the Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly are not united at all because of Blago. And the people of Illinois (like myself) are finding all the stupidity very tiring. There is now talk of possibly impeaching Blago - that would really be nice, but won't see that happen, like everything else.
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
I think the PO here in east central IL is in the dark ages. None of the high-tech equipment and they close for lunch at NOON! The only person there who has any personality is the Postmaster, otherwise, the rest of them are fat, lazy, stupid, underworked, overpaid idiots (and the USPS is not the only federal agency that has this problem, as the IRS is just as bad.) Want to get me on a rant about bloated bureaucracy - the State of Illinois is chucked full of morons (who, like their federal counterparts, are usually fat, lazy, ignorant, grossly overpaid, and very much underworked.) The unemployment office is a prime example of this - employees at their desks either reading newspapers or playing solitaire on their computers. They, like most agencies here in Illinois, are just plain useless and a huge waste of taxpayer money (which I begrudgingly have to pay.) Heck, even our wonderful Governor, Rod Blagojevich, is like the aforementioned morons that I just described. And he is being investigated for bribes and kickbacks. Illinois, like the rest of the USA, is really screwed up! Come election time, let's throw the bums out! >>
Based on posts here, in terms of crooks in Government and politics I have to think that Illinois is tops with no one in the rear view mirror. >>
Ain't that the truth. Lets see - 6 governors indicted, but 3 of them went to the pokey (the previous one, George Ryan, is currently in the Federal Pokey in Terre Haute, IN - 33 miles east of here.) For those outside Illinois, our governor, Rod Blagojevich (aka Blago), is very much an idiot. Won't live in the guv's mansion in Springfield (rather be in Chicago), has a child-like way of getting what he wants (acts like a spoiled brat), and made sure any attempts to pass a recall measure is shot down (thanks to his sugar daddy, Emil Jones, the president of the Illinois senate.) Illinois is drowning in red but good ol' Blago is spending money on questionable social programs. And most of the Illinois Democrats (whose party Blago belongs to) are shaking their heads on Blago's obvious logic (and the Illinois GOP is laughing at them because of Blago.) In fact, the Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly are not united at all because of Blago. And the people of Illinois (like myself) are finding all the stupidity very tiring. There is now talk of possibly impeaching Blago - that would really be nice, but won't see that happen, like everything else. >>
And then there was [sung to the tune of Frosty the Snowman] Rosty the Conman.
Most of the time I go the PO, the lines are very long. I take out my cell phone and call the PO, ask to speak to the postmaster and tell him that I am wasting my lunch hour in line and I would appreciate it if he sent one or two more people to the front to assist. Sometimes he sends people out to help, sometimes he doesn't.
<< <i>Have any of you here ever used a postal substation like a large grocery store or drug store or have access to one? >>
We've got one in my town that's located in a closet in a flower shop. They only take cash. No kidding. And I strongly suspect that they don't enter in things they should. I once paid for delivery confirmation and it never showed up. I had to use that particular PO since I was really short of time and had to mail something that day. It was a 50 lb package for work and the little old lady behind the counter looked at it with horror in her eyes. She made me carry it into the back of the office for the pickup (I would have volunteered, but she asked before I could).
I think POs should have a separate line for people who know what the $%^ they're doing, and a separate line for the non-English-speakers and the other incompetent boobs.
No we don't have that problem in the Upper South. I have used the automatic postal machines in the lobby. My beef with them is they do not take cash/coins. I know when the PO is busiest so I try not to go during that time.
Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory. -Gandhi
I think the PO here in east central IL is in the dark ages. None of the high-tech equipment and they close for lunch at NOON! The only person there who has any personality is the Postmaster, otherwise, the rest of them are fat, lazy, stupid, underworked, overpaid idiots (and the USPS is not the only federal agency that has this problem, as the IRS is just as bad.) Want to get me on a rant about bloated bureaucracy - the State of Illinois is chucked full of morons (who, like their federal counterparts, are usually fat, lazy, ignorant, grossly overpaid, and very much underworked.) The unemployment office is a prime example of this - employees at their desks either reading newspapers or playing solitaire on their computers. They, like most agencies here in Illinois, are just plain useless and a huge waste of taxpayer money (which I begrudgingly have to pay.) Heck, even our wonderful Governor, Rod Blagojevich, is like the aforementioned morons that I just described. And he is being investigated for bribes and kickbacks. Illinois, like the rest of the USA, is really screwed up! Come election time, let's throw the bums out! >>
Based on posts here, in terms of crooks in Government and politics I have to think that Illinois is tops with no one in the rear view mirror. >>
Ain't that the truth. Lets see - 6 governors indicted, but 3 of them went to the pokey (the previous one, George Ryan, is currently in the Federal Pokey in Terre Haute, IN - 33 miles east of here.) For those outside Illinois, our governor, Rod Blagojevich (aka Blago), is very much an idiot. Won't live in the guv's mansion in Springfield (rather be in Chicago), has a child-like way of getting what he wants (acts like a spoiled brat), and made sure any attempts to pass a recall measure is shot down (thanks to his sugar daddy, Emil Jones, the president of the Illinois senate.) Illinois is drowning in red but good ol' Blago is spending money on questionable social programs. And most of the Illinois Democrats (whose party Blago belongs to) are shaking their heads on Blago's obvious logic (and the Illinois GOP is laughing at them because of Blago.) In fact, the Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly are not united at all because of Blago. And the people of Illinois (like myself) are finding all the stupidity very tiring. There is now talk of possibly impeaching Blago - that would really be nice, but won't see that happen, like everything else. >>
And then there was [sung to the tune of Frosty the Snowman] Rosty the Conman. >>
Ah, Dan "The Man" Rostenkowski - one of many reasons why term limits on house representatives and senators are badly needed. Little known but interesting fact - Blago was a congressman before being a governor, and where was his congressional district? The 5th Illinois congressional district - Rosty the Conman's old district (are you surprised?)
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
Today the postal workers were happy and smiling. I think there must be something in their coffee. For the life of me, I couldn't understand how they can smile with so many miserable people standing in line.
I must commend them. I took up chat with a younger gal who was in line behind me. She smelled like the essence of spring. It put pep in my step. I think she thought I was a geek, but that was fine, too. I talked to her about stamp hoarding and how it could help us avoid long lines. The "forever stamps" won't last forever. When I finally got to the counter, I handed the guy the package and said " you have a 13 ounce rule on the outside mail boxes and this weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces. That's a strange rule".
He agreed, took my package which already had a shipping label attached, and the trip only put me out a half hour.
My day at the post office was a joy to behold. I know that makes some of you want to puke. Go ahead
<< <i>Today the postal workers were happy and smiling. I think there must be something in their coffee. For the life of me, I couldn't understand how they can smile with so many miserable people standing in line.
I must commend them. I took up chat with a younger gal who was in line behind me. She smelled like the essence of spring. It put pep in my step. I think she thought I was a geek, but that was fine, too. I talked to her about stamp hoarding and how it could help us avoid long lines. The "forever stamps" won't last forever. When I finally got to the counter, I handed the guy the package and said " you have a 13 ounce rule on the outside mail boxes and this weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces. That's a strange rule".
He agreed, took my package which already had a shipping label attached, and the trip only put me out a half hour.
My day at the post office was a joy to behold. I know that makes some of you want to puke. Go ahead >>
I take it the postal workers were on some kinda drug, eh?
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
<< <i>Today the postal workers were happy and smiling. I think there must be something in their coffee. For the life of me, I couldn't understand how they can smile with so many miserable people standing in line.
I must commend them. I took up chat with a younger gal who was in line behind me. She smelled like the essence of spring. It put pep in my step. I think she thought I was a geek, but that was fine, too. I talked to her about stamp hoarding and how it could help us avoid long lines. The "forever stamps" won't last forever. When I finally got to the counter, I handed the guy the package and said " you have a 13 ounce rule on the outside mail boxes and this weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces. That's a strange rule".
He agreed, took my package which already had a shipping label attached, and the trip only put me out a half hour.
My day at the post office was a joy to behold. I know that makes some of you want to puke. Go ahead >>
I take it the postal workers were on some kinda drug, eh? >>
Actually, the sticky glue that their labels have is the same stuff in CAC stickers
<< <i>When I finally got to the counter, I handed the guy the package and said " you have a 13 ounce rule on the outside mail boxes and this weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces. That's a strange rule".
He agreed, took my package which already had a shipping label attached, and the trip only put me out a half hour. >>
The 13oz rule should only be for packages with postage stamps. If you use pre-printed labels or a postage meter you can use the parcel drop.
I take it the postal workers were on some kinda drug, eh?
Sometimes I think it is more akin to some sort of vitamin or mineral deficency resulting from long term exposure to the glue used on stamps before the Postal Service converted over to self adhesive stamps. Combine this with the accumulation of various particulate matter accrued through long term storage at various SDOs and SDNs before the stamps are delivered to local post offices and you can get quite an interesting outcome.
At any rate, I will have the honor of visiting my local post office this morning to pick up a package from the UK because the subsitute mail carrier ... read idiotic female mail carrier with an attitude problem ... refused to allow my roommate to accept the package because it had to be signed for and I was the only one who could sign for it. This because I work nights and was sound asleep when the mail arrived mid afternoon. Best part of the whole deal is that on the little form that was left for me ... the sender was marked as Great Britain ... evidentally they don't teach these idiots where to look for return addresses on foriegn mail. All this for about $10 in coins ...
You're having delusions of grandeur again. - Susan Ivanova Well, if you're gonna have delusions, may as well go for the really satisfying ones. - Marcus Cole
Our local post office is busy as well and the lines can be long. However, usually the delay is by patrons who, it appears, have never been to a post office before. They seem surprised that you actually have to close a package, address it, or that there are different delivery options. But that's okay, because they feel they can do all of the work while at the counter and all of us in line are happy to watch...and wait. I guess that's one reason they put in a 24/7 self-service kiosk for shipping...very convenient.
Our postal workers are great...friendly and efficient.
Lane
Numismatist Ordinaire See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
<< <i>Each PO is alloted a number of "Window Hours" per year. That's their budget. Stick to it - you're OK, cut it - you get a bonus, exceed it - you get your pee-wee slapped. The clerks don't decide anything, they're told. >>
An apologetic clerk brought this up with me once; she urged me to write my congressman. Can that actually help?
It is nice to see that so many in this thread are (surprisingly!) sympathetic to the PO workers. A compliment to these folks goes a long way.
OTOH, making a sarcastic comment over your shoulder on your way out the door -- not much courage in that! -- is just going to bring down everyone, isn't constructive and certainly deserves a smiling rejoinder. It can't be much fun to deal with the clueless and with the whiners too.
Considering they can whip a letter across the continent in three days for only 42 cents, and ship coins in the same timeframe for $4.60 (beat that, FedEx!) with fuel prices going through the roof, well, shouldn't we be satisfied overall?
<< <i>...and having to stand in line for twenty to thirty minutes because they have five windows for you to go to but only one or two tellers working.
Take a foldup chair with you. >>
Or go during those times when it isn't so busy; problem is everyone and his dog wants to go during their lunch hour. FWIW how many here would pay their help to be busy 2 hours a day and not very busy 6 hours a day?
Doesn't anyone have an automated postage kiosk available at their P.O.'s ? In the rare cases that I can't print postage at home, I use the machine before I go into work and just drop the package in the chute. I rarely stand in line. Life's too short for that.
Or go during those times when it isn't so busy; problem is everyone and his dog wants to go during their lunch hour. FWIW how many here would pay their help to be busy 2 hours a day and not very busy 6 hours a day?
Our PO, which during the week is only open from 8-5, is consistantly busy, and understaffed, all day. I've gone there several times a week for years, and with a rare exception, it is always that way. And since I often do shows on Sat., the hours on Sat. don't helpo much. And of course the volume of traffic (and lack of counter help) on Sat. is worse than during the week.
Doesn't anyone have an automated postage kiosk available at their P.O.'s ? In the rare cases that I can't print postage at home, I use the machine before I go into work and just drop the package in the chute. I rarely stand in line. Life's too short for that.
Virtually all of the packages I ship do not meet the up to $200 limit for APS, and half the time I'm at the PO, I need to pick up packages that require a signature.
edited to add: Up until a year ago, the PO would sometimes (25% of the time) have a person that would ask if anyone just had a package to pick up, and expedite the wait for those just picking up. When they cut the hours from 7-5 to 8-5 during the week, they apparantly stop this practice.
Today, I had a package for the mailman at my door. He was a new guy but he looked familiar. So I asked him if I knew him. He said, "yes, I'm James _______. " I said : "yes, of course, I did your roof, siding , gutters , soffit and fascia on your house. How is it holding up ? ". He said " Fine, I need to remodel my bathroom soon". I asked him if he knew a contractor and gave him the name of an interior guy who does plumbing.
Give them a little slack. They have to deal with us every day.
Boy, I hate to defend the postal workers, but it usually isn't their fault. I go to the post office every day to send out my books and my warehouse is directly across the street from the main door. [Appleton, Wi.]. I can look out the door and see how busy it looks. There is never a good or bad time. One day it is empty at 3 pm and the next day there is a long line. Same with any other time of the day. They just can't tell when to have all 5 windows open. I find a lot of customers are the ones holding up the line because they don't know what they are doing. At least my excuse is I have a lot of books [5-35] and it takes time. Have you noticed that the clocks are gone from the post office lobbies. I guess they don't want us to know how long we wait. The dumbest thing they do is ship the mail to Oshkosh at 6pm but stay open to 6.30. Just a small gripe of mine. Steve
<< <i>Our local post office is busy as well and the lines can be long. However, usually the delay is by patrons who, it appears, have never been to a post office before. They seem surprised that you actually have to close a package, address it, or that there are different delivery options. But that's okay, because they feel they can do all of the work while at the counter and all of us in line are happy to watch...and wait. I guess that's one reason they put in a 24/7 self-service kiosk for shipping...very convenient.
Our postal workers are great...friendly and efficient. >>
I feel the same about my post office. I do try and do as much as possible at home or the sub station because there are so many problem customers. I really love those ebay sellers who ship once per week and show up with 3 dozen packages to ship and all have some special need. I find that paypal shipping can take care of 99% of my needs.
<< <i>Doesn't anyone have an automated postage kiosk available at their P.O.'s ? >>
Sure, but you can't use them for sending packages to other countries, and I make 10-15 international shipments a week. I don't know what your post office allows, but here, the only way to mail a package out of the country is to go to the window and have a clerk process it.
<< <i>I find that paypal shipping can take care of 99% of my needs. >>
99% of my shipping is by first class large envelope, which PayPal shipping doesn't allow for. I use a digital scale and stamps for those, but it still doesn't eliminate the need to go to the post office while they're open for a fair number of my shipments. I'd love to find a way to avoid that (waiting in line at the post office) completely, but I don't see that there's currently any way to do so.
<< <i>Doesn't anyone have an automated postage kiosk available at their P.O.'s ? In the rare cases that I can't print postage at home, I use the machine before I go into work and just drop the package in the chute. I rarely stand in line. Life's too short for that.
Virtually all of the packages I ship do not meet the up to $200 limit for APS, and half the time I'm at the PO, I need to pick up packages that require a signature.
edited to add: Up until a year ago, the PO would sometimes (25% of the time) have a person that would ask if anyone just had a package to pick up, and expedite the wait for those just picking up. When they cut the hours from 7-5 to 8-5 during the week, they apparantly stop this practice. >>
The automated postal center insurance limit should be $500 the same as PayPal/ClickNShip online shipping:
<< <i>I made the comment after he handed me the box.."you guys sure make it hard to pick up a package don't you"
his response---YEP!!!!!! and a courteous smile back....... >>
Well, being a government operation, they really don't have any incentive to provide you with any convenience, do they?
If you go to Applebee's only to find a 45 minute wait with half the tables empty, you can leave and go to Outback instead. They're both open after 5PM daily, and they're open weekends, too. Need to get your driver's license renewed? 9-5, M-F, closed on the weekend. So you have to take time off work to go, but why should the government care about that? It's not like you can go to the competition instead, is it? Just get in line, and they'll get around to you when it suits them. >>
Amen.
A lie told often enough becomes the truth. ~Vladimir Lenin
Contrary to most opinions expressed in this thread, I think my PO is terrific. One solution to the pick-up dilema is to have whatever shipped to where you work (this is what I do, but there are only 25 people here and anything that's addressed to me gets to my desk unopened) or to somebody you trust that's at home when the post is delivered. I went crazy with the mint when they shipped something to my house, but it was waiting in my mailbox when I got home.
The PO near my house is fantastic and our mail carrier is excellent. She normally delivers our mail between 2-4P. However, if I get a package (normally coins) delivered early, she'll stop by in the AM as she begins her route. Now that is service. The wait at the PO is manageable even at its worst – say a 25 minute wait. Most holdups are caused by clueless customers.
However, the PO near my last place in Los Angeles proper was a nightmare. I am not kidding when I say you could feel the tension in the air. The wait times were incredible and would range from 25 minutes to 1 hour+. Nearly everyone in the building was angry. I witnessed several heated discussions between customers and employees. I'm glad those days are over.
We all realize that waiting in line can be frustrating at times, but don't dump on the PO tellers; it's not their call on how many windows are open. A good friend who works for the PO explained to me how it works. Some of them are forced to close their window at a certain time, busy or not, because the supervisors tell them to (going long means paying overtime, which the supervisors are under instructions to minimize; it's a contract thing I guess). The problem is that most people come after work in the late afternoon, when the full-time employees are also going off the clock, leaving part timers at the windows. If you want to complain, write or call the local postmaster but don't waste your time complaining to the tellers or supers.
If you want to save on waiting time, here's what he told me:
To minimize the wait... 1. go early, right when they open 2. go 9-11am, before the lunch-break rush, or 2-3pm, before the late rush. 3. go on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday...not on Monday, Friday, or Saturday. According to him, Tuesday mornings are best.
Same in Washington - it's so bad some days that there are 6-10 cars in the street blocking traffic waiting to get into the parking lot and THEN stand in line for 30 minutes.
"My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
Post offices should have an express line for people who pay a monthly fee. I've been saying that for years. Kind of like the first class check in lines when you fly. I have about 5 post offices within 10 minutes of me in any direction, and each one of them is packed out after lunch (mornings however are rarely ever bad at all...i never, ever ever ever go in the afternoon!)
Comments
Some customers are crap, too, though. Last week, there was some woman with an abraisive voice and haughty attitude picking up a certified letter (maybe she was being served). The clerk, who was Korean, but fairly easy to understand, told her to "sign here" on the return receipt. She asked, indignantly, "What am I signing?" The clerk, assuming she couldn't understand or hear him, spoke slightly louder and more slowly answered the question she asked, "Sign this card, here." She then lectured the clerk about "nobody talks to me that way, blah blah blah," while everyone else waited in line rolling their eyes, making faces at her behind her back while the other clerks tried not to laugh. After her majesty left, the clerk muttered, "That is one stupid woman," to the agreement of everyone in earshot.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Is right when they open or close.
In between can be iffy.
Gardnerville, NV
=========================
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<< <i>For 41 cents, someone will drive to your house, pick-up your letter and send it anywhere in the world for you. >>
Anywhere in the world? Don't you mean anywhere in the USA?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I have a PO within 2 blocks of my house. They have about 7 windows, usually 2-3 clerks open. Fridays and Mondays I've learned to skip, the line can be out the door, about 30-40 feet. Other times is a hit or miss.
The clerks there tell me the pay for the window duty is very sub to most other PO jobs. I forget the exact pay range, but I recall it to be peanuts.
All the window staff are great, all know me by name. They work very hard. Standing all day, always trying to educate patrons as best they can given the need to service others. It's a hard job at a busy PO, I wouldn't want it.
I've learned to buy most postage online. I drop large and heavy boxes into the drop chute that have a restriction of I think 1lb or so, but I assume since they know me, they have never returned a box or even admonished me for dropping in a large 10lb box in the thing.
Mailing isn't a problem, but picking up and waiting in the line for a signature package is a pain. I always try to be my most patient in line because I know how hard they are working and that a smile on my face gets me a whole lot more in the long run than a bad attitude.
<< <i>The clerks there tell me the pay for the window duty is very sub to most other PO jobs. I forget the exact pay range, but I recall it to be peanuts. >>
That pretty much sucks. Not only are the customer-facing positions most likely to make you endure a lot of crap and abuse, but the pay is a lot worse, too?
If I'm mailing packages the 24/7 post office at the airport is only 10 miles away! It's great to go there at 11pm and have more clerks at the windows than customers.
Collecting:
Conder tokens
19th & 20th Century coins from Great Britain and the Realm
Yep. Brain thought USA. Fingers typed world.
Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.
Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.
<< <i>I'm not knocking postal workers but, I am really tired of going to the post office and having to stand in line for twenty to thirty minutes because they have five windows for you to go to but only one or two tellers working. This has been going on for months, it's to the point now that I dread picking up a coin because I know that it's going to kill my Saturday morning. Is this just a South Florida thing or is it happening everywhere.
By the way, I have complained several times to the supervisor/manager on shift to no avail. >>
FYI I live in South Florida. Why do I have a 4 star shipping speed on Ebay? Because I have to wait 1/2 each time I goto the post office so I do it only 1 time per week and then even priority mail takes 4-5 day to arrive.
I am still waiting for a registered package to arrive from April 28th!
Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.
Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.
I encountered many of the frustrating issues mentioned in this thread.
Whole family of non-english speakers trying to mail a whole bunch of poorly packaged stuff. Kids running around bumping into folks. Not quite to the point of needing a translator.
Long line out the door. 20 minute wait.
Only two clerks, one of which was tied up with the family mentioned above.
One BO challenged individual in line.
One poor old lady who found that mailing that box of whatever was pretty darn expensive at $9 something. And then counted out lots of change. No, I did not get a look at the change for silvers.
One person packaging stuff in front of the clerk, asking about every different kind of box they have.
But I have my money order. It's all good.
<< <i>"Is the post office near your house as pathetic as mine?"
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Yes! >>
I think the PO here in east central IL is in the dark ages. None of the high-tech equipment and they close for lunch at NOON! The only person there who has any personality is the Postmaster, otherwise, the rest of them are fat, lazy, stupid, underworked, overpaid idiots (and the USPS is not the only federal agency that has this problem, as the IRS is just as bad.) Want to get me on a rant about bloated bureaucracy - the State of Illinois is chucked full of morons (who, like their federal counterparts, are usually fat, lazy, ignorant, grossly overpaid, and very much underworked.) The unemployment office is a prime example of this - employees at their desks either reading newspapers or playing solitaire on their computers. They, like most agencies here in Illinois, are just plain useless and a huge waste of taxpayer money (which I begrudgingly have to pay.) Heck, even our wonderful Governor, Rod Blagojevich, is like the aforementioned morons that I just described. And he is being investigated for bribes and kickbacks. Illinois, like the rest of the USA, is really screwed up! Come election time, let's throw the bums out!
<< <i>
<< <i>"Is the post office near your house as pathetic as mine?"
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Yes! >>
I think the PO here in east central IL is in the dark ages. None of the high-tech equipment and they close for lunch at NOON! The only person there who has any personality is the Postmaster, otherwise, the rest of them are fat, lazy, stupid, underworked, overpaid idiots (and the USPS is not the only federal agency that has this problem, as the IRS is just as bad.) Want to get me on a rant about bloated bureaucracy - the State of Illinois is chucked full of morons (who, like their federal counterparts, are usually fat, lazy, ignorant, grossly overpaid, and very much underworked.) The unemployment office is a prime example of this - employees at their desks either reading newspapers or playing solitaire on their computers. They, like most agencies here in Illinois, are just plain useless and a huge waste of taxpayer money (which I begrudgingly have to pay.) Heck, even our wonderful Governor, Rod Blagojevich, is like the aforementioned morons that I just described. And he is being investigated for bribes and kickbacks. Illinois, like the rest of the USA, is really screwed up! Come election time, let's throw the bums out!
Based on posts here, in terms of crooks in Government and politics I have to think that Illinois is tops with no one in the rear view mirror.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>"Is the post office near your house as pathetic as mine?"
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Yes! >>
I think the PO here in east central IL is in the dark ages. None of the high-tech equipment and they close for lunch at NOON! The only person there who has any personality is the Postmaster, otherwise, the rest of them are fat, lazy, stupid, underworked, overpaid idiots (and the USPS is not the only federal agency that has this problem, as the IRS is just as bad.) Want to get me on a rant about bloated bureaucracy - the State of Illinois is chucked full of morons (who, like their federal counterparts, are usually fat, lazy, ignorant, grossly overpaid, and very much underworked.) The unemployment office is a prime example of this - employees at their desks either reading newspapers or playing solitaire on their computers. They, like most agencies here in Illinois, are just plain useless and a huge waste of taxpayer money (which I begrudgingly have to pay.) Heck, even our wonderful Governor, Rod Blagojevich, is like the aforementioned morons that I just described. And he is being investigated for bribes and kickbacks. Illinois, like the rest of the USA, is really screwed up! Come election time, let's throw the bums out!
Based on posts here, in terms of crooks in Government and politics I have to think that Illinois is tops with no one in the rear view mirror. >>
Ain't that the truth. Lets see - 6 governors indicted, but 3 of them went to the pokey (the previous one, George Ryan, is currently in the Federal Pokey in Terre Haute, IN - 33 miles east of here.) For those outside Illinois, our governor, Rod Blagojevich (aka Blago), is very much an idiot. Won't live in the guv's mansion in Springfield (rather be in Chicago), has a child-like way of getting what he wants (acts like a spoiled brat), and made sure any attempts to pass a recall measure is shot down (thanks to his sugar daddy, Emil Jones, the president of the Illinois senate.) Illinois is drowning in red but good ol' Blago is spending money on questionable social programs. And most of the Illinois Democrats (whose party Blago belongs to) are shaking their heads on Blago's obvious logic (and the Illinois GOP is laughing at them because of Blago.) In fact, the Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly are not united at all because of Blago. And the people of Illinois (like myself) are finding all the stupidity very tiring. There is now talk of possibly impeaching Blago - that would really be nice, but won't see that happen, like everything else.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>"Is the post office near your house as pathetic as mine?"
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Yes! >>
I think the PO here in east central IL is in the dark ages. None of the high-tech equipment and they close for lunch at NOON! The only person there who has any personality is the Postmaster, otherwise, the rest of them are fat, lazy, stupid, underworked, overpaid idiots (and the USPS is not the only federal agency that has this problem, as the IRS is just as bad.) Want to get me on a rant about bloated bureaucracy - the State of Illinois is chucked full of morons (who, like their federal counterparts, are usually fat, lazy, ignorant, grossly overpaid, and very much underworked.) The unemployment office is a prime example of this - employees at their desks either reading newspapers or playing solitaire on their computers. They, like most agencies here in Illinois, are just plain useless and a huge waste of taxpayer money (which I begrudgingly have to pay.) Heck, even our wonderful Governor, Rod Blagojevich, is like the aforementioned morons that I just described. And he is being investigated for bribes and kickbacks. Illinois, like the rest of the USA, is really screwed up! Come election time, let's throw the bums out!
Based on posts here, in terms of crooks in Government and politics I have to think that Illinois is tops with no one in the rear view mirror. >>
Ain't that the truth. Lets see - 6 governors indicted, but 3 of them went to the pokey (the previous one, George Ryan, is currently in the Federal Pokey in Terre Haute, IN - 33 miles east of here.) For those outside Illinois, our governor, Rod Blagojevich (aka Blago), is very much an idiot. Won't live in the guv's mansion in Springfield (rather be in Chicago), has a child-like way of getting what he wants (acts like a spoiled brat), and made sure any attempts to pass a recall measure is shot down (thanks to his sugar daddy, Emil Jones, the president of the Illinois senate.) Illinois is drowning in red but good ol' Blago is spending money on questionable social programs. And most of the Illinois Democrats (whose party Blago belongs to) are shaking their heads on Blago's obvious logic (and the Illinois GOP is laughing at them because of Blago.) In fact, the Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly are not united at all because of Blago. And the people of Illinois (like myself) are finding all the stupidity very tiring. There is now talk of possibly impeaching Blago - that would really be nice, but won't see that happen, like everything else. >>
And then there was [sung to the tune of Frosty the Snowman] Rosty the Conman.
They call me "Pack the Ripper"
<< <i>Have any of you here ever used a postal substation like a large grocery store or drug store or have access to one? >>
We've got one in my town that's located in a closet in a flower shop. They only take cash. No kidding. And I strongly suspect that they don't enter in things they should. I once paid for delivery confirmation and it never showed up. I had to use that particular PO since I was really short of time and had to mail something that day. It was a 50 lb package for work and the little old lady behind the counter looked at it with horror in her eyes. She made me carry it into the back of the office for the pickup (I would have volunteered, but she asked before I could).
I think POs should have a separate line for people who know what the $%^ they're doing, and a separate line for the non-English-speakers and the other incompetent boobs.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>"Is the post office near your house as pathetic as mine?"
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Yes! >>
I think the PO here in east central IL is in the dark ages. None of the high-tech equipment and they close for lunch at NOON! The only person there who has any personality is the Postmaster, otherwise, the rest of them are fat, lazy, stupid, underworked, overpaid idiots (and the USPS is not the only federal agency that has this problem, as the IRS is just as bad.) Want to get me on a rant about bloated bureaucracy - the State of Illinois is chucked full of morons (who, like their federal counterparts, are usually fat, lazy, ignorant, grossly overpaid, and very much underworked.) The unemployment office is a prime example of this - employees at their desks either reading newspapers or playing solitaire on their computers. They, like most agencies here in Illinois, are just plain useless and a huge waste of taxpayer money (which I begrudgingly have to pay.) Heck, even our wonderful Governor, Rod Blagojevich, is like the aforementioned morons that I just described. And he is being investigated for bribes and kickbacks. Illinois, like the rest of the USA, is really screwed up! Come election time, let's throw the bums out!
Based on posts here, in terms of crooks in Government and politics I have to think that Illinois is tops with no one in the rear view mirror. >>
Ain't that the truth. Lets see - 6 governors indicted, but 3 of them went to the pokey (the previous one, George Ryan, is currently in the Federal Pokey in Terre Haute, IN - 33 miles east of here.) For those outside Illinois, our governor, Rod Blagojevich (aka Blago), is very much an idiot. Won't live in the guv's mansion in Springfield (rather be in Chicago), has a child-like way of getting what he wants (acts like a spoiled brat), and made sure any attempts to pass a recall measure is shot down (thanks to his sugar daddy, Emil Jones, the president of the Illinois senate.) Illinois is drowning in red but good ol' Blago is spending money on questionable social programs. And most of the Illinois Democrats (whose party Blago belongs to) are shaking their heads on Blago's obvious logic (and the Illinois GOP is laughing at them because of Blago.) In fact, the Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly are not united at all because of Blago. And the people of Illinois (like myself) are finding all the stupidity very tiring. There is now talk of possibly impeaching Blago - that would really be nice, but won't see that happen, like everything else. >>
And then there was [sung to the tune of Frosty the Snowman] Rosty the Conman. >>
Ah, Dan "The Man" Rostenkowski - one of many reasons why term limits on house representatives and senators are badly needed. Little known but interesting fact - Blago was a congressman before being a governor, and where was his congressional district? The 5th Illinois congressional district - Rosty the Conman's old district (are you surprised?)
Rob
"Those guys weren't Fathers they were...Mothers."
I must commend them. I took up chat with a younger gal who was in line behind me. She smelled like the essence of spring. It put pep in my step. I think she thought I was a geek, but that was fine, too. I talked to her about stamp hoarding and how it could help us avoid long lines. The "forever stamps" won't last forever.
When I finally got to the counter, I handed the guy the package and said " you have a 13 ounce rule on the outside mail boxes and this weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces. That's a strange rule".
He agreed, took my package which already had a shipping label attached, and the trip only put me out a half hour.
My day at the post office was a joy to behold.
I know that makes some of you want to puke. Go ahead
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>Today the postal workers were happy and smiling. I think there must be something in their coffee. For the life of me, I couldn't understand how they can smile with so many miserable people standing in line.
I must commend them. I took up chat with a younger gal who was in line behind me. She smelled like the essence of spring. It put pep in my step. I think she thought I was a geek, but that was fine, too. I talked to her about stamp hoarding and how it could help us avoid long lines. The "forever stamps" won't last forever.
When I finally got to the counter, I handed the guy the package and said " you have a 13 ounce rule on the outside mail boxes and this weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces. That's a strange rule".
He agreed, took my package which already had a shipping label attached, and the trip only put me out a half hour.
My day at the post office was a joy to behold.
I know that makes some of you want to puke. Go ahead
I take it the postal workers were on some kinda drug, eh?
<< <i>
<< <i>Today the postal workers were happy and smiling. I think there must be something in their coffee. For the life of me, I couldn't understand how they can smile with so many miserable people standing in line.
I must commend them. I took up chat with a younger gal who was in line behind me. She smelled like the essence of spring. It put pep in my step. I think she thought I was a geek, but that was fine, too. I talked to her about stamp hoarding and how it could help us avoid long lines. The "forever stamps" won't last forever.
When I finally got to the counter, I handed the guy the package and said " you have a 13 ounce rule on the outside mail boxes and this weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces. That's a strange rule".
He agreed, took my package which already had a shipping label attached, and the trip only put me out a half hour.
My day at the post office was a joy to behold.
I know that makes some of you want to puke. Go ahead
I take it the postal workers were on some kinda drug, eh? >>
Actually, the sticky glue that their labels have is the same stuff in CAC stickers
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>When I finally got to the counter, I handed the guy the package and said " you have a 13 ounce rule on the outside mail boxes and this weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces. That's a strange rule".
He agreed, took my package which already had a shipping label attached, and the trip only put me out a half hour. >>
The 13oz rule should only be for packages with postage stamps. If you use pre-printed labels or a postage meter you can use the parcel drop.
Link
Sometimes I think it is more akin to some sort of vitamin or mineral deficency resulting from long term exposure to the glue used on stamps before the Postal Service converted over to self adhesive stamps. Combine this with the accumulation of various particulate matter accrued through long term storage at various SDOs and SDNs before the stamps are delivered to local post offices and you can get quite an interesting outcome.
At any rate, I will have the honor of visiting my local post office this morning to pick up a package from the UK because the subsitute mail carrier ... read idiotic female mail carrier with an attitude problem ... refused to allow my roommate to accept the package because it had to be signed for and I was the only one who could sign for it. This because I work nights and was sound asleep when the mail arrived mid afternoon. Best part of the whole deal is that on the little form that was left for me ... the sender was marked as Great Britain ... evidentally they don't teach these idiots where to look for return addresses on foriegn mail. All this for about $10 in coins ...
Happy Rock Wrens
You're having delusions of grandeur again. - Susan Ivanova
Well, if you're gonna have delusions, may as well go for the really satisfying ones. - Marcus Cole
Our postal workers are great...friendly and efficient.
Lane
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
<< <i>Each PO is alloted a number of "Window Hours" per year. That's their budget. Stick to it - you're OK, cut it - you get a bonus, exceed it - you get your pee-wee slapped. The clerks don't decide anything, they're told. >>
An apologetic clerk brought this up with me once; she urged me to write my congressman. Can that actually help?
It is nice to see that so many in this thread are (surprisingly!) sympathetic to the PO workers. A compliment to these folks goes a long way.
OTOH, making a sarcastic comment over your shoulder on your way out the door -- not much courage in that! -- is just going to bring down everyone, isn't constructive and certainly deserves a smiling rejoinder. It can't be much fun to deal with the clueless and with the whiners too.
Considering they can whip a letter across the continent in three days for only 42 cents, and ship coins in the same timeframe for $4.60 (beat that, FedEx!) with fuel prices going through the roof, well, shouldn't we be satisfied overall?
Take a foldup chair with you.
The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.
Albert Einstein (14 March 1879--18 April 1955)
<< <i>...and having to stand in line for twenty to thirty minutes because they have five windows for you to go to but only one or two tellers working.
Take a foldup chair with you. >>
Or go during those times when it isn't so busy; problem is everyone and his dog wants to go during their lunch hour. FWIW how many here would pay their help to be busy 2 hours a day and not very busy 6 hours a day?
<< <i>problem is everyone and his dog wants to go during their lunch hour. >>
Hard to avoid that, when you work 8-5 and the post office hours are 8-5.
Our PO, which during the week is only open from 8-5, is consistantly busy, and understaffed, all day. I've gone there several times a week for years, and with a rare exception, it is always that way. And since I often do shows on Sat., the hours on Sat. don't helpo much. And of course the volume of traffic (and lack of counter help) on Sat. is worse than during the week.
Virtually all of the packages I ship do not meet the up to $200 limit for APS, and half the time I'm at the PO, I need to pick up packages that require a signature.
edited to add: Up until a year ago, the PO would sometimes (25% of the time) have a person that would ask if anyone just had a package to pick up, and expedite the wait for those just picking up. When they cut the hours from 7-5 to 8-5 during the week, they apparantly stop this practice.
Give them a little slack. They have to deal with us every day.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>Our local post office is busy as well and the lines can be long. However, usually the delay is by patrons who, it appears, have never been to a post office before. They seem surprised that you actually have to close a package, address it, or that there are different delivery options. But that's okay, because they feel they can do all of the work while at the counter and all of us in line are happy to watch...and wait. I guess that's one reason they put in a 24/7 self-service kiosk for shipping...very convenient.
Our postal workers are great...friendly and efficient.
I feel the same about my post office. I do try and do as much as possible at home or the sub station because there are so many problem customers. I really love those ebay sellers who ship once per week and show up with 3 dozen packages to ship and all have some special need. I find that paypal shipping can take care of 99% of my needs.
<< <i>Doesn't anyone have an automated postage kiosk available at their P.O.'s ? >>
Sure, but you can't use them for sending packages to other countries, and I make 10-15 international shipments a week. I don't know what your post office allows, but here, the only way to mail a package out of the country is to go to the window and have a clerk process it.
<< <i>I find that paypal shipping can take care of 99% of my needs. >>
99% of my shipping is by first class large envelope, which PayPal shipping doesn't allow for. I use a digital scale and stamps for those, but it still doesn't eliminate the need to go to the post office while they're open for a fair number of my shipments. I'd love to find a way to avoid that (waiting in line at the post office) completely, but I don't see that there's currently any way to do so.
<< <i>Doesn't anyone have an automated postage kiosk available at their P.O.'s ? In the rare cases that I can't print postage at home, I use the machine before I go into work and just drop the package in the chute. I rarely stand in line. Life's too short for that.
Virtually all of the packages I ship do not meet the up to $200 limit for APS, and half the time I'm at the PO, I need to pick up packages that require a signature.
edited to add: Up until a year ago, the PO would sometimes (25% of the time) have a person that would ask if anyone just had a package to pick up, and expedite the wait for those just picking up. When they cut the hours from 7-5 to 8-5 during the week, they apparantly stop this practice. >>
The automated postal center insurance limit should be $500 the same as PayPal/ClickNShip online shipping:
Link
<< <i>
<< <i>I made the comment after he handed me the box.."you guys sure make it hard to pick up a package don't you"
his response---YEP!!!!!! and a courteous smile back.......
Well, being a government operation, they really don't have any incentive to provide you with any convenience, do they?
If you go to Applebee's only to find a 45 minute wait with half the tables empty, you can leave and go to Outback instead. They're both open after 5PM daily, and they're open weekends, too. Need to get your driver's license renewed? 9-5, M-F, closed on the weekend. So you have to take time off work to go, but why should the government care about that? It's not like you can go to the competition instead, is it? Just get in line, and they'll get around to you when it suits them. >>
Amen.
However, the PO near my last place in Los Angeles proper was a nightmare. I am not kidding when I say you could feel the tension in the air. The wait times were incredible and would range from 25 minutes to 1 hour+. Nearly everyone in the building was angry. I witnessed several heated discussions between customers and employees. I'm glad those days are over.
If you want to save on waiting time, here's what he told me:
To minimize the wait...
1. go early, right when they open
2. go 9-11am, before the lunch-break rush, or 2-3pm, before the late rush.
3. go on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday...not on Monday, Friday, or Saturday. According to him, Tuesday mornings are best.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012