USPS and Their APC Machines

LeeG · May 1, 2009 9:34AM

I guess it had to happen some time. Shipped a $300 coin insured via the APC machine. Been over a week and hasn't arrived at the buyers location in the same state. Went to my PO and they said nothing they can do because it's not scanned into the system. What are my options? Wait the 21 day's to file a claim? The clerk talked to the supervisor who said that I should bring the insurance form to the clerk to scan into the system when using the APC. Seems like defeating the purpose of using the APC.

TIA

BECOKA · May 1, 2009 9:36AM

<< I guess it had to happen some time. Shipped a $300 coin insured via the APC machine. Been over a week and hasn't arrived at the buyers location in the same state. Went to my PO and they said nothing they can do because it's not scanned into the system. What are my options? Wait the 21 day's to file a claim? The clerk talked to the supervisor who said that I should bring the insurance form to the clerk to scan into the system when using the APC. Seems like defeating the purpose of using the APC.

TIA >>

This is why I print my postage online with a scan form, I can go to the firm caller window as early as 5am and have them scan it.

(Post office opens at 8:30)

Barndog · May 1, 2009 9:38AM

most paypal labels are not scanned either. Risk-free source of income for USPS?

CIVITAS · May 1, 2009 9:49AM

I've shipped packages that were never scanned in both at the clerk window and the APC. It just happens from time to time I guess. You'll have to wait the 21 days to file a claim I'm pretty sure. The last one sent via APC came back to me as it had an error in the address (unrelated to not being scanned, but shows the item may still be delivered). The one sent from the clerk window was lost for good and I collected on the claim.

advalorem · May 1, 2009 2:30PM

USPS has lost a registered package sent to another pcgs.com member. Fortunately it was insured and I have to wait only 15-days to file the claim. The item was shipped Priority Mail. I was told USPS doesn't update the Registered mail system online as frequently as other mail items.

Frustrating....

illini420 · May 1, 2009 2:33PM

I thought about trying to use the USPS labels created through eBay/PayPal... but after reading threads like this, I'm still going to wait in line and have the postal clerk do all of the work and scan the packages in.

SaorAlba · May 1, 2009 10:25PM

They put one of those APC's in my post office a couple of years ago, with great fanfare. Oh it was even in the paper, and the postmaster was out there showing it off for a couple of months.

Then about a year ago it mysteriously disappeared.

I asked one of the long time clerks there, most people in my post office have been there since the Carter administration or so... turns out that nobody used it - they would just wait for the windows to open - I live in a community with mostly older folks that really do not trust that newfangled mechanical nonsense.

So we are back to good old fashioned, tried and true postal clerks. Maybe they can replace people with machines somewhere, but here it isn't happening.

jessewvu · May 2, 2009 4:58AM

what's an APC?

notwilight · May 2, 2009 5:01AM

USPS hardly ever loses anything, especially if it addressed with a printed, barcoded label, but things are often delayed. Patience....

ksteelheader · May 2, 2009 5:33AM

<< USPS hardly ever loses anything, especially if it addressed with a printed, barcoded label, but things are often delayed. Patience.... >>

Some people were born without patience.

They're referred to as whiners!

droopyd · May 2, 2009 6:12AM

<< USPS hardly ever loses anything >>

But sometimes they do, and when it's your stuff they lose, it really really sux.

SaorAlba · May 2, 2009 7:10AM

<< what's an APC? >>

Automated Postal Center - supposed to replace disgruntled postal workers - and so far the machines have not killed anybody.

bushmaster8 · May 2, 2009 12:52PM

I use the APC about 90% of the time now. Haven't had to make a claim yet ...

YaHa · May 2, 2009 1:05PM

Relax.. That machine for some reason has a governer on it. It will get there in a few more days..

As long as you have your receipt and paid insurance you will get you money back if and when the time comes.

But again trust me your package will arrive in the next few days..

YaHa · May 2, 2009 1:09PM

<< what's an APC? >>

Apples/Peaches/Cream..

Or, Another Pouting Customer...

mrpotatoheadd · May 2, 2009 1:21PM

<< I thought about trying to use the USPS labels created through eBay/PayPal... but after reading threads like this, I'm still going to wait in line and have the postal clerk do all of the work and scan the packages in. >>

You might want to be aware that when you print your postage online, this does not include an acceptance scan of each individual package. From here:

Electronic Price Delivery Confirmation Summary

· The electronic fee for the Delivery Confirmation service provides delivery information only: it does not provide tracking of the item enroute or acceptance scans.

Although some post offices will scan your packages, they don't have to if they don't want to.

notwilight · May 2, 2009 1:36PM

<< I thought about trying to use the USPS labels created through eBay/PayPal... but after reading threads like this, I'm still going to wait in line and have the postal clerk do all of the work and scan the packages in. >>

I ship thousands of packages a year with paypal shipping. What people say about them not always getting scanned in is 100% correct. However, if they don't lose them it's not a problem. Even if they do lose them, what's the difference? They will be able to tell you where it was last seen like that would be some help. It's either lost or it isn't. If it doesn't get there it doesn't get there. And they DO scan it on delivery so scammers can't say they didn't get it.

I'm not saying that those losing packages should do a better job addressing/packaging them but since I've gone to Paypal shipping with zebra labels they haven't lost a single package in about 4000 (knock on wood). Clearly with performance like this insurance is a waste money. I expect them to lose one eventually but when I have to come up with $30 to $500 out of my own pocket to deal with it I'll remember that I'm perhaps $10,000 ahead of the guy who buys insurance on all of these.

So if Monday when I went to the post office with a tub of 30 to 50 packages if instead of saying to the clerk, "These are all ready to go", handing them to him, smiling and walking out I'd be standing at the counter for a hour or so while he goes through them all and paying about 50% more for delivery and signature confirmation...

But hey, its your time you can spend it in line if you want. I'm going golfing with my son.

--Jerry

Walmann · May 2, 2009 1:49PM

An APC?

Our post office just got their first batch ever of self-adhesive stamps only 2 months ago and is run out of combination gas station/liquor store/quickie mart (the liquor section does not open when the post office does).

illini420 · May 2, 2009 4:27PM

<< 

<< I thought about trying to use the USPS labels created through eBay/PayPal... but after reading threads like this, I'm still going to wait in line and have the postal clerk do all of the work and scan the packages in. >>

I ship thousands of packages a year with paypal shipping. What people say about them not always getting scanned in is 100% correct. However, if they don't lose them it's not a problem. Even if they do lose them, what's the difference? They will be able to tell you where it was last seen like that would be some help. It's either lost or it isn't. If it doesn't get there it doesn't get there. And they DO scan it on delivery so scammers can't say they didn't get it.

I'm not saying that those losing packages should do a better job addressing/packaging them but since I've gone to Paypal shipping with zebra labels they haven't lost a single package in about 4000 (knock on wood). Clearly with performance like this insurance is a waste money. I expect them to lose one eventually but when I have to come up with $30 to $500 out of my own pocket to deal with it I'll remember that I'm perhaps $10,000 ahead of the guy who buys insurance on all of these.

So if Monday when I went to the post office with a tub of 30 to 50 packages if instead of saying to the clerk, "These are all ready to go", handing them to him, smiling and walking out I'd be standing at the counter for a hour or so while he goes through them all and paying about 50% more for delivery and signature confirmation...

But hey, its your time you can spend it in line if you want. I'm going golfing with my son.

--Jerry >>

Thanks for the comments Jerry. I like golfing more too

I guess if I mailed that many packages I'd be doing as you do and self-insuring as well. But I only mail maybe 5 or 6 packages each month on average!!! I too have never had anything lost so far by the USPS... pretty amazing job they do for the cost actually...

USPS and Their APC Machines

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