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USPS refusal to scan in items
Who has the issue with their local post office refusing to scan in items and making you drop them in a box? I have tried multiple times to have the clerk scan in my items and they get snippy and state that because "we" (USPS) give you (eBay sellers) discount shipping you need to drop off without scanning in. Mind you, they have no idea who I am, what I do, or what type of pricing I pay. I am trying to find the policy within the USPS that corroborates this and haven't found anything. This issue has led to multiple items being considered late shipment and I am just about fed up with having to defend myself for something that shouldn't even be an issue. If I didn't print my label and used the QR code... they would have no choice but to accept the package, thus I am being penalized for making their job easier. Someone shed some light on this without telling me to use the QR code.
toysaver
·1 year agoStart buying a one penny stamp each time you go in and ask for a scan. Eventually they'll start scanning without the purchase.
tyturn59
·1 year agoHave you tried talking to a manager? There is one post office that I cannot go to where they will always turn me away and tell me I have to use the self-service kiosk so I no longer go to that post office and I have found a post office where They will scan my packages and give me a receipt. Have you tried going to a different post office? You might have to go a bit longer out of your way but I think it's worth it I will never drop my packages off at the self-service kiosk or at the counter. USPS tracking and insurance does not go through until a clerk scans it therefore a self-serve scan does not insure my packages when I leave the building and neither is it being tracked and who knows when it will be tracked I would not suggest anybody who sells on eBay to drop their package off at the counter because I have had one stolen from there and dropping it off at the self-service station does not insure even with a receipt, shipping tracking or insurance until a clerk scans it. There's a post office in Seattle Wedgewood where there's a cashier that will refuse to scan my packages or give me a receipt and the manager backs them. It's absolutely ridiculous!! if I were you I would just go a little bit out of my way to a different post office who will accept and scan your packages and give you receipt before you leave the building for insurance purposes.
kh-laura
·1 year agoHi everyone,
Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.
Thank you for understanding.
chariot_badges
·2 years agoThis happened to me once. Was told that they were short staffed and didn't have the time or money to do that.
I asked for the postmistress ... she was there.
She told me the same thing and I offered a $20 tip to her, and a $5 tip to the clerk.
I actually took a 20 out of my pocket and handed it to her - she handed it back.
She looked at me like I was crazy; I said, "Well then, we know it isn't money ... maybe I can volunteer a couple hours a week with you?"
People were started to take notice ... I am good at public shaming.
They take my packages now, and scan them in, and I get a receipt - every time.
I was told that tipping is not needed.
carlmarxx
·2 years agoOver years dealing with the USPS ,there where 2 employees at the P.O. I used ,that worked the counter and where pricks to me and other customers . I filed complaint with the Post master and district USPS Consumer affairs that handled all the P.O.'s in neck of woods where I was living at . they where removed from working counters and moved to back to sort mail and where gone in a short time later . I agree it does take public shaming to get the employee's to do their job's and follow regulations . lately the USPS service has and is going down hill.
orangepop
·2 years agoWhy do postal workers want to be replaced by machines so bad?? Do they not see that they are a couple of years away from being completely replaced by the electronic kiosk they so valiantly fight for me to use? I used to want to support the postal workers but now, I guess give me a machine that won't fight with me over a stupid request.
This has happened to me at probably 10 post offices when I try to ask counter clerks to scan my package in. I wait in line, (long lines sometimes!) just to be told to go use the machine in the lobby. I nicely explain that it's not considered acceptance of the package, and they still want to fight with me. Sorry I don't want to just leave packages to get lost and never scanned in and then I'm out hundreds of dollars because someone didn't want to push a button and do their job.
yuzuha
·2 years agoIt is considered acceptance for eBay shipping metrics. I haven't had a package scanned over the counter in a few years now-- I scan everything at the kiosks and just drop them into the chute. Haven't had a single issue.
And yes, if the only thing you want is a scan, most post offices will send you over to the kiosks because they want to keep the line open for people who have things that need to be done at the counter.
dbfolks166mt
·2 years agoThey are required by policy to scan any package presented to them at the counter. File a complaint with the USPS OIG. Following is the link.
https://www.uspsoig.gov/
we-thrift-for-all
·2 years agoExplain to the clerks at the P.O. that these items need scanned for tracking and if there is an issue immediately ask to talk to the Postmaster. We as taxpayers pay their salary. The volume of mail these days is way down from years past they should be welcoming to any and all mail.
jg.mason
·2 years agoI also had a great mailman, never missed a pickup request, would always take my MM and 1st class from the mailbox even when he didn't have any mail to drop off. He deserved his nice "Christmas card" every year. Then they changed the routes up and mail service went crap. I had five different mailman they missed pickup requests wouldn't take MM or 1st class even when they dropped off mail and I started miss some of my regular mail like bills and stuff.
So now it's off to the post office every other day. I have four different post offices around me that I use and I have to say they are all great. One off them has a drop off area and I always use it. The other three aren't as big so I hand them my package or at least let them know I'm dropping off. I have only asked for a scan a few times if it was an expensive item or just to have them check the weight against my scale.
I'm down to just two different mailmen now and the service is getting better but no where near tip worthy yet.
ethylsgarage
·2 years agoIf you have multiple items you can generate a list of all the USPS Tracking Numbers with a single bar code on the listing page to scan. This is much quicker and easier than having the clerk scan each package.
inhawaii
·2 years agoAll I can say is if that was me dropping off packages, they WILL get scanned, snippy clerk or not.
yellow-snapdragon
·2 years agoWOW! That's nuts! It is their job to scan packages. I have never heard of that from the USPS. Might be small town friendliness here but I bring items 3x week to be scanned and have friendly conversation with the USPS employees as they scan my items.
b86fiero
·2 years agoSeveral years ago I was having an issue getting mail carriers to scan my packages upon scheduled pick ups or by clerks inside the post office. The inside clerks would simply throw them into a bin and refuse to scan them.
I went to the local PO several times and complained. The problem continued. During this time I was getting late shipping defects because USPS employees failed to do their job.
Finally one day I had enough. I was furious because I had just received 15 late shipping defects for 15 packages all shipped the same day where the carriers failed to scan them. (This was shortly before eBay added the USPS Scan Form option to shipping).
I printed a copy of my eBay dashboard showing all of the defects which were plainly stated as being from no carrier scan and those showing as late delivery because of USPS inadequacies.
I took those two pieces of information to the local PO and requested a meeting with the branch manager. She immediately spoke with me, I explained what my documents showed, and I explained that USPS failure to scan my packages was damaging my business account and should I lose said account due to USPS failures I would certainly consider holding the individual employees responsible.
She asked if she could keep my printed documents for training purposes. I agreed. Immediately after that my packages were scanned whether they were scheduled pick up or I took them to the PO myself.
Problem solved.
jewelbiz
·2 years agoIt is a fact that there are an abundant amount of psychopaths working for the U. S. Post office!
My own mail carrier is one!
I stay far away from her!
She is unstable and dangerous and is a known fist fighter!
Best not to rile up post office employees!
kennys-kollectibles
·2 years agoAnd I just wanted to say that tracking is included with the price of shipping.
So, we are paying for tracking.
And it has to be scanned so it can be tracked.
And it has to be scanned at every arrival at every postal station so
that tracking can continue to be accurate.
ekmadonna
·2 years agoThe clerk is full of YOU KNOW WHAT, It is by far the SIMPLEST and QUICKEST part of the job they do all day long. takes seconds. I would politely demand that she scan and PRINT YOUR RECEIPT! Speak with a Supervisor, Take the Survey for her on the bottom of receipt and report her. EVERY TIME! If you can get her to scan the packages. And go to a different Post Office if another is close by.
mondex
·2 years agoYour post office sounds bad. Mine has never said anything about scanning stuff in, but I rarely actually go there. I get packages picked up everyday instead. It's free, much easier, and saves time. If you didn't know about this option, go to the USPS website, go to the "send" menu and select schedule a shipment. Fill in the information. You can have your mail carrier pick up the packages from your porch or mailbox. If you live in an apartment building, it may be slightly different, I'm not sure. The only risk is if you live in an area with a lot of foot traffic where someone might easily snatch a package off your porch, but if you can obscure them a little (put them in a bin or bag you can't spot from the sidewalk, etc) then in most places that shouldn't be a problem.
gamersbaystore
·2 years agoYou can avoid all this baloney by simply changing your handling times. I have 3 days handling times on most every item I sell just in case there's a delay for any reason.
As others have noted, you can scan the packages yourself using any self-service kiosk, and ebay counts these scans as acceptance scans. Try to find a location that has one.
showmecurrency4u
·2 years agodo not listen to the people that tells you put the packages in a drop box. when you do his you are setting yourself up for late shipment defects and many other problems. if unlucky you will not be selling long on eBay.
farmalljr
·2 years agoI'm not going to read the whole thread before responding. USPS is OBLIGATED to scan your packages if you stand in line for the scan.
IF they are refusing, FILE A COMPLAINT online with USPS. If the clerk has a name badge, INCLUDE their name in the complaint. Every single time they do not scan and give your grief, FILE A COMPLAINT online. You will quickly see the issue resolved. Postmasters have to answer to the higher ups about complaints.
sdneped
·2 years agoeBay will get your rogue post office back in line.
That's the Senior Manager, Carrier Relations at eBay, @bluekrystal1987.
mam98031
·2 years agoI too had this issue a few times a few years back. I had a nice conversation with the local Postmaster and the problem was resolved. To this say my packages get scanned upon pick up.
@bluekrystal1987 I hope you will come back and tell us what you have done to resolve this matter, was it resolved and if their is anything else we can do to help you.
dbfolks166mt
·2 years agoI have only had the issue once and it was during the holidays but I simply explained to the individual that I needed the scan and validation of the weight on the package to ensure there were no issues with the package, such as insufficient postage. I also mentioned to them that according to the USPS OIG USPS has a requirement to scan and provide a receipt for any package presented to a postal counter at ANY post office.
In addition to the link and info @a_c_green provided you can go to the OIG website and see the IG's reviews. A LOT of them deal with scanning shortfalls. You can also file a complaint on the OIG website.
https://www.uspsoig.gov/
As for dropping things in the bin's I was in a regional distribution center one time waiting in line to get packages weighted and scanned when two individuals grabbed a number of packages and ran out the door. No idea what they stole but obvious packages are never going to arrive anywhere.
rugerskick
·2 years agoThere is no such official usps policy as described by your postal clerk.
The clerk doesn't want to do their job.
Talk to the postmaster. Also get on his/her radar in case the clerk "loses" any subsequent packages of yours in retaliation.
a_c_green
·2 years ago@bluekrystal1987 : Here you go. You are right and the clerk is wrong:
"There is no charge merely to scan parcels at the retail counter at a local Post Office, for prepaid eBay packages.
Every item accepted at the retail counter at a local Post Office that has a USPS Tracking number must be scanned, whether the customer requests it or not."
-- Roy Betts
U.S. Postal Service
Corporate Communications (quoted in a letter to eCommerceBytes)
Ref: https://www.ecommercebytes.com/C/letters/blog.pl?/pl/2014/4/1396456422.html
The fact that you purchased the postage on-line is irrelevant. The Acceptance scan is the second half of that transaction, showing that the USPS has taken possession of the package. (Notice that the receipt issued describes the package, not the postage, which is simply shown as $0.00.) You have an on-line receipt for your payment, and an (optional) printed receipt for the package.
Regarding how the post office gets "credit" for handling the package, that is done by scanning it. It's to their benefit to actually do so as required. The "Ship from ZIP" is not for "credit" purposes, but to show the source ZIP used for calculating the postage paid. While that is usually the same as the originating post office, it does not have to be. (Generally speaking, if the first three digits of the ZIP match those of the PO, the postage is correct.) In some urban and city areas, more than one post office serves the same ZIP Code anyway.
The Return Address is also irrelevant; that simply specifies where the sender would like the package returned in case of problems.
Scanning the package yourself and then dropping it in the lobby chute is okay as an alternative (I do it myself if the post office lobby is either crowded or closed), as eBay will accept that provisional scan as proof of mailing. As others have already said, that provisional scan is technically not accepted as proof of mailing for insurance purposes (since you could conceivably scan it and then walk out with it); full Acceptance does not take effect until it gets an in-network scan by the USPS themselves, but it will most likely be scanned when the drop box is emptied, or (worst-case scenario) when it passes under an automated scanner for the first time at the origin sort facility.
I know it's not much fun to have to argue with clueless clerks, but if this continues, you should ask for a separate meeting with the postmaster. The clerk(s) need a bit more education on how Acceptance and tracking work.
buyselljack2016
·2 years agoIn some instances, it may turn out that the PM is the one telling the counter people to do what they are doingðŸ˜
Don't have that issue where I drop off (get my scans) Never a whimper about scanning. Ask if I would like a receipt. One office has gotten so conditioned to the yes that they do not even ask anymore.
Small office nearby, and "my" PO just have handheld scanners so not receipts print out, but again, always a scan with no backlash. They know what their job is, and they do it. My carrier scans. she gets "time credit" for every scan, and a "summer bonus", bag of apples in the fall, and an "end-of-year bonus".
To be noted.............. most of the offices that I deal with don't have lines to the door, but anyway they can scan me and, in most instances, have me out the door faster than they can sell a book of stamps.
a_c_green
·2 years agoVery true... sometimes you have to work your way up the chain... 🙄
worldcoinauctions
·2 years agoDo trim off anything that says ebay on the shipping label.
Tell them you are only standing there because you need a receipt, so please scan this and give me one.
I have excellent results just dropping it in the box outside the PO, convenient because I can do it from the car. Still some folks prefer a scan at turnover and frankly if I parked and went inside I would want one.
adamcartwright
·2 years agoDo you trim off that 1/2" across the top?
I've been tempted to do that.
buyselljack2016
·2 years agoI trim off any extraneous info outside of the rectangle forming the body of the label.
adamcartwright
·2 years agoYes, I was talking about the top of that rectangle that says "United States Post Office ... a preferred shipping service on ebay"
a_c_green
·2 years agoThat line doesn't appear anymore. There's just a one-line attribution to its Pitney-Bowes source and Commercial pricing, nothing identifying it as an eBay mailing specifically.
adamcartwright
·2 years agoOh, that's interesting. It's there on mine.
I guess if it's not there for everyone, it's not necessary.
buyselljack2016
·2 years agoMy trim lines 😊
Less tape used, and fits my often used 4 X 4 box nicely with the "trim".
 
 
 
wastingtime101
·2 years agoIt appears only for users that click the "print receipt" option with their labels @a_c_green .
kandf_vintage_finds
·2 years agoStand in line, have them scan your packages and get your receipt that states USPS is in possession of your package. If anyone gives you a hard time tell them you need a receipt. PERIOD
My post office used to try to get me to throw them in the box. No I need a scan & receipt. Then they said to scan them myself in the lobby. No I need an USPS is in possession receipt NOT a drop off receipt. That did the trick.
I am very fortunate. My post person picks up each and every day at my residence. He agreed to scan each and every package and he does. I'm thinking the cash I give him at Christmas time helps.
I ALWAYS get / have an USPS scan regardless if I drop off or if my packages are picked up. Some buyers track their packages on a daily basis and I do what I can to show USPS has their package.
wastingtime101
·2 years agoHi @bluekrystal1987 . Sorry to hear your PO is being such a pain. Based on your sales volume from this account it appears you aren't headed there with tons of packages, just a couple at most. (Granted, you may be selling on other accounts/venues.)
A few suggesttions:
- File a complaint here: https://usps.my.site.com/emailus/s/postal-facility-inquiry
- Does your PO have a self-service kiosk (SSK)? If it does, you can scan packages yourself at the SSK. That will give them a provisional scan which will satisfy eBay's late shipment criteria. It's not a formal acceptance scan and does not count for USPS insurance claims if the package gets lost.
- If you have more than a couple of packages, as others mentioned you can consider using a SCAN sheet. Available through eBay exclusively with bulk labels. Just like the SSK, it's just a provisional scan, but it means the clerk would have only 1 barcode to scan. SCAN sheets cannot be scanned by the SSK.
- You can consider going to a different PO or speaking with your postmaster directly as others have suggested.
Hope there's something in here that helps. Good luck!
albertabrightalberta
·2 years agoAnother option that assures you'll get a receipt is instead of printing a label, use the QR code and have the postal clerk generate the label. They have to do the acceptance scan when they print the label.
General comments:
re @@evry1nositswindy comment and question - "My PO gives some excuse of 'not getting credit for it'. Isn't the USPS one team--who is the 'we'? I ship a package and the USPS as a whole gets credit," that was explained to me by the more friendly clerks at my regular PO when I asked about it after being given a hard time at another location.
Post offices are "rated" by the amount of business they do and it's the location of where is was sent from - the zip code in the return address that gives them that information. So if you take your package to another town (same zone, same price of shipping), that location doesn't get credit for handling the item, thereby making them appear to be doing less volume and if layoffs or closures are being considered, the less busy locations are the ones to go.
rosszonebricks
·2 years agoTip: Use the SCAN form so the clerk only has to scan *once* for ALL your packages. You'll get a lot less push back if you have the SCAN form along with your packages.
dhbookds
·2 years agoYES!!!! should have mentioned that
yuzuha
·2 years agoAlso, USPS policy is that they will NOT do scans for more than five packages, so there's a real reason to use the SCAN form if you're dropping off a bunch.
epowerbargains
·2 years agoI have had to drop off a few packages at my local post office. The package drop vault bin is often jammed or full, so I stood in line to get my package scanned in & the person at the counter told me to use the machine and actually stopped everything she was doing - and showed me how to use the machine located in the lobby that scans in the package and gives you a receipt. Then you either leave the package on the counter or in an open package collection cage. I had the impression that there is a push by some entity to get people to use the machine to scan -vs- waiting in line. I find the idea of leaving a package on a open counter / bin to be somewhat risky but there is no other option if the collection vault is full or jammed. I'm not sure if the package scan machine is available at all post offices but if it is it's an option. That said, if a customer is willing to wait in line, then I think that USPS should be able willing and obligated to scan the packages.
Normally, I do an online package pick-up request and have the packages picked up. For about 8 months last year I went thru a big mess with a mail carrier with a grudge against package pick-ups. He deliberately failed to pick up the packages that were front door pick-up over and over and even did not pick up locked mailbox scheduled pickups despite a large written reminder taped to the inside front of the box. I complained to everyone up and down the chain of command - then a package was never scanned and went "missing". Finally, something happened, and we now have a new mail carrier who is a gem - always picks up packages and scans right away. I really appreciate mail carriers who are dedicated customer service.
albertabrightalberta
·2 years agoI find that several times a year, Dunkin gift cards are a small investment to show my appreciation for the great carrier and counter clerks at my regular p.o.
12345jamesstamps
·2 years agoMy mailman gets a bottle of champagne every Christmas and chocolates.
And I when I am mailing something I always say hi to the clerks even if I am not using their service but just dropping off letters in the mailbox inside the post office.
Sometimes a little kindness will be remembered when in the post office.
jrmom44125
·2 years agoYes! I do the same! I always give each clerk a gift card for Christmas and a smaller gift card during the summer. I appreciate them! Heck, once I arrived late to the post office due to traffic. The doors were locked. They unlocked the door and accepted and scanned my packages. Well worth thanking them with a couple gift cards each year.
goldenring.llc
·2 years agoI think giving gift cards is great, but it is a gray area under Ethical Conduct for Employees of the ExecÂutive Branch. It might fall under "bribery" for federally regulated agencies such as USPS
a_c_green
·2 years agoThere is actually an official limit for gratuities that usually gets mentioned every year around Christmastime. I believe it's $20.
wastingtime101
·2 years agoCorrect, no more than $20 value and no more than $50 per year from the same customer. Cash is prohibited, retail gift cards are allowed.
Also prohibited is bringing lunch to PO staff.
More here:
https://about.usps.com/who/legal/ethics/faq.htm
And here:
https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2012/pb22349/html/cover_025.htm
buyselljack2016
·2 years agoYou mean we were supposed to spit out those cookies that the customers brought us at Holiday time 🤣
OK, guess I was OK. The cookies could be like gifting a donut ðŸ˜
I can't buy my carrier lunch, but can give a Subway gift card 🤔
As I read it the link goes on to say that a customer is a "prohibited source" of a gift. Now I'm confused 😮
inhawaii
·2 years ago"What are you in for?"
"Bank robbery."
"What are you in for?"
"I gave the postal clerk a Dunkin gift card."
chevymontecarlo88
·2 years agoshowed me how to use the machine located in the lobby that scans in the package and gives you a receipt. Then you either leave the package on the counter or in an open package collection cage. I had the impression that there is a push by some entity to get people to use the machine to scan -vs- waiting in line.
From what i understand, the self service Kiosk does offer scans of your package but it is not the same as the clerk scanning the item. When the clerk/postal courier scans your package, it is officially in USPS possession. That being said, I have used the Kiosk when the line is to long and never had an issue with a missing package.
FYI
yuzuha
·2 years agoI use the kiosks exclusively. The kiosk scans count as an acceptance scan for the purposes of your eBay metrics.
chevymontecarlo88
·2 years agoIf the line is too long i use the Kiosk for the same reason. I did have a few packages not get scanned by USPS after using the Kiosk for a day(s) later. Usually when this happens, i will see a scan from a sorting facility in a different state. Always worries me but have not had a missing it when scanning via the Kiosk. I did drop off an item in the drop off bin (no scan) and had a missing package once.
ybgood
·2 years agoover the last 2 years I have had a dozen or so pick ups that were never done, but I got an email that the pickup was successfully completed. Filing a complain online does get a response, which is always "sorry about that" but doesn't actually fix the problem. I reminded postmaster that by marking the pickup as completed, when it fact it was never done, is basically fraud by a government employee. Problem still happens occasionally. I completely understand if a pick up isn't completed (weather, workload, etc.) but it is never acceptable to confirm that you did a job that you didn't actually do.
dhbookds
·2 years agoAfter having one package go missing before a scan, after dropping it in our very small, and good, dedicated staff PO, we began getting receipts. Anyone can make a mistake and/or someone can snatch a package when a clerk's back is turned. Being proactive and getting the scan just makes sense to us.
12345jamesstamps
·2 years agoIt generally slows down the service of customers buying stamps, money orders, sending packages that need to be weigh and such by customers.
People drop off packages on the counter of my post office all the time.
If an eBay shipping label of weight and size is incorrect and gets scanned in...who faults is that and who pays for the mistake? I guess the customer gets an additional cost sent to them or getting package scanned means it got accepted at that price of shipping?
My understanding is when I get a postmark on my certified or registered, etc. package it is considered accepted and will not incur an additional charge.
monica-sells
·2 years agoUsually, your observations and remarks are pretty "spot=on"...but I am falling of my chair laughing at this:
"...It generally slows down the service of customers buying stamps, money orders, sending packages that need to be weigh and such by customers..."
I have stood in lines (up to 20 people long) and observed clueless customers...
5 minutes to pick out a stamp style
5 minutes to argue with a clerk about USPS prices for different services
5 minutes for taping an unsecured box for mailing...
5 minutes for explaining you can't ship a FedX label from here....
5 minutes explaining Ground Advantage and Priority Mail time/price differences....
7 minutes for a money order....
don't even try to get me started on "this address is wrong" or "look it up on my phone"
my point is....drop off for an acceptance scan is probably a welcome sight for these overworked clerks after dealing with ignorance and unpreparedness (is that a word?)...
(they are always nice to me anyways)
as far as 'weight/dimension" errors, it is not detected at the scan acceptance (as I understand it)...we (the sender) get billed after the fact for miscalculations.....the receipt shows the weight, but not the size...(unless your box has a size scan code on it)
ever since I had 6 orders not showing any scans prior to delivery (all same day, all put in the lobby bin, but they were all delivered) and taking the hit on my metrics...I stand in every line....
sextons-sweet-deals
·2 years agoyou crack me up in a good way!
I have seen the same thing with people who are anywhere from their teens and into their 70's that act like they have never been in a USPS office and have no idea what to do.
I love the ones who come in with an item completely unpacked or in an open box and expect the clerk / USPS to package it and seal it.
broto_64
·2 years agoEbay sellers aren't exactly shining much brighter since they are supposedly seasoned veterans in the shipping department... Just the fact they must have them scan the packages ... Is in fact a good part of the reason I refuse to stand in line at the Post Office, who are we kidding here, they will scan the package(s).
Why this anxiety?
IF...
And it rarely happens but IF I must stop at the Post Office to drop off a parcel I leave it on the counter that's designated for that, never had a problem with that either. Because they will scan it.
No waiting in line, just have to be very non-chalant and matter of fact about it.
Of course if a seller goes there every single day yes I would assume it is possible they get tired of that.
It may even be possible they detect some seller's arrogance toward the "noobs."
If so that is likely to cause trouble as well.
Just have to be very non-chalant and matter of fact about it.
djvp53
·2 years agoThe errors the post office has made with me include:
* Failing to pick up a package from a blue post office mailbox the day it was mailed when I mailed it many hours before the posted pickup.
* Telling me that the mailbox I dropped the package off had been removed and so there were no pickups from that box.
* Promising me that the mail from that box would be picked up the next day, and then failing again to pick it up the next day.
* Failing to pick up packages at my door when I have placed a pick up request. (On one occasion, my packages were picked up but it was a coincidence. The carrier left his mail package instruction sheet from two weeks prior, so he was really late picking up packages I had already dropped off at the post office two weeks before).
* Failing to scan packages upon pickup. (In fact, I think the only time my mail carrier has scanned them is when I have handed them to the carrier and specifically asked for a scan).
* Picking up packages from my house on two consecutive days but then failing to give them any scans for over a week. (Usually they at least get scanned at the processing facility just after midnight. Note that you can't file a lost package request until they have scanned it.)
* Refusing to scan packages at the counter (although this happens only rarely)
* Telling me a forever stamp could not be used on a package for the current first class postage value - only the original price. (I'm surprised they even knew what the original price was.)
Recently, as a recipient of mail, they reported a package delivered to me except their scan showed it was delivered in another ZIP code. When I reported the lost package, they told me they would send it the next day. And they did, except it had already been opened presumably by the first person they gave it to.
The two things that I have never had a problem with are:
* Scanning myself at the self service kiosk and leaving it in the bin, and
* Getting it delivered after the clerk scanned them.
sextons-sweet-deals
·2 years agoCannot help you on your post and comments.
I'm just guessing your one of those who don't even stop at stop signs in the morning and pass me doing 20 over the speeding limit just to pull in front of me and then 'maybe' put your turn signal or not to get your $10+ coffee.
a_c_green
·2 years agoHah! I was actually told that just last week by one of the regular clerks in our PO who see me daily. The only drawback to their having me as a customer is that our business is included in less than a minute (*click* *beep* "Have a nice day!" "You too!"), and then it's back to waiting on the clueless time-consumers again.
12345jamesstamps
·2 years agoThe money order:
In San Francisco a lot of people who rent go to the post office from the 1st to the 4th every month to get a money order for their rent to pay their landlord....a rent controlled city...and they bring in 20 dollar bills for a rent check money order....and the clerks count and recount the money. I avoid the post office on these days.
And I love the young coming in shoving their iPhone in the clerk's face for tracking number to say USPS tried to deliver my package but missed me but I am here to pick it up today now...I have said a few times out loud it's still on the truck. LOL.
Or someone using a box for mailing clothes in it and the outside box saids "wine" or "alcohol" on the outside of box. LOL
broto_64
·2 years agoExactly...
And here are the whole usual bunch of ebay sellers also standing in line...
Minutes wasted all because they have shipping anxiety and "need" the USPS clerk to scan the packages in front of them...
This to me is another way in which sellers are not valuing their time very highly.
With profit margins as tight as they are, who can really waste time waiting in line for however long, all for some scans...?
I put mine in the mailbox at the end of my driveway.
Have occasional chats with the mail person when they drive past.
I am usually pretty good at convincing my mail person that it's the best way, rather than standing in line, since all the packages are sized and weighed and the labels are prepaid, and I include a SCAN sheet.
Rarely a problem.
Takes a whole lot less time.
Jumbo size mailbox, key word there, it is the largest mailbox allowed by regulations.
Gibraltar makes them, a medium size priority box fits inside with room to spare.
They're around $50, smaller parcels I can fit all sorts of packages in there, it is a HUGE mailbox.
I get the grey one because it's cooler inside (than black) in direct sunlight.
Takes about an hour to remove the old one and install the new one.
Never stand in line at the post office again.
dbfolks166mt
·2 years agoExactly...
And here are the whole usual bunch of ebay sellers also standing in line...
Minutes wasted all because they have shipping anxiety and "need" the USPS clerk to scan the packages in front of them...
For me it's not anxiety as much as a sanity check and risk reduction factor. I also have some fun with the 30-50 pound medium flat rate boxes or flat rate envelopes that I drop off. Once it was a full sized beer keg.
This to me is another way in which sellers are not valuing their time very highly.
With profit margins as tight as they are, who can really waste time waiting in line for however long, all for some scans...?
I am retired, post office is less than 1 mile from my house and is right next to the grocery store and I usually only make 1 shipping run a week.
I put mine in the mailbox at the end of my driveway.
Have occasional chats with the mail person when they drive past.
I am usually pretty good at convincing my mail person that it's the best way, rather than standing in line, since all the packages are sized and weighed and the labels are prepaid, and I include a SCAN sheet.
Rarely a problem.
Takes a whole lot less time.
Jumbo size mailbox, key word there, it is the largest mailbox allowed by regulations.
Gibraltar makes them, a medium size priority box fits inside with room to spare.
They're around $50, smaller parcels I can fit all sorts of packages in there, it is a HUGE mailbox.
I get the grey one because it's cooler inside (than black) in direct sunlight.
Takes about an hour to remove the old one and install the new one.
Is this you??
Never stand in line at the post office again.
goldxxxsilver
·2 years agoThanks
I see this every day
People are Clueless when going to the P.O.
Feel bad for the Clerks
If you need a Stamp ....Buy One!!!
Don't Offer 15 different letter stamps ( which they never have) and hold up the Line
or Looking for a Amazon Package in my P.O Box
Your list could go on & on!!!
But Worthy of my Response
chevymontecarlo88
·2 years agoMaybe the next time you are at the post office, why not use your phone to document (video your transaction)? As long as you are in the public lobby or publicly accessible areas, you can do that. Sometimes video can change how people act. Asking to speak with your local postmaster is also a good route as others suggested.
-Good Luck
sextons-sweet-deals
·2 years agoMight consider going at an earlier time or later time to avoid that clerk or as one suggested going to another USPS location if possible.
Sounds like they are very lazy. Canning packages and giving a receipt has to be easiest process / service a clerk can perform.
I always get a receipt. Getting that receipt will show the package is now in USPS possession. I have that kind of luck that if I didn't, the packages would never get scanned until delivered and until then, I would probably get complaints from the buyer and possible open cases.
If you have the time and a little extra money, maybe remind the clerk some day of the old days when we sellers would take several packages in and the clerk had to weigh, give option shipping costs, and print the labels for each one.
toysaver
·2 years ago"Mind you, they have no idea who I am, what I do, or what type of pricing I pay."
They know exactly the price you paid even if you don't include it on the label.
m60driver
·2 years agoI have been dropping off packages in the drop boxes forever and never had a problem. With the one small post office I use without a drop box I just leave the packages on the counter and again never had a problem. I can understand when an USPS employee gets frustrated when they are busy and an Ebay seller is unwilling to just use the drop box like everyone else who has a pre-printed label.
jrmom44125
·2 years agoYou've been very lucky. I am sure you'll understand when you drop off a package and it never arrives in your buyer's mailbox. Your buyer contacts you to inquire about their purchase. You discover their package that you left in the drop box was never scanned. Your buyer files a claim with Ebay. You can't provide a tracking number showing delivery or any movement within the USPS pipeline. You will lose the case and provide a 100% refund to your buyer. In addition, your metrics will earn a ding for not mailing the package. Ebay doesn't count printing the label. It must show accepted and scanned by USPS. How do I know this? It happened to me and many other sellers. I do NOT leave the post office without a scanned receipt. If they were to deny service, I would speak to the Postmaster. If need be, I would escalate to my Zone Postmaster general (usually located in a large city near you) and finally the Postmaster General.
erikstuff
·2 years agoA few years back there was an article about an Ebay seller (Washington state) who mailed a load of packages of high-value baseball cards in the drop box. About a week or two later he stated getting notes from his customers asking where their cards were. He had to issue dozens of refunds. Then (to add insult to injury) a few months later he saw the stolen cards for sale... on Ebay. They were graded and were numbered. If I recall correctly... the thief even used his photos and copied his ads. The "new" seller was located in a nearby town and apparently just walked out of the post office with them. I don't know how that case was resolved. I would NEVER use the drop box.
mam98031
·2 years agoBecause this happened once when using the drop box, you stopped using drop boxes. Do you realize how many pieces of mail go through drop boxes successfully every day?
Now I don't use drop boxes anymore for a completely different reason. They are targets for people that like to vandalize things. I live in a small town, yet at least once a year the drop box at the PO gets blown up or otherwise destroyed.
dbfolks166mt
·2 years agoBecause this happened once when using the drop box, you stopped using drop boxes. Do you realize how many pieces of mail go through drop boxes successfully every day?
Now I don't use drop boxes anymore for a completely different reason. They are targets for people that like to vandalize things. I live in a small town, yet at least once a year the drop box at the PO gets blown up or otherwise destroyed.
The following is about a year old but has some interesting information regarding USPS incidents.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-postal-service-cracking-down-mail-theft-crimes-against-carriers-2023-05-12/
erikstuff
·2 years agoOh... I see. Only once has there ever been an item taken from a drop box. Well, that's comforting to know. What I DON'T like is when I drop a package in the mail box at my near-by Postal Station on a Monday morning before the 10AM pickup... and the FIRST scan is at 1:35 AM on a Tuesday night. Once the FIRST scan was 3 days later in Philadelphia (I'm in Florida). The late scan leaves me wondering if it's been stolen... and possibly my customer thinking I'm a slow shipper.
mam98031
·2 years ago@erikstuff
You may want to revisit my post as I did NOT say that. I don't mind you disagreeing with me, just don't try changing what I said to suit your point of view.
tradrmom
·2 years agoI just filed a complaint online. Requested a phone call. Will see what happens. Has only happened since we moved to Albuquerque, NM from San Diego county, CA. There I had a mailman who really became part of the family. He stopped by daily for pickups, even gave me his cell number. Worked for over 10 years. PO was about 20 minutes away plus or minus traffic. Here its under 5 minutes so I dont really care about driving it.
mam98031
·2 years agoThat is what I had to do when we moved into this house. We had a carrier that was really an issue on so many things. I finally filed a complaint on the website as I have a little business to run and I just couldn't put up with this woman's quirks.
I had two people at my house in less than a week or two. The Postmaster from my local PO and someone else. I don't remember her title. I showed them some of the things that the carrier was complaining about, they took notes. Both were really nice and asked appropriate questions. From that day on, I never had a single problem with that carrier.
She retired about a year later and we were SO Happy.
mordecai8614
·2 years agoHas only happened since we moved to Albuquerque, NM
I'm not surprised. In the 4 years I lived there I learned pretty quickly that everyone seems to have a chip on their shoulder. They love a good confrontation in the 505
evry1nositswindy
·2 years agoMy local PO says the same thing, so on the rare occasion that I go to the PO, I go to a different one. My PO gives some excuse of 'not getting credit for it'. Isn't the USPS one team--who is the 'we'? I ship a package and the USPS as a whole gets credit.
This attitude made me buy a really big mailbox and now I just put everything in there and my carrier scans.
winterpalace25
·2 years agoIt's my understanding that the post office with your zip code on the label (your post office) gets the credit and the nice other PO does not get the "credit." The credit is a measurement of their usage and can determine if they have enough traffic to not get shut down.
winterpalace25
·2 years agoI also have a large rural mailbox that is amazingly "bigger on the inside." My mail carrier picks up my packages and does the initial scan on the spot. She'll come to my front porch and pick up large packages if I leave her a note. She says they appreciate my outgoing business because it helps justify their branch.
mam98031
·2 years agoIt also helps her paycheck. The busier their route the more they make. So it is a win win situation.
a_c_green
·2 years ago(Duly noting that I missed this when first posted last month...)
No, they get "credit" for handling the package by scanning it. That's how the system gauges what load of packages are being handled by which post office; their tracking system tells them what is going where.
The Ship From ZIP printed on the label shows the origin ZIP code that was used for calculating the postage required. Generally speaking, you can mail from any location sharing the same three digits of the Ship From ZIP, though of course you can avoid misunderstandings at the front desk if you can select the matching Ship location for the post office you will be using when printing your label.
(The Ship From ZIP address is not the same as your Return Address, and eBay lets you store multiple addresses to choose from. I have two different Ship From ZIP addresses myself, as I sometimes have to send my packages from another suburb that is not very close to my own.)
It's a widespread misperception among USPS clerks that the Ship From ZIP value is what gives a post office "credit" for handling the package, but it's not. It's purely for postage calculation; scanning the package is what will give them credit.
tradrmom
·2 years agoI have sold for a really long time, with breaks at times. I have printed and taken packages to other states and locations a number of times and those post offices never had an issue. I think all goes back to individual “empiresâ€.
frugalmarketplace
·2 years agoHighly recommend you call the 800 number for the USPS. You will have to go through a lot of prompts, but you will get a person. Then explain what the problem it, and file a complaint. They will give you a case number. Tell them you want to be contacted by phone. Keep that case number, and your post office will have to respond to you. Trust me..sometimes you have to push the envelope with them. It does work. If they continue to not take care of the problem, just call back and open another case.
they will get the message.
dhbookds
·2 years agoClerk is wrong.........ask to speak to the postmaster and if that doesn't work, go to the USPS online site and make a report of the PO...........that REALLY gets their attention.
stuff4divas
·2 years ago@bluekrystal1987 ask to speak to a supervisor
tell them u need the receipt showing the acceptance scan
the USPS clerks HAVE to scan in prepaid shipping label packages as 'accepted' and give u a receipt if requested
jasoheat_0
·2 years agoyour right , but there employees are on the news here in atlanta stating on TV they they arent scanning ... and give excuses .. and the managers around here ... well the last audit of the postal system recently stated that the management needs a lot of work( really defecetive ) ... heck some of the postal carriers are driving around smoking cigars in there USPS vehicle ( doesnt look like anyone cares ) so i reported it and have seen the same carrier smoking days in a row afterwards ... so if the managers doesnt care ... neither will the employees ..... and the mail gets worse ..... look up USPS postal issues atlanta ... all over the news
Unavailable member
·2 years agoI suggest you speak to the Post Master regarding your issue.
inhawaii
·2 years agoYou are a genius! 😉
winterpalace25
·2 years agoIs there another post office near by?
soh.maryl
·2 years agoShouldn't the employees at the OP's post office be doing their jobs, so that it's not necessary to go to another location?