My post office leaves the package bin out all weekend, and people leave packages in it!
During Covid, my post office started using a bin, in front of the desk, for people who have pre-paid labels. Fine, I'm ok with that during business hours.
But, I noticed recently, they leave it out all weekend, even when they are closed - and people put packages in it!
I tried to explain to them that if someone steals a package - the sender is screwed. A claim would not be possible, because as far as USPS is concerned, the package never made it to the PO.
They didn't seem to understand they were creating a vector for crime - and making it possible for their customers to be ripped off.
I will try to explain it again to the Postmaster.
15 comments
12345jamesstamps
·2 years agoWhere you live is the problem. When my post office is closed...that means even those with a post office box cannot get into the post office after hours. The doors are locked. I would find out who is the "district" postmaster and not just the postmaster to complain to.
juicydrupes
OP2 years agoNope, the building is open, for people with PO Boxes, and for people to use the letter and package chutes. Just the counter is closed.
buyselljack2016
·2 years ago@juicydrupes
Time was.................. USPS employees had to take a written test to gain employment that would tend to reveal that they had some level of intelligence, but that has fallen by the wayside where breathing seem to be the only requirement for employment.
I would expect that the breath that you use to speak to the Postmaster may, or may not be wasted.
Any theft from that bin is straight profit for USPS. Only loss would be in time expended to tell the shipper ....... too bad, so sad. "no acceptance scan, we never had the item"
They should have a "drop through" spot.
ETA: was typing my post as you did your post about the chute.
If there is a chute, there is no reason what so ever to leave a "bin" out. during "off hours"
juicydrupes
OP2 years agoRight - it creates a false sense of security for the sender. If the USPS puts out the bin, it makes the sender think its ok to leave their package there - and that is NOT the case.
fern*wood
·2 years agoMaybe they have security cameras set up.
juicydrupes
OP2 years agoIrrelevant. Unless the packages are scanned in - they do not exist as far as USPS is concerned
fern*wood
·2 years agoI wasn't saying it would prove mailing. I was thinking it might serve to deter thievery or catch anyone that attempted to do so. If they have used this method since covid started, I would think they aren't having problems. I'm sure any person that runs into a problem will stop using the bin. I personally take a chance every day I leave my packages at the curb unattended, but so far I've been fine. The convenience and lack of problems overrides my fear unless something changes.
juicydrupes
OP2 years agoWhen they first started using the bin, it was only used during counter hours, so people with pre-paid packages would not have to wait in line. That was its only purpose. It was never intended to be used after hours, when nobody is there.
juicydrupes
OP2 years agoTypical responses...submit, don't complain.
Here's the thing...the Post Office has a chute, that is big enough for many/most of the packages I see in the bin. Customers who could have a safe delivery - are being induced to take a risk with this highly visible bin...if they see someone else has put a package in it - then the next guy will too...monkey see, monkey do.
mtgraves7984
·2 years ago@juicydrupes
You say you've explained it to them, so you've done your part. 🙌 I'd not be leaving any packages there, either.
tobaccocardyahoo
·2 years agoSome mailers find this to be a convenience.
If there were thefts, both the mailers and the USPS employees would be deterred.
Not everyone who enters the lobby is a crook. It is quite possible that the crooks take the weekend off.
Many people have faith in their neighbors and find this to be nothing out of the ordinary.
I have no interest in visiting my PO when it is closed, but if that was the only time I had to drop off a package, I might risk it in my town or any of the nearby towns.
Your effort to protect your neighbors might be resented if there is no tangible level of risk.
goodnu9
·2 years agoI disagree. My local small town as a bin for pre paid packages in the lobby during hours they are opened but the counter is not manned constantly, so you need to ring a bell for a clerk to come out if you want service. I never drop my packages in these bins. Would you leave your front door open when you're away?
soh.maryl
·2 years agoHow is there "no tangible level of risk"?
albertabrightalberta
·2 years agoI wouldn't worry about what other people do. You've warned them of the potential losses and you can sleep knowing that you tried.
If their items are stolen, you can be sure they'll have learned a lesson.
Personally, I don't even drop items into blue drop mailboxes. I take everything to the post office for acceptance scans or I give it to my carrier who does acceptance scans.
richard1rst
·2 years agoIf that bothers you then do not put any packages in the bin during off hours. Problem solved.