For decades, I've used a PO Box address for all mail and packages. A Smart Locker bay has been installed in my PO lobby. If I have multiple or oversized packages, the clerk puts a notice in my Box, telling me to come to the counter to pick-up. Or, puts a key in my box, informing me to retreive my package(s in the regular lock boxes that are available to regular PO Box holders such as myself. I've never had anyone ship anything to Smart Locker. Last week, when checking the tracking on an Ebay purchase, it said it had been delivered to Smart Locker, a term I'd never heard. I went to the PO and was told that I could not get the package unless I used a specific "code" on the Smart Locker. They said the code had been texted or emailed to me. I've received no such code. Nothing in my email history. Nothing in my spam history. Nothing in my text message history. Nothing sent to me by the Ebay seller suggesting this would be required. The PO clerk said she could not retreive my package, no matter my decades long rental of a PO Box, no matter my ID, no matter a copy of the Ebay invoice and Tracking number in my possession. I was told that it is the seller that dictates use of Smart Lockers. And that the seller would have put my name/address/phone into the Smart Locker shipping system. The hitch? My package will be returned after 5-CALENDAR days of not picking up. All this last week, on the run-up to a three day holiday weekend wherein the PO is closed. They will reopen tomorrow at 9 AM. I am waiting for seller to respond with "code". I am steamed that a seller provide my phone and email to the Post Office - effectively signing me up for a hellish system of package retreival - completely without my knowedge nor consent. I am spouse-caregiver to my disabled Veteran husband and there is already too much to do and not enough of me. What can I do to avoid a repeat of this time-and-energy sucking Ebay shipping ordeal in the future?
Inceptions
