04-09-2024 06:40 AM
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.
04-09-2024 11:33 AM
I 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 aa_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.
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.
04-09-2024 11:36 AM
@monica-sells wrote: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?)...
Hah! 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.
04-09-2024 11:41 AM
I think giving gift cards is great, but it is a gray area under Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. It might fall under "bribery" for federally regulated agencies such as USPS
04-09-2024 11:45 AM
@goldenring.llc wrote:I think giving gift cards is great, but it is a gray area under Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. It might fall under "bribery" for federally regulated agencies such as USPS
There is actually an official limit for gratuities that usually gets mentioned every year around Christmastime. I believe it's $20.
04-09-2024 11:51 AM
@ebooksdiva wrote:I suggest you speak to the Post Master regarding your issue.
You are a genius! 😉
04-09-2024 12:38 PM - edited 04-09-2024 12:40 PM
I 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.
04-09-2024 02:07 PM
In some instances, it may turn out that the PM is the one telling the counter people to do what they are doing😁
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.
04-09-2024 02:17 PM
@buyselljack2016 wrote:In some instances, it may turn out that the PM is the one telling the counter people to do what they are doing😁
Very true... sometimes you have to work your way up the chain... 🙄
04-09-2024 02:18 PM
@goldenring.llc wrote:I think giving gift cards is great, but it is a gray area under Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. It might fall under "bribery" for federally regulated agencies such as USPS
"What are you in for?"
"Bank robbery."
"What are you in for?"
"I gave the postal clerk a Dunkin gift card."
04-09-2024 02:20 PM
@a_c_green wrote:
@goldenring.llc wrote:I think giving gift cards is great, but it is a gray area under Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. It might fall under "bribery" for federally regulated agencies such as USPS
There is actually an official limit for gratuities that usually gets mentioned every year around Christmastime. I believe it's $20.
Correct, 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
04-09-2024 03:01 PM - edited 04-09-2024 03:04 PM
You 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 😁
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 😮
04-09-2024 03:20 PM
Do you trim off that 1/2" across the top?
I've been tempted to do that.
04-09-2024 03:25 PM - edited 04-09-2024 03:27 PM
I trim off any extraneous info outside of the rectangle forming the body of the label.
04-09-2024 03:40 PM
The 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
04-09-2024 04:08 PM
@bluekrystal1987 wrote: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.
eBay will get your rogue post office back in line.
@ship_like_a_pro wrote here:Would love to understand more. While I do recommend the use of SCAN forms in order to facilitate efficiency, acceptance scans are required if requested, and in general should be perform regardless.
To reach out to my USPS contacts, could you please message me directly @ship_like_a_pro with details of the issue:
1) tracking numbers that you haven't received acceptance scans on.
2) USPS location (city, state, zip) where the acceptance scan was not provided
3) any additional description that describes the challenge.
I will bring that up with USPS, and have had good success in getting the local rogue office back in line historically.
Thanks!
~Nate
That's the Senior Manager, Carrier Relations at eBay, @bluekrystal1987.