A POSSIBLE Post Office problem.

[kabilab]

On Weds. 02/12, I visited my primary P.O., which is the main location in my city. When I approached the counter basket  to deposit my prepaid items, it was missing and the entire area was blocked off. Next, I entered a line and when it was my turn, queried the clerk. She explained they would no longer provide counter service for packages that only required a scan. My options, going forward, were the curb/indoor secure containers or the slot. Neither, unfortunately, guarantees a scan.

Today, 02/13. I visited my secondary P.O. and learned they were still providing scanning for packages deposited in a counter basket or handed to them by a customer, BUT, she mentioned that could easily change.

If it's not one thing, it's another.

[simba6]

They have been getting testy about taking time to scan packages for some time.  And, it's not insured until scanned.

[mtgraves7984]

Dang. Makes me love my carrier (who scans on pickup) even more! 😊

[wastingtime101]

Does your PO have a self-service kiosk? If they do you can scan there which will satisfy eBay's on-time requirements.

May or may not give you problems if there are no other scans and the package is lost and you need to file a claim.

Also - you may try asking your PO if they will scan a SCAN form. One barcode for all of your packages.

[12345jamesstamps]

My post office is currently short of staff.

Must be the person in charge of all the post offices.

Yea, people drop off packages at my post office all the time but no scans.

Clerks appear at my post office too busy to scan a package nowadays.

[kabilab]

Thank you for taking a few minutes to educate me. The kiosk is next to the secure container, so tomorrow I will learn how to use the unit I had ignored in the past.

[wastingtime101]

It's pretty easy @kabilab . Tap the screen to start.

Then click scan prepaid label and it'll prompt you from there. It will even print a receipt for you (or email if you prefer).

[heckofagame]

@wastingtime101 

The last time I used a kiosk for this purpose, it specifically stated that doing so does not constitute an acceptance scan. 

[wastingtime101]

In eBay's eyes it counts @heckofagame . eBay accepts the provisional scan for on-time shipping.

If the seller's other option is to leave packages with no scan, well this is better than that because at least their eBay performance will remain in tact.

Whether USPS insurance claims are affected, like I said above I've seen mixed reports and mentioned the possibility it won't count - but it's not like leaving the packages with no scan would be a better option.

Just trying to help the seller work with options available since their post office is being a butthead.

[sassykzt]

Have you thought about having USPS pick up your packages?  It's available for approx. 98 % of all postal customers.  You have up until 2 AM CST to schedule a pick up.  You provide a SCAN( Shipment Confirmation Acceptance Notice)  sheet with those packages and can choose where to leave the packages for your carrier to pick up ( you can also choose for them to ring the bell and then hand over the packages if you are home during pick up).

I ship 60 - 80 packages per day and this is much more convenient than having to go to my local PO.  Also, at my local PO will scan a SCAN sheet but doesn't scan individual packages and refers customers to the self serve kiosk for that. 

[cityslickercreations2004]

I think it is called a pre-scan. My PO stated they empty the bin am and pm to actually scan packages. 

At least that bin was in a secure location.  The also had a huge open (to the public) bin next to the exit. I can't really imaging someone grabbing a package on the way out but porch pirates walk up to cameras.

[goodnu9]

My regular rural carrier told me sometimes the office doesn't print the customer pick up order in the morning because they are too busy (more like not a priority). I live in a small town with a small PO. He told me leave a note on my mailbox door (cluster box) to pick up at my front door and he will get it. We have a good working relationship and I thank him at Christmas time! I'm a retired city letter carrier so I know what really goes on inside the PO and it's not pretty!!!