http://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2006/html/pb22192/pb6ktxt.html
This explains how scan forms work. All packages included in a scan
form are automatically entered as "Accepted" in the USPS system.
It is NOT necessary to scan individual packages.
If you use USPS pickup - regardless of the number of packages showing
on the pickup - the scan form covers all packages - the carrier scans the
USPS pickup and the Scan Form - all packages are entered and carrier is
not penalized.
As an avid supporter and user of the USPS service - I know the challenges
of shippers needing tracking entered in a timely manner and I know the
challenges of the postal workers having to meet the needs of shippers.
I encourage all shippers to use the scan form and this website will answer
all your questions and relieve your fears. I urge you to take the time to visit it
and read it in it's entirety.
As a side note - if your little post office isn't familar with scan forms - print it out and share it.
Also if they say it won't scan at the counter - let them know it has to be scanned by the same style handheld that their route carriers use.
They should round stamp (date stamp) the form and return it to you - the route carrier should leave it with you or at you pickup point (it will not be stamped by your route carrier)
USE carrier pickup on line - I have a huge water proof box I put behind my van in my driveway - the cut-off time is after midnight to request a pickup. First class PACKAGE (not letter) and Priority mail - media mail will be picked up as well as letter size - if included with the first class package or priority but, not available by itself. I just put in the pickup request online where my packages will be.
Sometimes when the packges are small I just put that item will be in the mail box if flag is up - if not will be in driveway at van. That way if I get more items paid for during the night and they don't fit - I'm covered and they are informed.
This costs NOTHING if done during regular delivery - just make sure your stuff is out early enough. Doesn't matter if your pickup form shows only 1 item and you have several covered by your scan form. This really only works if you use the bulk postal tool and it offers scan form printing also.
NOW ... if you print labels 1 and a time you can still use the pickup schedule and save yourself a trip to the post office. If you find your route carrier is not scanning your packages when they are picked up (some wait until they get back to the post office - which is against USPS regulations) - work with the post office to help correct it or talk to your route carrier directly.
I encourage you to start using the bulk shipping tool on ebay - they have a glitch in being able to print international labels with regular - just segregate those with a note to your route carrier or counter person that they are not included on scan form. Apparently eBay tinkered with it enough to break it again.
And get this !!!!! If you download the USPS app you can do the pickup on your phone and have the ability to reuse your last schedule and not have to enter the pickup address all the time. Since I use my PO address in my USPS account (yes - take the time to register on the USPS site if you haven't already) I have to enter my street address each and every time I do a pickup. With the app I just choose duplicate pickup and change package count.
Mondays are the worst - because of the heavy internet traffic to the USPS sometimes the ability to track is not "instant" and somtimes it's late into the evening before things "catch-up" - don't get too excited when eBay lags behind and your packages doesn't show anything - go to USPS website and enter the number if you are starting to get concerned. With the lag time of the post office - add the lag time of eBay and ... .I know the feeling and frustration. Actually it shows up quicker if it is picked up by the route carrier than it is when scanned at the counter. The counter does uploads differently - a route carrier is immediately uploaded at scan.
I also realize USPS supposedly doesn't "allow" tipping or "gifts" to the route carrier - but, I NEVER forget mine at Christmas - they work hard and my route carrier will always get a card and money from me at Chrstmas time. Whatever holiday you celebrate - celebrate the hard work they have to do.
Sorry - this is much longer than I intended it to be......
pepdot
