Self Service Kiosk at USPS

[coastaltechsolution]

So I'm at my local USPS today standing in line to get my packages scanned and get a receipt of USPS "In Possession"  when for the second time the postal worker trying to thin the line out saw me and knew what I was there for, tells (yells) that I can use the KIOSK and I say no thank you sir, I will wait in line. 

He asked me when I was at the counter why and I said because I want a receipt and my packages scanned into the system as USPS accepted and the KIOSK is not that just a preliminary step until it is scanned by postal worker later and he stated I was wrong. 

Ok if this magical KIOSK can do this what would stop anyone from scanning package at KIOSK and not leaving the package(s)   in the drop Shute? 

[wrong66]

Good point.

[redmodelt]

I just used the same thing today. Yes it is just a drop shoot as far as I could see, esp knowing how little floor space my local PO has to began with. It might work if you were buying the postage at the same time using the interface and scale next to it. Next time you go in, talk to the postmaster. but then again I didn't look close enough to see if there was a bar code scanner some place in the screen area like at the self check out at the store,

[coastaltechsolution]

@redmodelt 

Yes I believe I will do that next time I go in there. 

I mean it would be wonderful to save time at the KIOSK but I just don't understand how it can be scanned into the system as "USPS IN POSESSION" especially with prepaid postage 

[luxgoods]

My post office just started doing the same thing.  THere used to be no issue and now all of the employees are telling everyone with prepaid packages to use the kiosk .  

[m60driver]

Over the last 20 years I have lost all of one package at USPS.  So I have no qualms about just dropping off  packages, either at the counter or down a drop box.  This saves me quite a bit of time considering lines are often long and slow moving.

[threshold.sales.group]

OP, the self scan kiosk (or scan sheet) does not create an accepted package for purposes of claims & etc.. The scan sheet / kiosk functions similar to a freight manifest (shipper says this) that's always subject to later correction by the carrier. 

I also agree with M60 that genuine lost, gone forever packages are very rare. It's always been my approach to dump and go, accepting the slight risk of a real lost package and instead invest the time sourcing, listing and packaging. But understand 100% that's not for all sellers. 

[coastaltechsolution]

I also have had very good service with USPS over the years 

My main concern is that if I just drop off and since I offer next business day shipping, if the package (I have seen this a few times in the past) does not get scanned by 11:59 San Jose CA time and say gets scanned 2 hours after that at a hub, then I will get a defect and lose the 10% discount on the FVF 

[liawrig.nq8rdwqa3]

You should get a scale and start stamping at home and just dropping your packages off.  Why would you waste your time to have a postal worker SCAN your package?  If you want that type of service you should use UPS or Fedex.  Honestly.....I don't have that kind of time.  Just get a postage setup at home, get a printer, package it and drop it in the mailbox, or drop off.

[liawrig.nq8rdwqa3]

Prepaid means that you already used a stamp service like Pirateship to put postage on your package....is that what you mean?

[liawrig.nq8rdwqa3]

Did you guys know that there is a Fedex Smartpost service that is dirt cheap and it's secure and gets to your destination (faster) than the USPS?  You should look at alternative services at Fedex & UPS for packages.  These days I only use the USPS for first class.  When it's over 1 lb., I use Fedex Smartpost or UPS.

[cadbury0007]

Sometimes I drop them in the chute, and sometimes I stand in line.  It depends on the value of what I'm dropping off.  During Christmas time, I seldom stand in a line at the post office.   For a high value package, I feel better getting it scanned & getting a receipt.  But that's not what I tell the clerk when he asks why I don't just send them down the drop-chute.

I tell him that periodically I like to make sure the packages all get weighed at the counter so that I can check what THEY say it weighed to what MY scale at home says.   The receipt gives all that information, and occasionally I do double-check the weights, but I don't feel like the clerks need to know everything about what I do and why.

[glyph01]

Scanning at the Kiosk does give you an acceptance scan. It updates overnight with expected delivery date. And you can indeed opt to get a printed-on-the-spot or emailed receipt. Then hand over the parcels in their drop off bin. The machine even tells you to drop the parcels off in their bin afterwards.

[postingid7659]

FedEx Smartpost has never came up cheaper than straight up FedEx Home Delivery.  

It's only good for large outfits with a contract to use it.  

[coastaltechsolution]

@liawrig.nq8rdwqa3 

I do have a scale and print my labels at home with my Rollo

Just "dropping it off" does not excuse the duty of me making sure that buyers packages get scanned into the system in the time frame they are told.

I also do not have that "kind of time" but I make time because i took the responsibility when I made my listings TRS+ with 1 business day handling time.