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? 

[justagirl12]

Yes, this is a stupid thing usps implemented. I also used it once and it says right there on the screen that it doesn’t mean that your item has actually been accepted. Really, really dumb. 

[ajw2203]

I wouldn’t do this because it’s a waste of time but somebody could scan the package at the kiosk and then take the package home and never ship it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

but since I found out about this just today I’m going to scan my packages there every day. 

I was wondering about some of the bigger boxes that don’t fit in the chute that’s  normally broken. I wonder if I could scan them at the machine and then just drop them on the counter.

[a_c_green]

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@ajw2203 wrote:

I was wondering about some of the bigger boxes that don’t fit in the chute that’s  normally broken. I wonder if I could scan them at the machine and then just drop them on the counter.

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Sure. The SSK gives a "provisional" scan, noting that the tracking number has been recognized, but that the mailpiece will not be fully accepted until it has received an in-network scan by USPS (hopefully by the guy who is emptying the drop chute next to the SSK). Here is the disclaimer that appears on-screen: 

I have seen that eBay does accept this provisional scan as indicating that the carrier has the package, without waiting for the full Acceptance that will occur the first time that the USPS themselves scan it. There's really no advantage to scanning the package at the SSK and then walking out again without dropping it off, since this has no effect on whether the buyer can file an Item Not Received dispute for non-delivery later.

[firejake2003]

We always wait to have the clerk do acceptance scans.  You have the right to do that.  It seems there's always an issue when we just drop them in the chute and the kiosk is a pain when you're dropping off a bunch of packages.  It only lets you scan one at a time and it takes forever, holding up people who want to buy postage from that machine.

[certifiedcitynet]

The USPS employee who stated that self service kiosks provide proof of mailing is 100% wrong. Wait in line and get a receipt. 

[mybigsale]

Don't tell anybody. But it works. I don't want the Kiosk lines to be a problem for me.

I've been using the Kiosk Scan with eBay USPS printed labels since last year.  I am a Top Rated Seller with 100% Shipped within 1 Day. No problems with USPS except Covid-December  and January with some Priority Mail Taking 30 Days to Deliver. Many packages didn't get a real first scan for days or weeks. I was told they were sitting in trucks while they were processing newer packages? Were your lines if you wanted to scan at the desk out the door like my post office?

Point being all those packages were scanned by me at the  Self Service Kiosk.  I was told one of the reasons this was added is so eBay sellers can get an eBay Acceptance Scan. And it works. 100% of the packages showed Acceptance on eBay same day as drop-off  (even if USPS said awaiting item). 100% protected from late mail defects.

"This service does not constitute a service or delivery guarantee" - what does that mean? Is the SSK Scan proof of mailing or not?

For eBay, the answer is Yes. You have an acceptance scan. Your package was shipped.

For the USPS, the answer is Yes and No (Thus the disclaimer)

- The answer is Yes if the USPS scans it at some point

- The answer is No if you scan your package and take it home and then start complaining to the USPS that your package was lost and you want to make an insurance claim.  The USPS will call on their disclaimer because they don't see any actual physical scan by the USPS. Theoretically it could be lost or stolen before getting a first scan?  I 've had 100% scanned and delivered even through Covid-Christmas.

Don't take my word for it. I love short Kiosk lines. I always scan and ship same day I use the Kiosk. Please don't abuse the service.

By the way; after scan I've used the drop box, leave on desk or drop in bin depending on box size and never had an issue.

Wishing a great year for all eBay sellers!

[wastingtime101]

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@coastaltechsolution wrote:

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? 

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Scanning at the SSK is the equivalent of using a scan sheet. It gets a preliminary scan by USPS which is enough to satisfy eBay's on time shipping requirements.

It does not count as an official acceptance with USPS though, so if a package were to never be scanned after the initial SSK or scan sheet scan, then you would not get paid out on an insurance claim because USPS doesn't recognize that it was officially in their possession.

[redmodelt]

Update; I was in line to buy stamps so had time to look at it. It does have a scanner. I will have to try it out next time I ship something.

[liawrig.nq8rdwqa3]

Update:  At my post offices, they have a tracking #  "scanner" for prepaid packages.  You get a receipt from the machine.

[cellguy215]

I just want to put this out there because this thread comes at the top of the search.

If you are an eBay seller it is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL that USPS scans each and every package before your eyes.

I love USPS, I find them to be safe and reliable. August 3 I gave 20 packages to my postal carrier. He scanned each one. Then they just dissappeared into space for 10 days. If he didn't scan those packages I would have probably lost my top rated seller status, about $1000 and got about 3 negatives on top of that. 

Make sure they scan each and every package. 

[worldwide*local*guy]

I've been using the kiosk for self scanning packages for 6 months, and it works great. No issues. I was worried about it at first. I'm TRS+, with 1 day handling time, and I was concerned about my shipping metrics. I've had no problem whatsoever.

[kh-stanley1]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread HERE if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.