posted on May 24, 2001 01:42:11 AM new
I've been pondering this, and I ask for some help.
I went to the Post Office to get some packages that I had to sign for. One of them required me to pay up the "Extra" for the use of a Priority Mailer used in First-Class Mail.
When I went to the Clerk, he showed me the envelope, and I quickly noted that the outside of the envelope was a differnt color than the Priority Mailers that I have at home, and that were in the holders in front.
In fact, the seller used a UPS Envelope, cut and taped it backwards. I could also tell by the small blue and white border poking thru the sides where it was cut, which could identitfy it as a UPS Mailer.
I argued with the clerk, saying I shouldn't pay for a UPS Mailer. He insists that I either pay the difference, or it goes back in 10 days. And of course, the Postmaster was gone for the day, and he WAS the Head Supervisor that day.
I ask, am I legally bound to pay for a UPS Mailer used in the USPS stream? Or should i demand my mail from them without paying?
Please help!!
:\\\\\\\"Crystalline Sliver cannot be the target of spells or abilities.
posted on May 24, 2001 03:21:43 AM new
I don't see how you could be obligated to pay for a UPS mailer. I don't know how to direct you to get anything done over the holiday weekend. Maybe ask for the number to expidited services for the area. They mainly handle express mail problems, but I believe they also handle priority. Wait for his boss, but he may agree with the clerk.
Maria
posted on May 24, 2001 04:08:18 AM new
It's never happened to me, but I have heard numerous times that if the USPS finds that a priority mailer has been used for any other class of mail, they will charge the recipient for the difference. Id pay the difference then inform the person who sent it they owed me ___ dollars.
I think it is highly unlikely the person who sent it did not know it's against USPS rules.
kr
edited to add: I'd open it in front of the clerk, and if the envelope has been recycled I'd argue they should refund my money - but I'll be they won't do it.
[ edited by kudzurose on May 24, 2001 04:11 AM ]
posted on May 24, 2001 04:29:47 AM new
If you look at a priority mail packageing it say's Property of usps It is provided free for use in priority mail only.
The bonehead who decided to save a little and get clever with the priorty mailer is the one you should be directing your anger at.
To answer your question YES you are required to pay postage due or refuse and allow the package to be returned to the seller so he can repackage properly
If this was a ebay transaction be sure you leave a negative for seller I would also report him to postal inspectors...THEFT of goverment property costs us all.
posted on May 24, 2001 04:38:54 AM new
He said UPS mailer.
NOT USPS mailer.
Gawd, some people need reading glasses, no wonder these threads go on and on!
posted on May 24, 2001 05:09:43 AM new
"the seller used a UPS Envelope, cut and taped it backwards. I could also tell by the small blue and white border poking thru the sides where it was cut, which could identitfy it as a UPS Mailer."
"am I legally bound to pay for a UPS Mailer used in the USPS stream?"
Get a higher ranking clerk, tell them you will pay if it is a USPS priority envelope but NOT if it is a mis-used UPS envelope.
Open the item right there in front of them, and examine the envelope. Unless it matches the USPS in color and design, you owe them nothing.
posted on May 24, 2001 07:01:02 AM new
Speak very slowly and explain to them that there is a difference between UPS and USPS. The former only has one S and they work for the latter.
posted on May 24, 2001 12:12:32 PM new
*laughing hystericlly at this end*
So, should I tell them that i'll sue if they are holding onto my UPS Letter which they obtained illegally, or just bluntly grab the letter and rip it apart right in front of them and demand a free Pre-Paid Priority Mailer??
:\\\\\\\"Crystalline Sliver cannot be the target of spells or abilities.
posted on May 24, 2001 12:28:54 PM new
The use of a UPS mailer is a concern for United Parcel Service ONLY. However, explain to the USPS clerk that what he may be doing is a F-E-L-O-N-Y. Say it slowly so he will understand. Interfering with the lawful delivery of mail is a F-E-L-O-N-Y. And that ignorance of the law is no excuse AND that just being IGNORANT is no excuse.
posted on May 24, 2001 12:41:28 PM new
Lot of good suggestions once the non-readers who thought this was about mis-use of postal Priority mailers left. I really just might torque the pressure on this idiot supervisor-clerk up by going in next with a camcorder, pointedly filming his face and name badge, filming the item in question and its appearance, sloooowly panning to a Priority mail package, then back to the clerks face as you then slooowly explain in baby talk that he works for the "USPS" with two "S's" and does this mean they'll charge extra if you use a newspaper for packing instead of official USPS foam peanuts now?
I'd be more inclined to do this sort of thing if there were a different office I could go to from then on, though.
posted on May 24, 2001 01:01:29 PM new
Don't get your local clerk mad at you. You'll pay for it in the long run in unnecessary hassles.
I would pay the extra, ask for a receipt. Ask him to specify on the receipt it was a UPS mailer,not USPS and bill the seller. Once he pays, send him the receipt and let him decide if he wants to pursue a formal complaint against the postal employee.
posted on May 24, 2001 01:37:57 PM new
Well, there is a problem there AnonymousCoward; I am the biggest mailer at that PO, and I usually pump a quarter of his salary per week thru my postage. Plus, I do recieve Certified Mail and Insured Mail on a daily basis.
That, and I have a Cousin that is a US Postal Inspector. All I have to do is call him with my complaints (which have been nil till this point).
Too bad he's in Los Angeles working with other Postal Inspectors about another matter.
:\\\\\\\"Crystalline Sliver cannot be the target of spells or abilities.
posted on May 24, 2001 02:22:13 PM new
Hi, Crystalline Sliver -
I apologize for not reading more carefully earlier - it is absurd for the clerk to try to charge you extra for a UPS envelope. Just exactly what "extra" is he referring to? And how much extra? It makes no sense at all (as you obviously realize).
I did hear once that the USPS and UPS had some sort of agreement to try and stop the misuse of their respective boxes - don't know how true it is, or what either can legally do about the use of the other's materials.
Pyth00n - We nonreaders have not gone anywhere; we are still struggling along, trying to figure this out . . .
By the way, misuse should not be hyphenated, and when referring to "the clerks face", you need to insert an apostrophe, as in "clerk's". But don't let it get you down - we all make mistakes, don't we?
kr
[ edited by kudzurose on May 24, 2001 02:23 PM ]
