posted on July 31, 2001 08:41:21 AM new
One of our news channels here did an investigation into the Seattle local post office scales.
They had packages/envelopes weighed out and then went into several PO's. They were only charged CORRECTLY 2 times out of 8. One PO OVERCHARGED them $2.2 on ONE item. Another undercharged by a $1.
The local postmaster said the clerks are supposed to calibrate their scales daily prior to opening their windows. HOWEVER, this isn't happening AT ALL - he admitted.
The news station requested copies of the calibrations - and the PO refused. Of course they did - b/cuz they DO NOT do them.
BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOUR STUFF SHIPS OUT OF THE SEATTLE AREA - more times than not - you will not be charged accurately.
posted on July 31, 2001 09:09:50 AM new
It's not just the Seattle area, any post office can have problems.
Mine has the new fancy scales but still manage to get off from time to time. When a weight "looks funny" based on my scales & having shipped similar packages, I ask them to zero out the scales & try again.
I've even had them differ from clerk to clerk. Usually if there's any question, they give me the benefit of the lower weight.
posted on July 31, 2001 09:27:01 AM new
I posted this quite a while ago but I'll put it in again. I was at the local PO with a package which weighed around 8 lbs. I took it to the window and the clerk put it on the scale and I noticed the monitor said it was 8lbs 4 ounces. I needed to fill out the customs form on the parcel so he asked me to move over to the adjacent window which was closed to complete it.
As I was finishing up the paperwork the clerk at that window came back and told me she would take it there. She took the box and and placed it on her scale. I looked at the monitor and asked her to place it on his scale. His scale once again read 8lbs 4oz. I asked her to put it back on her scale... 7lbs 12 oz. What a difference.
posted on July 31, 2001 11:59:41 AM new
I was zipping by one PO near my house to weigh a 6 pound package and they quoted me one price, I jotted the name of the gal and the price on the package. I had to include a letter and tape it up.
Then at the other PO I use near a NPO I volunteer at they quoted me 40 cents more.
The guy gave me a lecture about permanent employees and "temps" (he said derisively). Blah blah blah.
Calibrate your damn scale.
On the plus side, I bought a bunch of postcards ($22 worth) and the silly woman (permanent employee!) gave me $2 in one cent stamps.
I still don't know what to do with them...I guess I will wait until the next increase.
Now I don't feel so confused. I guess if I had a scale I would be able to argue.
But why bother...so exaulted are these fellows!
