posted on September 24, 2001 08:40:43 AM
I was veiwing information on Ebay's message board and came across the following. I e-mailed the author and asked if I could post it here. They were kind enough to agree.
From the Ebay Message Board -
I started this thread in the Soapbox about a week ago and decided I
should provide an updated version here. I spent an hour typing it in
yesterday, only to have eBay short-circut and *poof* went all my work.
I feel it is important that you all know this stuff - it will save you
time, money and headaches. I will answer questions ASAP, but please be
patient. We don't get paid for this, you know. Since I began there have
been a few other highly knowledgable USPS employees volunteer to
assist. There is too much mis-information floating around.
1. DO NOT mail beads, buttons, keys, pens, coins etc. in an unpadded
envelope. The automation equipment will not tolerate anything but paper
contents in an envelope. Use a bubble mailer for anything but paper
letters. If you will not or can not buy a bubble envelope, wrap the
contents in a paper towel and write "MANUAL MAIL" in big red letters on
both sides of the envelope. I advise against this, but someone at the
cancelling machine MIGHT see it and set it aside to be processed by
hand.
2. ALWAYS use your return address. I used to send trays of mail to the
Mail Recover Center which had no return address and had no postage or
the delivery address was illedgable. This is most common with monthly
bills and tax returns, and I don't think you want those to sit at the
MRC until an authorized employee opens it to get your address off the
check. It can take a month or more. In the upper-right corner of the
envelope, if it says "Place stamp here. Post Office will not deliver
without propper postage", your letter WILL NOT be sent on as "postage
due".
3. Only express mail is guaranteed. Depending on the origination and
destination, it can take 1-3 days. Overnight experss is not available
to all areas. Obviously overseas experss can't be delivered next day
either. You must submit the mail before the cut-off time (usually
3:30-4 PM) for it to be sent out that day. If you miss the cut-off,
your letter will count as being sent the following day.
4. Only express and registered mail are treated "special" and accounted
for every step of the way. If you have something irreplaceable or are
mailing cash (which I don't recommend), send it by one of these
methods. It is VERY rare to have one of these get lost.
5. Priority mail is NOT guaranteed. It usually arrives a little faster
(depending how far it's going), but the "2-3 days" thing is only an
approximation. If it HAS TO BE THERE by a certain day and/or time, use
experss mail service.
6.So, you sent the check or parcel, didn't insure it or anything, and
it never arrived. You ask the PO if they can find it and they said
"No", right? WRONG! You need to file a PS-1510 inquiry for lost or
stolen mail. This is a free service. An inquiry will be sent to all the
dead letter offices, so if it can be found this will work. Do this if
you mailed it at least 10 business days ago.
7. There is no "10 item limit" rule. This was a temporary thing from
when UPS was on strike because postal customers were having to wait too
long and this kept the lines moving. I advise you to call ahead,
especially if you have a small PO. Usually you can work out a time when
there will be extra help available and the lobby isn't too busy. It's
also a good idea to fill out all your forms BEFORE you get in line. Not
doing it is just plain rude.
8. Customer service cards are available in every PO lobby. Fill out one
of these if you are having a problem and are being treated badly. This
card MUST be replied to. If you continually get bad service and no
resolution, you can go to your local Congress-person, Senator or State
Rep.'s office. They can get results. Please remember these cards can be
used to COMPLIMENT too! If you receive good service or have a clerk who
is especially helpful, fill out one of these. They are postage-paid so
all it takes is a minute of your time.
9. Do not turn priority boxes inside-out. You can be fined if you're
caught. Your local hardware store should be happy to give you their
extra boxes. There are many different sizes of priority boxes available
and not all can be found in your PO lobby. You can see what's available
at www.usps.gov and have them delivered right to your door for no extra
charge. These boxes are often stolen from lobbies and so they don't
usually put out a large supply or want to give you a lot at one time.
10. When you receive a damaged parcel and go to fill out the insurance
claim form, DO NOT surrender the parcel. An exchange is done when your
claim is approved and you pick up the money. You can't keep the item
AND the insurance money. Damaged goods are sent to your district HQ and
sold at auction to the public. If your claim is denied, you can file an
appeal.
11. ALWAYS keep your receipts! Trust me on this...
12. Postal money orders are a great value. They cost under $1 and can
be redeemed at your PO as well as the bank. You get a carbon copy for
your records and they are easily traced. It is significantly cheaper to
do, usually under $3, vs. $8+ for the others. Keep that in mind. When
you do go to the PO to cash in your MO, it's a good idea not to do it
first thing in the morning. Clerks start the day with $100 or so and
won't be able to pay out a lot until later.
13. You can pick up a customer ratefold at the PO, which will contain a
great deal of valuable shipping information. The same info is available
on line at www.usps.gov Everything you need to know about weight limits
and shipping options can be found there.
14. Mail can be delayed by weather and natural disasters. No kidding,
right? Take into consideration if your mail is going through one of the
main hubs (like Denver, the east-west hub) and there has been a
blizzard or flood or quake, it will have to be re-routed. This causes
backups in surrounding areas too. If a seller doesn't receive payment
or the buyer doesn't receive the item, check to see that there hasn't
been a disaster between the two of you. If the item hasn't arrived
within 10 business days, you can file a PS-1510 inquiry.
15. Make sure you writing is easily readable. Automation equipment
"looks" at the address and sorts the mail, so make sure it's ledgable.
Do not spell out numerical addresses - write 10th Street, not tenth
street. Make sure you leave some space between the street number and
the house number so the computer doesn't get confused. "11236th
street" can't be determined as 6th street or 36th street or 236th
street. This IS important. The zip+4 will assist here too.
I know I forgot a couple of things this time, but this is what you all
really need to know. We will be happy to answer any further questions
you may have. I will try to check back at least once a day, but please
be patient.
posted on September 24, 2001 09:43:28 AM
I was told about the "10 limit rule" and didn't know what to do since I averaged 40 - 70 packages aday (before Sept. 11th) I ended up having to file a complaint with my local Postmaster General. We made an appointment to meet at the station that was telling me this. He got everyone involved who had been telling me this and by the end of our meeting everyone understood they were to except any amount of mail that was brought in.
posted on September 24, 2001 10:28:43 AM
kolonel22
youare correct and i must applaud you for going the distance. i have had to twice go to the postmaster in my area in regards to problems. it seems some postal employees make up rules as they go figuring no one will question or challenge them.........
posted on September 24, 2001 11:01:39 AM
Thanks kliggin for posting this! Lots of great advice and reminders!
I thought the "10 limit rule" was just an inside joke and something the clerks invoked late Saturday morning.
I cannot complain about the USPS staff I work with. I visit 3 different PO's and they all appreciate us regulars who have all of our forms filled out and ready to go. My only suggestions to them have been to get scanners that read DC barcodes more efficiently and automatic doors.
What's your favorite PO pet peeve/story/encounter?
Mine is a tie - being behind the customer who wants to shove 20 lbs of stuff in a #7 box and wait while the clerk tapes it up for them, and then they change their mind when they hear it's going to cost $30 to ship, and the customer who tries to purchase a MO via ATM and has no money in their account.
Working in the service industry is a lesson in diplomacy.
posted on September 24, 2001 12:04:29 PM
Actually, that rule about the PO cashing MOs is also a "YMMV" issue. While I usually don't have trouble with them, there's always the occasional problem in the bunch. Just last week, the guy said they could only take one MO...total wasn't more than $10 over what I was mailing. I've also had them refused altogether as payment towards postage once (go figger...).
Going back to a past topic, can anyone use the internet delivery confirmation (the free one)? From what the guidelines state, you have to be certified/registered with the postal service (and have a D&B number) before you can print any of those out. True or not?
posted on September 24, 2001 12:10:40 PM
I've printed out and used a few of the free electronic DC's already with no troubles or challenges from my local PO. Other than what's already been posted about some clerks not understanding they're not to charge for that...
posted on September 24, 2001 12:45:18 PM
peiklk, perhaps you should send a customer service card to the postmaster. If these signs are handwritten, it's a big no-no.
As far as the delivery confirmation via the usps site (http://www.usps.com/cgi-bin/api/shipping_label.cgi) , I've been very pleased with the service. The only limitation is that your package must be priority mail.
posted on September 24, 2001 03:15:24 PM
If you are a regular - you should always bring them something for Christmas. I always try to find a nice box of mixed chocolate cookies. During fruit season, I will give them something whenever I buy a large bushel of whatever.
It some ways, I have become good friends with all the workers in my small office. The small gifts help to break the ice. Also, I make sure never to hold up the line and try to have everything completed beforehand. With problem mailings, I always try to go when they are least busy.
I always try to treat them as co-workers, not postal employees.
posted on September 24, 2001 03:29:26 PM
A word to the wise about DC....'free' is about all it's worth! The addressee doesn't have to sign for anything so the usps can say it was delivered and the addressee can say he/she didn't get it and you're the one who gets screwed there because usps cannot do anything beyond just saying that it WAS delivered. And if it actually WASN'T delivered (which really happens!) you're sol.
I have personal experience with this scenario from both the sender and addressee point of view. It's a fine service when it works, but when it doesn't, it is absolutely worthless!
posted on September 24, 2001 03:49:48 PM
True about DC - but it's no different with the paid variety, unless you're willing to fork out the money for 'signature' delivery. If you use U-PIC for insurance, that's cheaper than the signature DC in many cases, anyway.
The DC is great when somebody says that an item didn't come. I've used it to locate the item as being at the post office waiting. That helps smooth the interaction, to be able to tell them that it got to the PO on such and such a day, etc...
Also can work as proof of mailing if the item actually is scanned along the way, even though it doesn't prove delivery.
I sometimes get a Canada Post MO and cash it at the local USPO. They have never charged me a fee for this. MY Credit Union on the other hand will charge $2.00 for this.
posted on September 25, 2001 07:53:21 AM
This happened to me yesterday. My first bad encounter with the post office. But turned out good so far.
I went to mail a package of magazines that this lady won and told the clerk that they were bound printed matter and she tells me that they can't go bound printed matter. I told her that is not what I heard or read on their web site. LOL This is the first trouble I have ever had with this post office. The package was $2.99 bound printed matter and $8.03 parcel. I was fuming when I walked out of there after telling them I would check on this.
I looked and looked over their web site and finally found a USPS Consumers Affair office for our area. I called there and was shocked
that someone answered the phone and not a recording of such. LOL I talked to this very nice man and he told me that magazines can go bound printed matter. Yippee. My postal clerk told me only publishers can mail that way. This man told me that publishers don't mail bound printed matter anyway they mail 2nd class.
I can not wait to go back and mail this package bound printed matter. He even told me to tell my post master to call him and he gave me his desk number. Well one good thing about the USPS is their Consumer Affairs
dept. LOL
Hope that is the last of my bound printed matter mess. I am going back today with the package and his message to call him up if they don't like the rule.
posted on September 25, 2001 07:58:55 PM
Today I mailed a Priority Box with a printed label from the USPS web site. The postmaster didn't know anything about it. I told him it was free, he said it wasn't, he charged me and then the confirmation couldn't be scanned or entered in. I should have brought the paper with me, but why should I think that a postal worker who is the postmaster not know what the postal department is offering. Dumb me. I guess the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. Anyone else having a problem.
posted on September 25, 2001 08:08:02 PM
Yes, you should bring the paper with you - it's unbelievable that they don't know.
It's normal for the item not to scan with the desk scanner. That's because the first info. is sent electronically. The fact that they don't have to scan is the rationale for not charging.
If they use a carrier's hand scanner, it will scan.
posted on September 25, 2001 08:20:12 PM
I mailed a package today with the electronic delivery confirmation label. The postal worker looked as if he hadn't seen it before. I explained the process and didn't have any problems. I know a memo was sent, but I guess some of the workers have not received the information yet.
posted on September 26, 2001 01:09:12 AM
For those having problems at the PO with the
free DC labels, try and cut the PO workers
a little slack. It's still a new thing.
I was charged for it, but promptly got a refund after I explained that it was free. Honestly,
you can't really assume that the average postal worker will be extremely internet savvy...not always the case, but still.
I called the Priority Mail service senter and wanted to verify (have someone tell me I was right---I was, after all) that Electronic DC was free. The lady I spoke to didn't even know
about this and sai "It's always $0.40."
I did feel pretty happy today when I went in to mail my priority packages and had the guy at the desk turn to a couple of his co-workers
and say "Come here, quick. You said you wanted to see what they looked like..."
So, I spent about a minute explaining the
process and why I liked it---because it saves
$$$.
posted on September 26, 2001 06:05:03 AM
Regarding printed DC - don't forget to take your copy/receipt - it needs to be stamped by clerk with date, etc. (is "roundated" the word?)
posted on September 26, 2001 06:18:09 AM
Actually the little green slip DC's don't have to be stamped. As long as you have the correct amount of postage on the packages, including the DC, you can drop packages less than 1 lb. directly in a box, or if your PO permits, you can hand them to someone in the bulk mailing dock. The only thing is, just like with the electronic DC's they don't get scanned until they start moving through the system.
posted on September 26, 2001 08:59:20 AM
When I went to my post office with the Printed label, the person working behind the counter is the Postmaster, he should have known. I do all of my business there and he wouldn't believe me so he charged me.
posted on September 26, 2001 10:30:11 AMRegarding printed DC - don't forget to take your copy/receipt - it needs to be stamped by clerk with date, etc. (is "roundated" the word?)
No. The posties will not "roundstamp" your half of the free DC form, and they are not supposed to.
The entire reason that this printed out DC is free is because it uses "electronic" filing, not manual. They let you have it for free because, and only because, you submitted all the info yourself over the web, instead of having your postie do it for you.
posted on September 26, 2001 01:11:40 PM
Wow, kliggin, you weren't kidding! I just joined here a few days ago and never thought to post this info for everyone. Many small PO's do not get information about new services and frequently the customers explain things to the postmaster. It is ridiculous, I know, but many of the associate offices are 'out of the loop' - my local PO is one of them. One thing I did not mention in the original message was that UN-OPENED packages and letters can be returned to the sender with no charge. Simply write "REFUSED" across your address in bold letters and send it off.
I will try to answer any questions you all have but my knowledge is limited in the catagory of foreign mail. I can usually find a correct answer from someone else and will do my best to keep everyone in-the-know.
posted on September 26, 2001 03:54:50 PM
"Regarding printed DC - don't forget to take your copy/receipt - it needs to be stamped by clerk with date, etc. (is "roundated" the word?)"
"No. The posties will not "roundstamp" your half of the free DC form, and they are not supposed to"
So where's your proof you actually sent a package? What if a buyer doesn't get it and claims you never sent it - I can print out electronic DCs all day. It doesn't mean I actually mailed a package. My Postmaster always stamped my side of the green slip. And now, even though he doesn't have to mess with scanning, etc., he still stamps my part of these electronic ones. He,too, wasn't familiar with all this but checked into it and he told me to be sure and bring my copy to be round stamped. So I am.
