posted on June 25, 2001 12:47:17 PM new
I went to the post office today to mail a very important document. I wanted to be sure it arrived so I requested delivery confirmation. Okay, so they don't do DC for regular first class mail. I asked what was the least expensive way to mail the .77 envelope with some kind of assurance they receive it.
"Priority Mail" said the woman who used to throw my insured packages across the room. "We can do DC with Priority Mail!"
Trying to get home before this huge storm hit, I told her to go ahead. Then I realized that I could send it certified mail (A chart behind her stated rates). I asked her if the rate was correct ($1.10) and she said, no of course not, that was the old rate. (Don't change the signs, folks) So I asked what the new rate was and she said "same as Priority Mail. That'll be $3.90 for this."
The senior clerk, overhearing our conversation, said it was $1.90 for certified and $1.50 for signature, plus postage. I said, if I don't want signature, I can save over a dollar by sending it certified. He looked at me and said something I couldn't believe.
"The rates change July 1."
SO??????????????????????????????? Today is June 25! It's still $1.90!!!!!!!!!!!
Needless to say, I wasn't a happy camper for being ripped off by my local post office.
posted on June 25, 2001 01:07:33 PM new
I realized the rates were going to be changing a lot when our post office started putting up the price schedule on a chalkboard.
posted on June 25, 2001 03:12:50 PM new
Isn't it possible to send something first class with "return receipt requested"? That's that green postcard they stick onto the back of the envelope that the recipient signs and the PO sends back to you. I don't know the exact cost, but I would think that would be your cheapest, easiest way to get assurance that the letter was received.
Don't know why you'd need to send it "certified" to get this service.
They haven't changed the rate signs at my PO either. I guess postage is going up too fast for them to keep up.
posted on June 26, 2001 05:45:39 AM new
Return receipt requested has to go certified, so it costs more than PM if you want both. You can send certified with return receipt, but I guess they didn't want to bother with it.
What got me is no option was offered!
She should have taken the sign down when I said something, or they could just take a marker and change the fees.
It's not like they have thousands of customers walk through their door each day. They have maybe 50 a day - tops. It's a very small post office.
posted on June 26, 2001 06:06:06 AM new
Every time I read one of these threads, I want to go lay a big fat wet kiss on my postmaster. She and I, together, have learned the various ways to ship, certify, receipt, etc. When changes happen, she photocopies the changes from her manual or whatever they've sent her, and slips them into my PO Box. Even highlights the Media and Priority parts for me!
I tell her some of the stuff I read here, and she just shakes her head and laughs. It's just her and one part-time helper, but they get the job done, and they do it well. I take my big shipping in once a week, at a time she told me is usually slow, and she never hassles me, acts like I'm an imposition, etc.
For my part, when I'm there with many packages, if someone only has one transaction, I let her interrupt mine to take care of them, and when she's having trouble getting supplies, I order them delivered to me and then give them to her. And of course chocolate chip cookies at xmas.
Just three miles from here is a PO whose employees sound like the ones in the first post of this thread. I can't stand dealing with them.
