The Post Office! GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

[rubyshoes]

ARGHHH! The Post Office!!!

I had to mail my leverback earrings to BGD to be re-set into 8 prong studs as well as my ER to make the prongs claw prongs. BGD gave me an RMA number and told me to send it by registered, insured USPS mail. BGD specified I should use paper tape.

Me: Hi, where can we find the paper tape needed to send my package?
Postal person: We don't have it. You have to buy it somewhere.
Me: I can't use anything BUT paper tape, correct? (just checking)
Postal person: Yes.

So off I go to UPS - they don't sell paper tape. Off to Walgreens - they don't sell paper tape. So I buy glue.

Me: Can I use glue? I couldn't find paper tape anywhere. Also, you guys are closing in half an hour.
Postal person: You can't use glue. Must use paper tape.
Me: Yes, I know. But nobody is selling it! Do you have paper tape?
Postal person: Let me ask supervisor.
Supervisor: What's the problem?
Me: I need paper tape, I can't find it anywhere. If you guys have some, can I buy it? You don't have to give it for free.
Supervisor: We don't sell tape...

Supervisor and Postal person have an animated discussion.

The clock is ticking. I need to send these EXPENSIVE goods TODAY because the post office is closed on Sundays and closes at 5 on weekdays (exactly which person who works can mail packages with these sort of timings, I'd like to know!) And no. I would NEVER take such expensive items to office (by public transport I might add) to mail during lunch hour. Never.

Supervisor: *reluctantly* You can have some tape. *hands me a strip of tape*
Me: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

And I sent off the package. This whole nonsense took 2 hours btw.

WTH is this rule? You guys won't accept anything BUT paper tape but you won't give it for free AND you won't even charge for it! I mean, I'm willing to PAY FOR IT at UPS or Walgreens so I would pay for it at the post office too but noooooo you can't sell it!

Good grief! Horrible experience. Next time I am going to send something to an online vendor, I am sending it by UPS or FedEx. At least I won't get the mad runaround!

As an aside, do you guys know why some online vendors ask you to ship items to them by USPS?

I once sent a diamond to DBL to be set into a halo ring but David sent me an RA number to send the diamond through Fedex. It cost me $35 which btw is close to what I spent at the post office today. Obviously I would prefer sending through FedEx!

Anyway thanks for listening to my rant

 

[ame]

I have purchased it at Office Max in the past, if that helps for the future but it is SUPER aggravating that they would not just give you a couple pieces of freaking tape. Ours will just give you the roll and move you over to fix the taping mishap.

Paper tape is used, from my understanding, bec it's easier to see when a package has been tampered with.

 

[sonnyjane]

My mailman (and my post office confirmed when I called them to complain), that they will no longer be delivering packages to the condos in my neighborhood because each townhome has 8 steps leading up to the doorway. This is a liability issue for the postal worker and from now on, they will deliver the package slips to our mailboxes, which are in a lockbox at the end of our driveway, and we must pick up any packages at the post office. The whole point I get things delivered is so that I do NOT need to leave the house to get them! I have since informed my family and friends to only send me things using FedEx or UPS. The post office said that if we wish to have packages delivered, my HOA will have to build package lockboxes, but in the meantime, no more parcel delivery. Lame.

Also, unlike ame's seemingly friendly post office, ours also will not let you have a piece of tape if you don't have any to seal your package. You can, however, buy a roll for $5 from them. At least they sell it!

 

[makemepretty]

Oh gosh, the one good thing about living in a small town I guess. When I had to send a package to Whiteflash my small post office wrapped my whole package in paper tape and it was time consuming and they didn't charge me for tape. They always offer to tape a package if it seems like the box didn't seal that well.

 

[rubyshoes]

ame: That's great that your post office just gives you the tape. I don't know why this one was so stingy. Also, good to know reg. Office Max!

sonnyjane: Yep, at least your post office sells it. I even told them I would purchase it but they didn't sell it to me. I suppose I should just shut up and be grateful they eventually gave it to me for free.

makemepretty: My friend lives in a rural area and her post office also tapes things up for customers, and they don't charge.

I guess what gets my goat with govt employees (not just post office but also DMV, City Hall etc) is that even when they're not outright rude or mean-spirited (and Heaven knows I've met my fair share of nasty trolls at govt offices), they never actually offer even a little bit of help. I mean, why not say "Sorry, we're trying to conserve supplies but we can sell you tape for X dollars" or "Sorry, you have to buy tape but try going to X store, they stock it." or "Go to post office X minutes away, they actually will give you tape for free".

Nothing. Just monosyllabic, robot responses! Bah.

 

[ame]

My mailman (and my post office confirmed when I called them to complain), that they will no longer be delivering packages to the condos in my neighborhood because each townhome has 8 steps leading up to the doorway. This is a liability issue for the postal worker and from now on, they will deliver the package slips to our mailboxes, which are in a lockbox at the end of our driveway, and we must pick up any packages at the post office. The whole point I get things delivered is so that I do NOT need to leave the house to get them! I have since informed my family and friends to only send me things using FedEx or UPS. The post office said that if we wish to have packages delivered, my HOA will have to build package lockboxes, but in the meantime, no more parcel delivery. Lame.

Also, unlike ame's seemingly friendly post office, ours also will not let you have a piece of tape if you don't have any to seal your package. You can, however, buy a roll for $5 from them. At least they sell it!

ONLY paper tape. But you can buy regular package tape.

For your other point...that's some BS. How dare they have to walk up the damn steps.

ame: That's great that your post office just gives you the tape. I don't know why this one was so stingy. Also, good to know reg. Office Max!

Just the paper tape, and only when you screw up and wrap it in normal tape.

 

[VRBeauty]

I've noticed that the post office seems to have been "cracking down" and requiring people to buy tape rather than offering it for free. I'm guessing the staff is getting reminded about that regularly without any discussion about situations like yours. I'm very sorry you got the run-around though - and glad you got your package off to BGD!

 

[luv2sparkle]

I had that happen to me once! The next time I brought tape with me because I wanted to get it ready there for some reason (can't remember why!) but there was someone in the same spot! I just gave them the tape and you have never seen anyone more grateful!

If it makes you feel any better, my son is in Peru and he went to the post office to mail a package to his brother and they fingerprinted him and made him show his passport! Now, that's some strict rules!

 

[CharmedOne]

My post office always had tape and didn't mind helping you out at all. Now not so much, apparently they claim they were never suppose to tape but did anyway. The employee told me that the manager came in a few days before and took all the tape from them. So I said "Wow, is this a way to cut cost?" She just said she didn't know, but I will be shipping from home now on and calling for a pick up if need be.

 

[stargurl78]

My post office usually provides the paper tape but its been a while since I've shipped anything registered mail so that may have changed. When I sent my e-ring to BGD for a new head, I specifically requested that they send me a FedEx label and they had no problem with that. I hate dealing with the post office and have had items get lost/stolen so I much preferred to use FedEx.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Ugh... Post office. I hate the post office. I always go prepared but they always have something to say. But I have never heard of only using paper tape. I always use packaging tape and they have never said anything.

The other day I went to go drop off a box that already had a prepaid label on it. I waited in line in case it needed anything else and when I got up to the register this is what happened

Me: hi, I just need to drop this off but make sure everything is good.
Postal worker: why the hell did you wait in line for? Just drop it off over there.
Me: sorry, I just wanted to make sure everything was ready to go. I didn't wanna just drop it off and have complications.
PW: why did you wait in line. Next time, just drop it off over there.
Me: ok.... Sorry

And I walked away feeling like a loser. This is the same dude that groaned when I gave him a notification slip while picking up a missed package. Saying "what is up with everyone picking up something today?!"

I hate the post office. I would rather pay $100 and go with FedEx.

 

[rubyshoes]

VRBeauty, I guess it's budget constraints. But wouldn't selling paper tape for a nice hefty profit make sense? Too sensible for them though.

luv2sparkle, I wish you'd been at the post office with me. Hehe! I could've gotten out of there in 10 minutes!

CharmedOne, It wouldn't surprise me if nobody knew the correct answer

stargurl78, Now that is good to know that BGD sent you a FedEx shipping label. I am definitely insisting on that next time I have to send something.

YT, Ugh. What a lovely, wonderful attitude that guy has. GRRRRRR.

 

[tammy77]

I'd love to never set foot in a USPS ever again. They're overpriced, understaffed and have a horrible habit of "losing" packages. Their tracking system is pathetic. So yeah, UPS or FedEx will *always* get my business.

 

[kenny]

I'd love to never set foot in a USPS ever again. They're overpriced, understaffed and have a horrible habit of "losing" packages. Their tracking system is pathetic. So yeah, UPS or FedEx will *always* get my business.

That's fine if the jewelry is not over $5,000.
USPS registered can insure up to $25K.

I think FedEx limit is $5K unless you can get coverage and a label via the vendor's contract with FedEx.
If you are not shipping to a vendor, do you really want to ship without full insurance?

I like USPS.
I trust their Registered service, and have had good experience.
One thing that pisses me off...they try to sell you faster service.
I tell them in an extremely loud voice that I'd never spend extra for Express or Priority since all Registered travels at the same snail speed.

I already had lots of the brown paper tape that needs water since I use it to secure watercolor paper to boards.

 

[distracts]

Really? I have had nothing but great experiences with USPS, and many horrible ones with UPS and FedEx. Soooo many lost/damaged packages with those two. I always choose USPS at checkout if given the option because, while my packages sometimes go on walkabouts, they always make it to me in the end. Whereas with FedEx and UPS, it is more like IF they make it to me, sometimes they are damaged beyond repair. Like a third of our wedding presents (delivered by FedEx) have been utterly destroyed in shipping - boxes totally crushed so the bubble wrap got killed, etc.

 

[rubyshoes]

tammy77: I remember a time (not too long ago) when they weren't so bad. Sadly, given their financial situation, I expect them to get worse.

kenny: I actually don't receive USPS parcels from jewelry vendors. Pretty much everyone uses FedEx and only Sally of Heart of Water sent me Thai post. Also, apart from the cost or insurance point, they are nowhere close to FedEx in terms of customer service. At least FedEx doesn't have surly employees.

distracts: I have always had excellent experiences with FedEx! Now I'm scared I'm going to jinx myself.

 

[texaskj]

I was watching a show the other night, Secrets of the Simthsonian, or something like that. When Harry Winston donated the Hope Diamond to them he sent it registered mail from New York City to Washington, D.C. I had never heard that. He said that's what he did with all his gems and why should this one be any different?
I about fell off the couch.
I'm a FedEx fan myself. SO and I were at a gun shop one time and they said most firearm businesses used them because UPS "lost" too many and the post office was too slow.

 

[Smith1942]

Ha ha, I've had loads of experiences with that ruddy paper tape, because I've exchanged or returned so many expensive things to Blue Nile. It is SO weird that they wouldn't give it to you, though. My Post Office has a roll and they lend it to me with a wet sponge and I go and do the craft project, which is annoying. However, this method is by far the safest - safer than UPS and FedEx who only insure up to $500 or something stupid. The USPS way insures up to 25k and the package is under lock and key the whole time. My Post Office then covers the tape with little red stamps that are half on the tape and half on the box, so it's pretty tamper-proof, too.

It took me about six goes to get used to it though, and a couple of mini temper trantrums in the post office. I couldn't see why it needed to be done that way and I also felt the post office worker should be the one putting the tape on since I was the customer and it's their company rules about the tape, not mine. It's not like I didn't have other mailing options. Anyway. It's super-fiddly and annoying, especially since I was usually using the original BN box which was covered in shiny tape, and USPS insists that all the shiny tape is covered with the paper tape so that they can use their little red stamp, which can be rubbed off the shiny tape by evil tamperers. Since the shiny tape is everywhere, it turns into a right sodding craft project and total pain in the arse. But I needed to send the packages, soooo.....Just saying that I hear ya, I really do!

 

[NOYFB]

ARGHHH! The Post Office!!!

I had to mail my leverback earrings to BGD to be re-set into 8 prong studs as well as my ER to make the prongs claw prongs. BGD gave me an RMA number and told me to send it by registered, insured USPS mail. BGD specified I should use paper tape.

Me: Hi, where can we find the paper tape needed to send my package?
Postal person: We don't have it. You have to buy it somewhere.
Me: I can't use anything BUT paper tape, correct? (just checking)
Postal person: Yes.

So off I go to UPS - they don't sell paper tape. Off to Walgreens - they don't sell paper tape. So I buy glue.

Me: Can I use glue? I couldn't find paper tape anywhere. Also, you guys are closing in half an hour.
Postal person: You can't use glue. Must use paper tape.
Me: Yes, I know. But nobody is selling it! Do you have paper tape?
Postal person: Let me ask supervisor.
Supervisor: What's the problem?
Me: I need paper tape, I can't find it anywhere. If you guys have some, can I buy it? You don't have to give it for free.
Supervisor: We don't sell tape...

Supervisor and Postal person have an animated discussion.

The clock is ticking. I need to send these EXPENSIVE goods TODAY because the post office is closed on Sundays and closes at 5 on weekdays (exactly which person who works can mail packages with these sort of timings, I'd like to know!) And no. I would NEVER take such expensive items to office (by public transport I might add) to mail during lunch hour. Never.

Supervisor: *reluctantly* You can have some tape. *hands me a strip of tape*
Me: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

And I sent off the package. This whole nonsense took 2 hours btw.

WTH is this rule? You guys won't accept anything BUT paper tape but you won't give it for free AND you won't even charge for it! I mean, I'm willing to PAY FOR IT at UPS or Walgreens so I would pay for it at the post office too but noooooo you can't sell it!

Good grief! Horrible experience. Next time I am going to send something to an online vendor, I am sending it by UPS or FedEx. At least I won't get the mad runaround!

As an aside, do you guys know why some online vendors ask you to ship items to them by USPS?

I once sent a diamond to DBL to be set into a halo ring but David sent me an RA number to send the diamond through Fedex. It cost me $35 which btw is close to what I spent at the post office today. Obviously I would prefer sending through FedEx!

Anyway thanks for listening to my rant

It wasn't the one on North Cicero was it? That one is the worst. So rude and unhelpful. A few Saturdays ago I had to pick up a package. I got there at 9:30am thinking it would be early enough to avoid a line. No such luck...there were 15 people in front of me and ONE CASHIER!!!! Seriously...on a freaking Saturday? It took me 45 minutes just to pick up the stupid package.