USPS New Rules

[reality_consensus]

Kind of bummed out over the new USPS rates ..

 

I usually list 100 GA comics of a particular genre with each book starting at 99c with no reserve .. I encourage buyers to combine shipping on multiple wins and use only USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes ..

 

With the new rates I am re-thinking this approach ..

 

Went to the local PO and they said that Media Mail was not an option, since the comics contain advertisements (albeit ancient historical ones) .. this surprised me since I get comics from other sellers that use Media Mail .. apparently they are not aware of the Domestic Mail Manual Regulations or prefer not to adhere to them ..

 

Wondering about the reliability of First Class Flat Rate Shipping?

 

Would like comments from other Ebayers on how they send out their orders to domestic and international custormers .. Thanks ..

 

George

[sckao]

BTW, BPM (BOUND PRINTED MATTER) is NOT going away. They just won't print postage for it AT THE MAIL COUNTER.

 

If you use another method of paying for your postage (I use stamps.com), then it's fine. You still have to drop it off at the counter though.

 

I tend to use Flat Rate Priority for Slabs.. but I'll use BPM for magazines or other heavy comic items to help save on shipping.

[Underdog]

 

I'm almost afraid to ask, but is DHL,Fedex, UPS becoming more viable for

small sellers ??

 

Nah!

You guys think you've got it bad, I gotta be on the window working when people start coming in and asking. Up to this point I've had no training on the new rates and none scheduled.

It's gonna be a cluster.

 

Well, I got a huge total of two hours of training for this. Gonna be a lot of expert window clerks like me helping you guys next week. I can hardly wait!

Still gonna be a cluster.

[DaveRhodeIsland]

I think the best thing for us to do is to refuse to use the USPS. I know that it may cost a bit more to use privatized carriers (FedEX, UPS, etc.) but the USPS is perhaps the worst run organization any of us deal with on a regular basis. Don't bring DMVs into this, as you don't use that service regularly.

 

With the advent of email and its overwhelming commonality now, there's little need for the consumer to use the postal service. I pay all my bills electronically as well. When I do need to ship a package, I use FedEx as their service is much better than the USPS and they come to me and I don't have to deal with any shi(tt)y attitude from disgruntled, underpaid USPS employees.

[Underdog]

I work for the Postal Service, I work on the Window and I not only resent what you just wrote but wish to see the proof you have of what you say.

Where do you work? Is everyone perfect there?

There's always going to be problems but your statement is just bullshiit.

[joecgcmaniac]

I've never had any problems shipping or receiving with the post office..... UPS and FedEx on the other hand....

[drice6900]

I think the best thing for us to do is to refuse to use the USPS. I know that it may cost a bit more to use privatized carriers (FedEX, UPS, etc.) but the USPS is perhaps the worst run organization any of us deal with on a regular basis. Don't bring DMVs into this, as you don't use that service regularly.

 

With the advent of email and its overwhelming commonality now, there's little need for the consumer to use the postal service. I pay all my bills electronically as well. When I do need to ship a package, I use FedEx as their service is much better than the USPS and they come to me and I don't have to deal with any shi(tt)y attitude from disgruntled, underpaid USPS employees.

 

What a bunch of hooey. I disagree with nearly every point made here

[Scrooge]

I don't have to deal with any shi(tt)y attitude from disgruntled, underpaid USPS employees.

 

Way to lump all the employees in one bag. Granted, there is one clerk at my local PO I'd rather not deal with but everyone else is just a pleasure to work with. They have fun working there and it makes the wait that much easier on us the customers. Try out a different branch!

[DaveRhodeIsland]

In response to the postal workers who I've managed to tick off, I have to say that your fellow postal workers have earned their reputations as surly, unpleasant and uncaring. I live in Rhode Island and without exception every branch of the USPS I've had to deal with has been staffed by people who foster such stereotypes.

 

In Warwick, for example, the branch I used to frequent was staffed by two of the nastiest women you'd ever have the misfortune to meet. Just buying stamps was a problem as they'd make it seem like you were causing them the greatest inconvenience by asking to purchase something. In the East Greenwich branch, you could expect long lines at any given time as they would have only one sloth-like employee working the window, even though there were four other windows and a line out the door of customers.

 

This is not how a good company treats its patrons. I understand that you who work for the USPS feel the need to defend your brethren, but it does not change the fact or the perception that postal workers are uncaring. The term "going Postal" exists for a reason.

 

Maybe it's better in other parts of the country, but this has been my first hand experience and no amount of defending it on your part will change that.

[Stronguy]

Underdog, Dave has a point. What he describes is pretty much the majority of my experience with counter help at the USPS. I frequent 3 station and only one of them is worth a darn... although they do have a guy there that would be moving backwards if he moved any slower.

 

I think his statements, while painting with a broad brush, sum up a lot of what most people hate about the USPS. Anytime I have to do something other than drop off pre-paid packages I make a 20 mile trip out of my way just so I can avoid the two station closest to my house.

[Underdog]

In response to the postal workers who I've managed to tick off, I have to say that your fellow postal workers have earned their reputations as surly, unpleasant and uncaring. I live in Rhode Island and without exception every branch of the USPS I've had to deal with has been staffed by people who foster such stereotypes.

 

In Warwick, for example, the branch I used to frequent was staffed by two of the nastiest women you'd ever have the misfortune to meet. Just buying stamps was a problem as they'd make it seem like you were causing them the greatest inconvenience by asking to purchase something. In the East Greenwich branch, you could expect long lines at any given time as they would have only one sloth-like employee working the window, even though there were four other windows and a line out the door of customers.

 

This is not how a good company treats its patrons. I understand that you who work for the USPS feel the need to defend your brethren, but it does not change the fact or the perception that postal workers are uncaring. The term "going Postal" exists for a reason.

 

Maybe it's better in other parts of the country, but this has been my first hand experience and no amount of defending it on your part will change that.

 

You, dear sir, just may be the problem. Imagine, every clerk you deal with causes you problems. I think you may be the cause of it.

The term "going postal" may exist for a reason but working for the Postal Service is one of the 5 safest places to work in America.

Again, what's your line of work.

[ShoNuff-migration]

 

 

[greggy]

[MutantKeys]

[greggy]

[Underdog]

Underdog, Dave has a point. What he describes is pretty much the majority of my experience with counter help at the USPS. I frequent 3 station and only one of them is worth a darn... although they do have a guy there that would be moving backwards if he moved any slower.

 

I think his statements, while painting with a broad brush, sum up a lot of what most people hate about the USPS. Anytime I have to do something other than drop off pre-paid packages I make a 20 mile trip out of my way just so I can avoid the two station closest to my house.

 

I do not deny that there are problems out there. Since I've been on this forum I've tried to help where I can for people. I even stay out of some of the threads that I believe have merit of the problems. BUT, what I won't stand for is this *spoon* telling me my job is worthless. No way, no how. We deliver more mail in one day then UPS and FED Ex does for a year combined. Problems will happen.

ANYTIME you have a problem at the Post Office ('cept mine) dial 1-800-ask-usps and tell them the situation. Then, wait for them to give you a confirmation number. You will get a response. I know. I've seen it work.

[Underdog]

 

Well, I finally got into a greggy gremlin thread! I feel fulfilled!

[MutantKeys]

[greggy]

 

Well, I finally got into a greggy gremlin thread! I feel fulfilled!

I can send you some sweet PMs if you wish

[Underdog]