Postal Letter

Why are some people such 'Know-it-alls'!?

Forgive my rant, but I just came back from the post office and a really stupid experience with the postal worker there. I was trying to send an envelope to NY and I had my own address labels printed out and my own envelope. I needed to borrow a pen and I asked for a blue pen and the postal worker said, 'Black works better...if you're filling out addresses'. I just looked at her thinking, 'Oh no, another know-it-all' In actuality I needed to sign the cover letter to the recipient. I had a feeling I should go to UPS instead but I felt like I didn't have time. I signed the letter and attached my own pre-printed labels to the envelope, then the worder weighed it and asked if I wanted a tracking number. I shouldn't have, but I said yes. Well that was a mistake because she pulled out a long form for me to fill out and charged me twice as much. Then she asked me something I've never been asked before, 'If it's returned do you want it abandoned or sent back to you at your expense'? I'm thinking, 'Why? Will it be returned and what am I paying for then?' Anyway, my question is twofold: a) How do you handle stupid people who think they know what you SHOULD be doing when really they don't know jack? and b) Once a package is dropped off behind the counter at the post office, can you get it back? P.S. Postal workers suck! Francois: Yeah, I guess it's like a fast-food worker asking if I want fries with that. lol

Public Comments

1. the postal worker is called "postal worker" because he/she works at the post office. (in other words, he knows much more things about "postal traffic" than you do. which is his/her job.) it should be obvious that in an interaction at the post office you are the customer. if you are unable to say "yes" "no" or "what does that cost?" "what is the benefit/downside of this?" "are there other options?" etc. and make a decision which serves your interest, then obviously the postal worker is not a know-it-all, but you are plain dim-witted.
2. I think the know it all in this situation is you. I work at the post office and we deal with stupid people all day long. Most of the customers that come in complain about stupid things because they, themselves are stupid.
3. I am sorry you had such a horrible experience. You can recall a mail piece through the U.S. Postal Service by going to a local office and requesting a form 1509, recall of mail form. The local office will fax the form to the delivery office and they will attempt to retrieve the mail piece and send it back to you. Please be aware that you may need to pay for any fees involved in returning the item to you. Although generally, I have not had anyone have to do that unless they are redirecting the item to another address. You can also always ask for the Manager or Supervisor on duty if you have a problem or call 1-800-275-8777 to report the incident.