Is The Profit Incentive Always Bad? And Poor Customer Service At The Post Office

[DemocratSinceBirth]

I am a liberal Democrat but I do believe that many human beings need incentives. For instance I needed a package mailed and I needed it to be delivered and received in a timely manner. It was something my fiancee said she needed delivered and delivered expeditiously. It was a business project we are working on together. I arrived at the post office at 5:01 P.M. There was still a person on line. I asked if she could help me with my package she said "no". I then asked her again, almost pleading. Her answer remained the same.

She then said I could express mail it by buying a special stamp from the automated machine. So I bought the stamp and then discovered you need to write the address on the stamp. I didn't have a pen and asked her for a pen. She said "no" again. I think a lot of folks would have started swearing at her at this point. I just left with my package, my stamp, and the thought she must be one unhappy person to be so mean.

But I'll bet if I went to a UPS store the owner if he was working would have kept open a few extra minutes to make a buck and possibly gain a new customer.

I sell for a living. You can bet your a-- that if someone called me after the official work day; especially a minute after I'm going to try to sell them...

[UndertheOcean]

1. I think profit should be capped at 5% .

unchecked profit , that I have problems with .

[DemocratSinceBirth]

3. We Can Tax Excess Profit

I think it goes back to the line from Adam Smith "It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest."

[bluestateguy]

2. I agree, but everything has it's place

And the profit motive has no place in health care. Building cars, electronics, sending packages in the mail? Fine. But not in health care.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. Not In Health Care

I am a welfare state liberal though that term is often miscontrued.

If I could create a perfect system your basic needs would be met including health care as long as you were willing and able to work. If you wanted the niceties life has to offer you need to distinguish yourself by what you do. The challenge would be defining the basic needs.

[Hannah Bell]

24. I can remember when the PO was widely known for its excellent & courteous service.

That was before the Reagan Admin cut their funding, short-staffed them, slowed equipment upgrades & replacement, siphoned off the profitable business for UPS & Fed Ex, etc, & told the PO they had to become "profitable".

The profit motive has not a goddamned thing to do with whether employees are courteous. Employees don't give a rip about the owners' profits or non-profits. They care about their pay, their work environment, the treatment they get from their employers & the public, & the support to do their job properly.

Considering the non-existent service of so many for-profit businesses these days, your focus on the PO is questionable.

[bread_and_roses]

28. Right On, HannahBell! (n/t)

[DemocratSinceBirth]

39. The Profit Incentive Works Well

The incentive is to keep one's job and being intentionally rude, discourteous, and disrespectful is a good way to lose one's job.

She refused to loan me a pen...What was up with that?

[bread_and_roses]

30. "willing AND able?" So, if you're sick, no soup for you?

And if someone is "unwilling" to work, his/her kids can starve? And the vast majority who are not "distinguished" but rather quite "ordinary" are to have no "niceties?" Like what? I think you need to think this through a bit more.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

38. Obviously If You Are Sick Or Disabled You Can't Work And Therefore Society Should Look After You

As for starving kids whose parents refuse to work I don't believe the sins of the parents should be visited on the children. I do question the example they are setting.

There should be a guaranteed standard of living for those who are willing and able to work but we all have different talents, different levels of motivation, and therefore will have different outcomes in life. There hasn't been an economic system established that is operated in the absence of incentive if you discount the early Christians who lived in communes.


I developed my world view when I was about thirteen and it hasn't changed much...I think Rousseau said " a man shouldn't have so much that he can buy another man and a man shouldn't have so little he has to sell himself."


I have a friend who is a family doctor. He works eighty to ninety hours a week. His daughter told me when she was growing up they never went on vacations because he was so devoted to his practice. He even showed up at his practice the morning after the midnight his son committed suicide. Yeah, I think he deserves more money for his job and the "niceties" that money can buy than me...

[Common Sense Party]

75. What about in food production and distribution? n/t

[bluestateguy]

80. I wish to assert my Fifth Amendment privilege

nt

[Fumesucker]

4. Why would you think that you would be assured of dealing with the owner at a UPS store?

Rather than an employee?

Do UPS stores not hire employees?

Edited to add: For many years I would not set foot in McDonalds because an employee made me wait for seven or eight minutes while she talked to one of her friends and then wouldn't serve me the breakfast that I wanted because it was two minutes past time for breakfast to end.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

7. That's A Good Point

Usually the UPS stores are small businesses and the owner works it. But they do have employees because my friend owns one. But I would think the employee of a private business would be more attentive because there is not as much job security.

I used to work in a retail environment. If I refused to help a customer under the circumstances I outlined I would get ripped a new face...

[Fumesucker]

10. If the customer had the time and inclination to complain..

I've both worked retail and owned my own business for many years, the manager is not always present and available.

I know when I went into McDonalds that day I was too steamed to make a complaint, I would have probably started shouting had I said anything at all, I just turned around and walked out.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

11. If You Called Corporate You Would Have Got Coupons For Free Meals

[Fumesucker]

15. It never occurred to me..

I called Wendy's once when we were fairly sure we got a mild case of food poisoning from the salad bar and they were unhelpful, we weren't trying to sue or anything, just let them know they might have a problem.

At the time I was pretty phone allergic anyway.

[Cosmocat]

27. USPS v UPS store v McDonalds ...

it is VERY difficult to make a sweeping conclusion based on singular experiences ...

My small USPS is nearly worthless. I do however, know the person who runs a small USPS a couple of miles away, and she caters to my very needs. I did two pretty big projects in the last few months, she gave me all the materials I needed, I dropped stuff off as she told me with a blank check, they then ran the items through when they had time that day, and she mailed me the receipt and a copy of the check, including notes thanking me for my business.

Our non-profit runs out of a UPS store, and as noted, it is a franchise property. The owners and employess do backflips for us, because they are nice people to begin with, and the UPS Store has a lot of other services like printing and the such where they are working to get our business.

I am lucky to have both to do different jobs for me. I will agree strongly with the post about Reagan and what he did to A LOT of agencies, similar to what Bushco did with FEMA. These lunatics break them, them point to how they are broke as a ratinale for destroying them totally.

McDonalds LONG ago has gotten so big that as a pretty much solid rule, front counter people are drones. I have a 4 and 6 year old, and I spend more time there than I would like cause it just is something they enjoy doing with dad right now. Our primary McDonalds has this one lady at lunch on the day we usually go, and she is disaster. I have my two kids I have to keep an eye on, and she gets my order wrong, ALWAYS makes my chicken sandwhich order 3 times harder than it has to be ... She just is horrible. I have gotten to the poitn where I will get three people deeper in another line to avoid having to use her.

I know that complaining to a manager likely will get me free food - sometimes in the past it does, some times it hasn't. But, she is just some poor thing who is making money, and I don't have the time/energy with the kids to take on customer service issues at a McDonalds.

I think a general rule is that the larger and more well established a beaurocracy is, be it USPS or McDonalds, the more impersonal and unflexible it is prone ot get.

[mwb970]

6. The profit motive is not all bad!

In the case you cite, indeed, the corporation man would be more likely to serve an extra customer since that means more profit, unlike at the PO. There is a monetary incentive to be of service, since the customer has a choice.

For me, the problem comes in only when for-profit corporations are used to ensure public health or safety, as in health insurance companies, for-profit passenger screening at airports, or POW interrogations. The monetary incentive is so strong (read: greed) that for-profit corporations will be inclined to cut corners, skirt regulations, and overcharge, since their objective is to make money. A government agency charged with public health or safety has the objective of spending money, not hoarding it.

And that makes all the difference.

[mmonk]

8. A word about the post office.

What private enterprise would do it and do it successfully and turn a profit for its stockholders? Have you ever really thought about the post office talking point? How you ever even gotten your mind around the volume of mail daily? and what does the post office have to do with government in general? As someone who worked for the school system for awhile, privatization of services has driven up costs, not held it back or in check.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

13. Whst Fumed Me Was This Individual's Behavior

In this economy if you would have posted her position you would get enough applicants, many with college and graduate degrees, to take her job.

[mmonk]

16. I can't argue with that.

But many do actually do their jobs and some in the private sector don't but their business isn't a talking point like government positions are.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

17. Unemployment In The Metro Orlando Area Is 10%

People are losing their homes, jobs, and generally hanging on by their skin of the teeth. This woman has a decent job with benefits. She should appreciate it a bit more...

And from what I know of the postal service the clerk positions are the most coveted positions. I don't want to diminish her work but it's like a retail job except you get paid $30.00 an hour plus benefits...

[mmonk]

21. I agree on all counts with that.

And I think it may get worse unfortunately.

[Hannah Bell]

25. bullshit.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

26. I'll Ignore The Paucity Of Thought And Simply Ask What Part Of My Post Was Bullshit?

The fact that the unemployment rate in Metro Orlando is > 10%

The fact that folks are hanging on by the skin of their teeth.

The fact that she was deliberately rude and unhelpful

The fact that she has a well paying job with benefits.

The fact she should be thankful she has a well paying job in this economy.

The fact that if you posted her job on the net and allow folks to apply in person you would get a line a quarter mile long from folks including folks with graduate degrees. I know of college educated people who have been reduced to working for maid services...

The fact that others perform similiar work in other sectors of the economy with less benefits and for a lower salary.

[Dr.Phool]

44. It may have something to do with their working environment.

A bunch of postal employees used to come in the same bar I went to. They said that management was breathing down their necks during the entire shift, and they weren't going to do one extra thing for them.

Technically the employee was right, if it was closing time. An asshole for sure, but technically right.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

46. Yeah

I couldn't have done that though. I'm not going to refuse to help someone when the help I am asked to give is so small...

[bread_and_roses]

32. Right - if the PO were totally privatized none of us could afford to mail a letter

...or at least, not our holiday card list. The PO now is some sort of bastard hybred (since Reagan, I think, as earlier poster noted).

The PO right now is in the process of attempting to squeeze a "profit" out of its workforce; talk to some mail-handlers and clerks in larger facilities to find out what that means.

[armyowalgreens]

9. The USPS processes a shitload of mail daily and you are complaining about one event.

Or maybe even a few.

I've never had a problem with the post office. That doesn't mean it's perfect. It just means that you cannot use a single event to form an opinion about the USPS.


For the cost of mailing and the volume of paper processed, it doesn't get much better than the USPS

[sendero]

12. There is nothing wrong with the profit incentive..

.... it is human nature. Normal people do not work without expectation of compensation.

That said, I've dealt with both UPS and USPS for a long time and I find neither to be clearly superior. I wouldn't let one asshole color your opinion of an entire organization.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

14. I Have Had The Same Post Man For Ten Years

He's really nice. I just was pissed.

"All's well that ends well."... I had a pen in my car, and dropped it at a central point that accepts mail to 10:30 P.M.

I just think incentives and disincentives are a good thing...

[bread_and_roses]

31. Compensation for labor is not "profit" - it's wages

And "normal" people work all the time without expectation of "compensation" - at least, without monetary compensation. Most here, for instance, have probably worked hours and hours for candidates - for no "compensation" and certainly for no "profit" in monetary terms. Artists create with or without "compensation." Parents stay up all night with a fretting infant without "compensation."

"Normal" people have a desire to do meaningful and productive activities, and to be held in some kind of esteem for doing them. Neither wages nor certainly profit are essential to that formula.

[amyrose2712]

18. Maybe, that person was either rude or having a bad day.

I am not arguing for for against the profit incentive, however I couldn't imagine not helping you or at least giving you a pen whether I was going to make something from it or not. Her behavior is just not nice in general getting paid or not.

[safeinOhio]

19. I would think if your fiancee

had the incentive to get the project there on time, she would have taken it to the PO herself. You didn't. If you did you'd been there at least 2 or 3 minutes earlier. Not trying to attack you, only want to point another side to your theory. I've had PO employs go way out or their way to help me, even after hours.

[fasttense]

20. I'm sure if you complained the next day about her, something would have been done.

The sorely individual who ignored you has a very strong motive to treat her customers right. She could lose her job if she gets enough complaints. Even the post office pays attention to customer complaints. She was just ignoring her motivation for the moment. Profit making businesses have just as many sorely employees as does the post office.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

22. As Pissed As I Was I Wouldn't Want To Jeopardize Her Job By Complaining

At least after having some time to think about it...

[greguganus]

23. Try an independently-owned post office if you have one. I sell lots of stuff on Ebay.

We have 2 of these post offices in our area. They usually offer other services like cell phones, stationery, etc. The one I use stays open 6 days a week, including Saturdays, until 6:00 PM. They have never given me any problems, and even come out to my car to help me with the boxes.

[bread_and_roses]

33. Oh, good advice! Send them to a no doubt non-union shop, where employees have no protections

against employer/customer abuse! That's the ticket! Are those workers making a living wage? Do they have a contract that prevents forced over-time? Can they be fired if they look cross-eyed at "the boss?" No matter, "I want what I want and I want it NOW." I want it cheap and I want it servile.

[greguganus]

37. Both stores I visit are owned and operated by a husband and wife and they have no other employees.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but they charge the same thing as the regular post office does, as I print my postage online, and it doesn't matter where I drop off the boxes, the price is still the same. They just offer better service. They get paid per package, so it's in their interest to provide great customer service.
Next?:hi:

[DemocratSinceBirth]

40. You Set Up A Strawmen

Let me preface my remarks by saying I believe in an "honest wage for an honest days's work."

The problem is some folks with job security take advantage of their job security. That's not fair to the people who don't have job security.

[bread_and_roses]

63. And the definition of "taking advantage" is what? Quitting at your quit time?

Another thing that is rampant through this thread is how cowed and servile the US workforce has become since union busting and bashing has become a national past-time. We should be "grateful" we have a job? No, I don't think so. One has a job presumably because the hire-er needs the labor of the hire-ee.

[eilen]

29. That really stinks, I'm glad you were able to work around her

I see that attitude-- general hostility toward customers, resistance to flexibility often with state workers when I used to work at the state hospital. The clerical staff was so rude to patients. I would complain to the manager and the manager would tell me their hands were tied, the jobs were safe till retirement due to the CSEA union contract. People would get burnt out on their jobs, become incredibly lazy and ineffective requiring increased supervision which only made them more hostile. The manager would send the staff to customer service education seminars etc. to no avail. So much taxpayer money was wasted just to get the employees at our clinic to do their job correctly. The employees don't move on or leave to find better fulfillment or education because they don't want to lost their NYS retirement, their health benefits and their seniority. The seniority is a big deal. Some of them got great pleasure in bumping newer employees from scheduled vacation, weekends off and shifts. I would often see nurses do this (which was a different union). I was also in the PEF union and I am not anti-union at all.

Finally the front window gal retired and we received a transferred in gal who like the patients, would talk to them, was attentive and did not spend 90% of her time on personal phone calls. But the rest of the front office was still miserable to deal with. Our front window gal was strong enough to stand up to them though and often told them to move their lazy asses -- esp. when they were taking long long breaks and leaving her stuck.

My husband is currently working at the state fairgrounds as a contract state employee (He is IBEW) and he sees it too. The guys there are not union but receive the same union benefits. These guys are really anti-union right wing types. He says they complain a lot, are constantly calling in sick and taking time off, then when they return, have the contract guys do their work (which takes them off the jobs they are supposed to complete then bitch they aren't done in time) and make comments of "union workers" and don't know how really good they have it. He says they are very disorganized. Yesterday their poor planning required him to dig ditches to bury telecommunication lines as they had already filled everything in before clarifying the actual need or design for new restaurant buildings they were constructing. My husband explained that many of the state fair jobs were filled via nepotism of politicians and highly placed state employees. They are someone's nephew, brother in law, son or daughter. The worse part of his job is the guy who insists on playing am conservative talk radio. My husband has developed quite a hatred for Glenn Beck and is convinced these shows brainwash people.

[bread_and_roses]

34. Interesting that so many think profit is "good" EXCEPT for the most critical needs....

...so, if profit impairs and worse, imperils the delivery of essential goods and services, how is it somehow "good" for non-essential services? If it is "good" - ie, promoting efficiency, service, quality, etc., how is it that it doesn't work when the need is critical and time-sensitive, like delivery of health care, etc.?

[rucky]

35. I wish you hadn't picked on USPS

There's assholes in every industry and every walk of life. This incident is not unique to the USPS. Crappy service happens ALL THE TIME in the private sector.

[REP]

36. Your lack of planning is the Post Office's fault?

If the package was that important, why didn't you get it out earlier? Why blame someone else for your lack of planning? The PO closes at 5. I don't expect anyone who gets paid by the hour to stay after closing time because of my failure to plan.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

42. I Bear Some Responsibility

But I was thinking about that. People run out of gas all the time. I will allow for the fact that their gas gage can be broken or they are broke but most of the time it's because of poor planning. If I see someone with a gas can walking and it's near a car parked on the side of the road I will give them a ride to and back from the gas station. It's called courtesy and empathy.

[REP]

54. Your package; your responsibility to get it mailed in a timely fashion

Perhaps that branch was under notice that no overtime was to be worked. Who knows? Bottom line: you were there after closing. The person in line was there before closing. The end.

As for the gas can scenario - doesn't play, unless you drive a wrecker and that's your job. Otherwise, picking up strangers is a risk you take on your own, but has no bearing on whether a business has to stay open late because of your lack of planning.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

56. I Never Said She Was Required To Do So

We do lots of things for one another in life without being required to do so; like helping phyically challenged people, giving money to the needy, etcetera.

We can't all be followers of Ayn Rand...

[Occulus]

78. Actually, in this case, I can say with certainty that

the clerk would have probably gotten into trouble for helping you at all.

I work for USPS in a distribution center. Last night, I was helping out in manual letters to presort a tray so the people throwing the mail in the cases wouldn't have to go through a bunch of mail not destined for their case.

I leave at midnight. I had a handful of mail left. I was to clock out before I was done, because my supervisor wasn't authorized to give even 1/100th of an hour of overtime. That handful of mail had to be given to someone else who was there after midnight.

We're under enormous financial pressure right now. All automation bids in my building on 2nd shift, for example, are being abolished and everyone will have to rebid because we're getting 50+ people from Computerized Forwarding and we need to find them jobs.

Don't blame the clerk; their hands were completely tied. They literally could not help you.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

41. I used to be in a choir with a postal employee

Sure, they're paid well and have secure jobs, but they've also had to put up with a lot of garbage since Reagan semi-privatized it.

The woman I knew was so stressed out by her job that she was trying to leave, but she couldn't find anything with comparable pay and benefits in the private sector, and she had a house to pay for and children to support.

The employee you ran into may have had one of those lousy, stressful days at work and probably wanted to get the hell out of there as soon as possible.

I'd rather send stuff at the post office than through my nearest FedEx/Kinko's outlet, where the employees pointedly ignore you and wave you off if you try to get their attention while they're having an important flirtation with a colleague.

[annabanana]

43. If you showed up at 5:01 at FedEx, say, after the worker had just

closed the door... would you have been astonished and upset if that worker refused to unlock the door and let you in?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

47. The Door Was Open And There Was Someone On Line

~

[KittyWampus]

70. That person on line was there BEFORE 5:00. Postal Workers get to work early in the morning. Why the

heck should they let you in if you can't get your sorry ass there on time?

The postal worker behind the counter was being nice to even talk to you and give you an alternative after 5:00.

The outstanding crew in my post office locks the door to the counter area at 5:00 promptly.

[Hugin]

45. Why didn't you go to UPS in the first place... Because it was closed?

:rofl:

"...I went to a UPS store the owner if he was working..."

:rofl: x 2

[DemocratSinceBirth]

49. The UPS Store Is Open To 7

The point was the post office door was open and there was someone being served. If the post office was closed I woould have left.

[Hugin]

50. Well, the US Post Office is open 24/7.

For a fraction of the price...

[DemocratSinceBirth]

52. The Woman Refused To Loan Me A Pen

A lot of people in my position would have said " Can't you loan me a f--ing pen" and made a scene...

[Hugin]

57. I'm sure a private organization might have rented you a pen.

At an appropriate rate... Like 29%.

IIRC most Post Offices once had pens available in the lobby, but, they became a HUGE EXPENSE in the eyes of conservative Republican Congress Members due to the fact they were often stolen. So, as a compromise, the pens were removed to save money and reduce taxes. Also, to make Government Services look bad. Nice additional touch there.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

60. This Isn't A Private V Public Thing

I can't imagine not lending somebody a pen...

And she lied. She said I didn't need a pen...It wasn't a stamp I needed but a special label that had to be written on...

I am just blown away at the defense of selfish behavior...

[KittyWampus]

71. The woman was trying to finish her work day and you showed up AFTER HOURS for counter service.

[MindPilot]

48. Try this from the employee's viewpoint

That person probably stopped getting paid at 5:00 and most work rules do not allow an employee to be on the property after hours. I know it's only a minute, but the line has to be someplace.

I did that once when I worked at a gas station. A man came in with a burnt-out headlamp just as I was locking up. I suggested the parts store down the street, but he pleaded and pleaded and finally I gave in. While I was changing the bulb, he emptied the till.

I didn't have a leg to stand on -- I was actually implicated in the investigation because I had let him in after hours. Needless to say I lost the job and I was lucky that was all I lost.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

51. But You Have The Peace Of Mind That You Did The Right Thing

Sometimes "doing the right thing is costly" but if we are always worried about negative consequences we become callous.

[MindPilot]

74. No, I didn't do the right thing.

That guy with the headlamp was not signing my paycheck.

I broke my employer's rules--conditions I agreed to in excahnage for my wages--and in so doing allowed a crime to be commited, damaged my employer's business, and lost myself a job.

[Hugin]

55. I hear ya on that.

Why, just the other day I was turned away from being served in a "PRIVATE" restaurant because I went in 15 minutes before the posted closing time.

Did I bitch about it on DU? No. Because, it's only 'cool' to deride GOVERNMENT institutions and services as an underhanded argument for the status-quo of privatization and profiteering. It's part of the brainwashing.

"Private" = "Good"
"Government" = "Bad"

Brainwashing, we've been spoon fed by TPTB since the REAGAN Revolution.

NATIONALIZE the RESTAURANTS!!!

[hedgehog]

53. So - since you're all for the profit motive and incentives, did you offer the clerk

an extra $5 or $10 to stay on the job after hours and take care of your package?

If you sell for a living, you should be aware that on-time delivery is a critical component in service. Maybe next time your fiance should promise you an extra $5 or $10 to get to the post office before closing time.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

58. No-Because I'm Almost Broke

And if I had an extra $5.00 or $10.00 I'm giving it to a homeless person not somebody who makes 60K a year with benefits...

[hedgehog]

61. Sorry, I don't buy the argument that simply because people

who work in the private sector get treated poorly in this economy, people who work in the public sector should also get treated poorly. People in the public sector are my employees, and I expect them to be treated properly.

Did it ever occur to you that maybe the clerk had somewhere she had to be at say, 5:10? Other people have lives, too.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

62. It Was 5:01 Not 5:10

I don't see how asking someone to go slightly out of their way is treating them poorly.

Whenever I go downtwon I am stopped by homeless people asking for money. I always comply because I believe "There but for the grace of God go I"... I should tell them they are treating me poorly because I might have places to go and need to be there at a certain time.

There are always excuses for selfish behavior. Ayn Rand dedidcated her whole life to the proposition that such behavior should be the norm...

[proud2BlibKansan]

59. My local post office is wonderful

I can't say I have had an experience like this.

[Taitertots]

64. The last second unprepared guy

You must be the guy getting all pissy because the McDonalds breakfast menu stopped while you were in line.

[Skittles]

65. I've been truly shocked how customer service has declined

I suspect it's because people no longer feel loyal to their jobs

[WCIL]

66. When can the clerk leave then?

If she waited on you, if someone had come in as she was finishing with you then she would have had to wait on them, and so on and so on. Then she is in trouble for getting unauthorized overtime. It is a no-win situation for everybody.

[tj2001]

67. Some government employees are rude. Most Wal-Mart managers are assholes.

And 99.9% of car dealership service managers are evil.

[lame54]

68. why couldn't you have it delivered the next day?

[earth mom]

69. I've had businesses close 5 minutes EARLY on me and refuse to open so I could buy something quickly.

Face it, you were late. It was your mistake and problem, not hers.

Also, that USPS employee probably would have gotten reamed for helping you because the USPS has clamped down on any overtime.

Everything at the post office is timed and everything is monitored-it is very efficient but there is a ton of pressure on the employees, it's not some job that you can just kick back and do whatever the hell you want to.

Your opinion that they make too much or that the unemployment rate should make them work harder and kiss your ass is absolute crap.

EVERYONE in this country should be making those kind of wages and the only reason that USPS employees do is because of their Union.

People trash Unions, but they are the only thing that will cover your ass from greedy ass and unfair employers.

[KittyWampus]

72. Get your sorry ass to the Post Office before 5:00 if you want counter service. They close at 5:00

And if she starts accommodating YOU, who got there after 5:00 at 5:01, then she has to accommodate the next loser who gets there at 5:02.

Postal workers start their day EARLY. And they have to do stuff to close out their register after the last customer.

Stop blaming an employee for your incompetence.

Frankly, I think she was being nice by explaining the alternatives to you (buying a stamp from machine).

[DemocratSinceBirth]

81. Since Your Fond Of Quoting Scripture; At Least In Your Tagline

I will share some scripture with you

James 3:2

Proverbs 15:1

I'd say "My God" but that would be taking the Lord's name in vain... You act like I intentionally committed the mother of all trespasses when I was a minute late and requested some help....

[demgurl]

73. The post office does care about customer service.

I was a mystery shopper for them for many years. I will say that there could be two very valid reasons for the associate not helping you.

Some business computers actually have time constraints on them and they can only do things at certain times. I will say this is most likely not what happened here but it still can happen at some places because it has happened to me with the associate being very apologetic.

The other thing may have nothing to do with you and everything to do with her higher ups. I had a job a few years ago and my duties were very clearly defined. People within the business kept coming to me to ask me to do such things as update the web site. At first I felt really weird about turning down small things because I like to keep people happy. Finally it went way overboard to where I was allegedly responsible for keeping up the stock of coffee, creamers, sugar, etc....for our customers.

One small request was fine but then it got bigger and bigger and I finally just had to put my foot down and say no to any and all requests that were not included in my job description. The associate in your scenario may have had times when she was asked to do this or that, not in her job description, and she finally had to put her foot down so she could even get home on time everyday. Yes, your request would not have taken long by itself but it may be a situation where she felt she could not give an inch without it snowballing with her superiors or other customers.

Could she have been nicer in her demeanor? Yes. I am sorry this happened to you, I know it put you in a bad spot.

[MindPilot]

76. Holdup men use that tactic.

Be the last one in, just them and the lone employee, with a little luck the door locked and the keys hanging in the lock.

I don't blame the employee at all for "being mean".

ETA: If you have ever worked any kind of single-person-at-the-counter job, you know your last customer is your most dangereous customer.

[unapatriciated]

77. Hubby and I send care packages to the troops.

The first time we mailed them we did it through UPS at a cost of $300.00 the second time (for the same size and weight boxes) we mailed it through the post office for just over a $100.00.
For that kind of savings I have no problem getting there on time and bringing my own pen.

btw I have had on two different occasions UPS lose or fail to get an overnight delivered on time. So I think I will stick with the US Postal Service.
and no I don't work for them.

I do however thank the UPS (teamsters) drivers for not crossing my picket line a few years back.
edited to clarify who I was thanking.

[csziggy]

79. No excuse for her attitude but maybe why she said "No" to both your requests

Our local PO has a 4:30 PM cut off for Priority Mail - anything that comes in after that does not get the expedited delivery until the next day. But in an effort to stop people from turning to FedEx or UPS, the clerks are not supposed to tell people that. You may have made it clear your package needed to go out that day and she could only say "No" so you would go elsewhere to take care of getting your package where it needed to be when it needed to be there.

My husband works at FedEx Office (formerly Kinko's) and they have a cut off for accepting packages. Depending on the truck driver and the time, they sometimes can accept packages even after the truck is at the store for pickup, but some drivers cannot or will not wait for an incoming package to be processed. They've had customers get pissed because they rush in at the last minute to ship their package, they see the truck loading but the clerks cannot get the package on that truck. It is not the clerk's choice - but they are not supposed to tell the customer "Oh, that driver does not want to wait around." :shrug:

As for the pen - I've been at the PO when someone walked off with the clerk's pen. From the conversation between clerks, it appears they are issued one pen per shift. It if walks off, the clerk does not have one to do their job or they have to borrow one or supply their own. Part of their cost cutting. Private businesses on the other hand often have give away pens with advertising that they don't mind if the customers walk off with. Private businesses can write those off as advertising.

There are clerks at the PO that drive me batty - one works in slow motion for everything - but there are also people there that work hard and do everything they can to help. I've probably had just as many bad experiences with poor service at private businesses as I have at the PO or government offices. So it balances out.

[anonymous171]

82. Of course not. But poor customer service beats unreliable/shoddy service

rendered for the sake of maximizing profits.