PTC Post Office Automated Postal Machine

This is the classic definition of "nerve" although I'd rather use the term "ba**s" but i won't.

At about 1PM at the PTC post office I was second in line to use the automated postal machine. Then a lady walks in and stands with two christmas card envelopes off to my side but not in line.

When the lady in front of me was done I looked at the lady not in line and inquired if she needed to use the machine real quickly.

She replied she needed to check the weight of the cards which sounded reasonable to me.

She then proceeds to go through the entire postage weight, zip code, purchase stamps procedure. So much for being truthful.

I turned to the lady behind me and we both reminded ourselves not to go off on the lady who now has made us wait for several minutes.

As the lady finished and walked off she said thanks.

I should have said something but tried to keep the season in focus.

I hope this lady finds some character this holiday season.

Yep, the definition of "nerve" was demonstrated clearly to me today.

How would you have handled the situation?

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Others are having some
Submitted by jollibee on Thu, 01/29/2009 - 1:17am.

Others are having some problems regarding the automated postal machine. I have nothing against this, actually i'm in favor of this because it is a time and energy saver. but is that how it works really? Phoenix direct mail services

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Next time try Click N Ship
Submitted by fluffybear on Mon, 12/22/2008 - 10:28am.

Next time, log on to USPS.COM and use their free service, Click N Ship. As a matter of fact, Click N Ship prices often are lower then going inside the postal service (from the USPS site: Pay and print your postage online to get the special Commercial Base Price. Express Mail® - Get 3% off the retail price. Priority Mail® - Get up to 11% off the retail price).

You will want to have a small scale in order to weigh your items. In our house, we purchased a nice digital food scale for under $20.00 and use for both weighing food and postage. For larger items, we use a bathroom scale.

The best part with Click N Ship is you never have to set foot inside the post office as while your arranging to ship your package, you can arrange for a free Carrier pick-up (next working day) or just give the package to your mail person.

As for your situation, you should not have allowed the lady to cut in front of you especially with others behind you waiting. That was very inconsiderate to the people who have been patiently waiting and may also have things to do. The best thing to do is learn from your mistake and don't let it ruin your holiday!

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Waiting in line at the post office
mapleleaf's picture
Submitted by mapleleaf on Sun, 12/21/2008 - 11:06am.

How would I have handled the situation?

Here’s my Ann Landers type answer.

If there was someone already waiting behind you, you weren’t privileged to let someone break in line for anything. The person behind you was made to suffer from what you thought was courtesy on your part. By being courteous to one person you were being discourteous to another (the one behind you).

This happens a lot when people drive and some drivers decide to let others cut in in front of them. Conditions on the road are obviously different from leisurely standing in line at the post office, but there is some similarity here, as courtesy to one person at the expense of many more ends up being discourteous.

So you created the situation you were in.

What you should have done is apologize to the person behind you for letting this woman cut in front of you, and you should have explained you did not realize you would both be taken advantage of.

Next time, be sure to get the permission of the people behind you before you yield to your impulses to be chivalrous, and remember women today are equal to men in many aspects, including brassiness. Open doors for women if you will, but don’t expect too many women to open doors for you. It’s a new era.

And have a Merry Christmas!


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It was a hoot!
Submitted by winer on Sun, 12/21/2008 - 1:46pm.

Found myself standing in a long line at the department store, thinking about all the chores waiting for me at home. I could hear an older women behind me in line, asking the elderly gentleman with her if he was ok. She was telling him she would take him somewhere to sit down, she would take him to the car if he didn't feel well or they could go home and she would complete her shopping another day. As I got close to the front of the line, I looked back to see how far back the older couple were. I wanted them to go to the front of the line, but it didn't seem fair to the customers between us. So I offered to switch places in the line. At first the older women refused till I insisted that I would take her place in the line.

The customers between us all ended up insisting that I not go to the back into the older couple's place. But I realized what was my rush to get to those chores any way!!! So I moved back a few people, and took a few extra minutes. But you could tell the difference among the customers in line. It seemed like people were smiling more and chatting comfortably with those around them. It ended up being a hoot - and gave me a smile that lasted through the sink cleaning and the vacuuming. I will definitely try doing it again someday – it was worth it just for the “shock value”. I wonder why I never thought to do it before, just swap instead of offering cuts into the line.

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