We all have Post Office horror stories -- this isn't a HUGE deal -- but I'm wondering if it's even legal. Michael bought a $2 box at the Post Office on 10th Avenue (attached to London Terrace), to mail some Giants memorabilia to our niece and nephew in Arizona. The place was completely empty, by the way. When the woman behind the counter retrieved it he asked her if she would mind taping the bottom of it for him to which she replied: "Are you handicapped?" Stunned, Michael said nothing, at which point she said: "Because I would only do it for you if you were handicapped." (He was not pleased.) Are civil servants even allowed to ask someone that? I'm guessing she would argue she was saying it in more of an "Is-your-arm-in-a-sling way," but I'm not sure that makes it any better.
6 comments:
I have question -- Is the photo the "post office" in question here? If so it appears to be a private business, not a US Post Office. That being said, whether it is a private business clerk or a government civil servant, the response was far out of place. That being said almost every US Post office I have been has tape available or are willing to to tape it for you at the counter. I have had many a long wait in line, and some not always "smiling" clerks at the US Post Office, but never had some one that rude.
No, that was just a cute photo. I changed it to avoid confusing anyone else.
Not a problem, I think you should report the clerk, as the clearing should be against the USPS customers service guidelines.
That response was ridiculous, but maybe it's a New York thing, not a Post Office thing. Here in Iowa the clerks at our local Post Office are great. I know them by name, they smile and are helpful, and so is my rural mail carrier. Sorry if I just stereotyped New Yorkers or East Coasters as rude, but is there some truth to that?
I do know that postal employees are not supposed to do that stuff for customers, but have seen some be rather crisp about it. As a consumer, I like it when other patrons come in with finished packages and have been steamed many times to see people walk in with something like a pair of shoes expecting the P.O. to pack them up as well as ship them. (One guy recently did this, was PISSED he had to stand in line for it and gave the clerk scorching attitude when she suggested he tape up his box. "You do it," he demanded bluntly. She declined and he he hissed, "Thanks for NOTHING.") Michael's case is pretty ridiculous—there's nothing wrong with asking for a little tape.
Just this week I went in to mail something using one of the boxes they advertise for a flat fee. What they don't tell you is that you must put the box together and tape it on your own, and if you don't happen to have packing tape in your pocket, you can buy a roll for $3.49 plus tax. What a rip-off. Will never do that again.
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