My tiny rant for the day

So I just got back from the post office because I had to mail something and didn't have any stamps. The woman at the counter took my envelope (a regular 8 x 11 envelope) and then charged me a PACKAGE rate because it was a little bit "puffy". I was only told this after she had charged me, placed the sticker on the envelope and told me my total. Of course now I had to pay, but I mean seriously?? I've mailed out envelopes larger than that with just stamps several times and it made it to its destination just fine.

I ended up not having enough money because I didn't expect her to charge me a package rate and since the sticker was already on, I couldn't take the letter back, she said she'd cover the difference. Next time I'll just buy the stamps. rolleyes

 

What the heck?? I've never had them decide for me what I was paying! Every time I go to the post office, they weigh whatever I'm mailing and tell me about four options of ways to send it and what each one costs. Then I get to pick before they print the sticker.

 

That's why I always use the automated machine and click envelope.
Never had a problem.

 

This is only the second time I've used the actual post office to do anything but buy stamps in years so wasn't aware of how things *should* work. I used to print out all my package labels on usps.com but this envelope is the kind I used which is too small for the label. (I put the wrong size of the envelope in my initial post, I was thinking of the size of a piece of paper :-D).

After I asked her why it was so much she seemed unsure of herself and spoke with her coworker a few times. I think she realized she charged me for the wrong item and that's why agreed to pay the difference, although she didn't seem to happy about it.

My P.O is kind of small, no automated machines, only two cashier windows.

 

I have a postage scale I paid about $12 for on ebay. This lets me calculate how many stamps I need and skip the Post Office on First Class stuff that weighs less than 13 ounces.

On bigger stuff, I usually use Priority Mail and pay/print at usps.com. Granted, Priority Mail is a few bucks higher than Parcel Post but by doing this I can schedule online to have the mailman pick it up and avoid the trip to (and time waiting at) the Post Office.

 

Probably the difference is coming out of her check, and she sounds like the type who doesn't just do that once. At most, anything you can fit in that envelope should have cost two regular stamps.

My post office is tiny as well, which is why I love going there. It's one of the few things that are still small town about my formerly small town (now suburb). I'm in there on a pretty regular basis.

 

That's happened to me before, where I was charged more than I thought was appropriate.

One option would be to order some less expensive stamps and use one of those as an extra when you're not sure.

33 cent Apple Stamps (20 for $6.60)

P.S.
Walmart now sells stamps.

 

Mmm - "puffy"...:drool

Just show 'em some leg...

:wave

 

That's what I was thinking which is why I only went in with a few bucks. So either she's into scamming people or isn't the brightest crayon in the box.

haha! I really could get used to the perpetual nice weather though...

I did all the of the mailing at my old job, so I've gotten pretty good at knowing how much postage to put on. The problem was I didn't have any stamps and thought it would be easier to just use the window instead of going and buying stamps. Big mistake :|

And I did not know Walmart sells stamps.. thanks!

It's way too cold for leg.. heck I don't even really show any leg in the summertime :-D

And what's so mmm about a puffy envelope? you like eating paper now? you might want to see a doctor for that..