posted on December 27, 2000 10:05:44 AM new
I've used USPS Express Mail twice recently, at the customers' request. The first item took a week to get from California to Atlanta, GA! I was quoted 2 days.
The 2nd was last week. I took it to the post office on 12/21 to be delivered to Fairbanks, AK. Again I was quoted 2 days, which was great since this was to be a Christmas present. The first delivery attempt wasn't until 12/25, too late as my customer was away for the holiday. It did get delivered on 12/26.
Tracking is always a day behind, so you really don't know what's going on.
This is what I/customer pays $15+ for? Recourse? None, of course. I know the USPS is very busy this time of year, but that's not a valid excuse when paying a premium for quick delivery. I've had better luck with Book Rate!
Anyone else lose their faith in Express Mail? I'm 0 for 2... is this normal?
posted on December 27, 2000 10:29:10 AM new
I guess I was premature in assuming there was no recourse. I'm looking into getting some sort of refund. Nonetheless, it's lousy service, at least with my limited exprerience.
Mind you, overall I think the USPS does a tremendous job. I use book rate for 95% of my deliveries (about 100/week) and their track record there is incredible. Never a loss in over 2 years. As a matter of fact the only loss I've had was Priority mail!
posted on December 27, 2000 01:13:45 PM new
Sorry to hear that happened to you. I shipped a game on 12/23 from Ohio to Oregon. It was delivered Christmas morning. Just when mom wanted it there.
posted on December 27, 2000 01:15:00 PM new
That is TERRIBLE! I sent a first class package to Anchorage that took only 3 days and that was in the hectic just before Christmas chaos! I was beginning to think the USPS was finally starting to get its act together!
posted on December 27, 2000 05:29:08 PM new
Shoshanah is right. Just bring the receipt and you should get a total refund.
At least this is what normally happens. If the delay is caused by weather I know Fed Ex and UPS don't refund their next day service.
But I have gotten money back from Express Mail on 2 occasions in the summer. Express mail is the worst and I refuse to use it when someone really needs something.
Also, we have to be a little more patient with the PO, both us seller and the buyers. Right now, hardly anything is moving in southeast Oklahoma and most of Arkansas. Packages, and payments are going to take a little longer, because of the weather and the volume.
posted on December 27, 2000 07:50:24 PM new
I agree that patience is a must with the post office, but at $15.75 and a promise of 2 day delivery, 4 days is not acceptable.
I will definitely take my receipt to the post office and ask for a refund. I'll let you know how it goes in a few days. Sounds like they're pretty easy about it. Thanks for letting me know.
posted on December 27, 2000 08:39:45 PM new
The postal service will refund the money to the person who sent the package. You will then have to refund the money separately to the buyer. Maybe your buyer won't be too upset--at least the shipping was free!
When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight, use Fed Ex. Nothing ever seems to get to Alaska on time, it depends on whether the planes are actually flying.
posted on December 28, 2000 12:58:41 AM new
If 2 or 4 days are unaceptable, then how about 7 days? An Express letter was mailed to me on the 19th and I am still waiting. Tracking consists of being told that the item is in the mail. A tracer was put on it and I was told that I would get a response within 24 hours. That was 4 days ago.
