feistyone
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posted on July 5, 2002 12:06:18 AM new
We've been using the USPS free online delivery confirmation for a while now with no problems, that is until we started using online postage.
Since we started using the online postage we've just been leaving our packages on the counter instead of waiting in line. Little did we know that now when we enter a tracking number it says "item not found".
So to get it to work right, we now have to wait in line and have the clerk scan each and every package, even though we already have postage on the package.
The post office needs to get a clue.
Finer Fashions on Ebay, top designers, latest styles.
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/feistyone/
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sn0bbish
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posted on July 5, 2002 04:02:28 AM new
hmm ive been standing in line with my packages that have online dc and was bluntly told they do not scan them anymore. that since its done online the # is already in teh system. usually it will say that the usps has been notified to expect this package to be shipped on such n such date. then its scanned at the receiving end. no problems yet.
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glassgrl
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posted on July 5, 2002 05:22:59 AM new
You're RIGHT! Every package I've printed and mailed says it cannot be located! GREAT.
Anybody else's system hanging up over there too while you're trying to complete the forms?
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gravid
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posted on July 5, 2002 05:40:46 AM new
They just changed the system over. It used to be that the counter scanners would not read the online bar codes only the carier scanners but about two weeks ago they changed them so the counter scanners will show them in the system.
Of course they may not have gotten to all the little post offices yet - and who knows if the clerks have a clue about the change anywhere.
And the post office should scan them into the system if they are left and not hand processed.
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mrfoxy76
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posted on July 5, 2002 05:50:30 AM new
why waste your time with the usps?
they too expensive and service sucks...prime example here.
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sn0bbish
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posted on July 5, 2002 07:08:33 AM new
they used to scan them when i took them to the counter now they say theyre not supposed to... and yes all mine are showing up as not found too!! GREAT! i have no choice as to who i ship with. =(
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marcn
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posted on July 5, 2002 07:24:41 AM new
I use Endicia with free DC and they always show up. I put on all my labels in bold green "Please Scan Me" and it works every time.
eBay marcs-garage
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dmrick
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posted on July 5, 2002 07:41:09 AM new
I just put in 5-6 and checked, and everyone of them show they were delivered. I do (not supposed to, I know) print with an inkjet and put tape over the entire lable (have to with my inkjet..otherwise it might smear).
I'm still using the pre July 1st page to print mine (the page where you don't have to put in the weight), and I'm buying the postage at my post office, since you have to stand in line anyway to hand them in (we don't have a drop off). That way I also get the dated receipt.
My post office still does not scan them when I bring them in, although I'm going to have her try it today and then track it.
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hair2dye4
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posted on July 5, 2002 08:40:11 AM new
Anyone have a link to online DC, I won't be using the USPS much but might as well save when I do. I can't find it on there site, other then It not working right now, what other tricks do I need to know about free DC?
Endica? Charges? I am going to look at the site but pros- cons???
Thanks all.
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slabholder
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posted on July 5, 2002 09:10:15 AM new
http://www.usps.com/cgi-bin/api/shipping_label.htm
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gravid
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posted on July 5, 2002 09:45:22 AM new
I print them out with an ink jet also but spray the back with Krylon all purpose spray adhesive - then spray the front with Krylon workable fixatif. Looks real good and won't run or smudge.
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doxdogy
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posted on July 5, 2002 09:46:09 AM new
I had this problem recently. The package wasn't scanned at the post office I mailed it from. But, once it was delivered it was scanned and I was able to see that it was delivered. I did ask for signature confirmation. Not sure if this had anything to do with it.
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feistyone
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posted on July 5, 2002 10:09:19 AM new
You are right, it will show up as delivered on the other end but when a customer on occasion asks for a confirmation number (while a package is in route) and it says "item not found", that can cause a problem.
I guess I will be waiting in line again till they get everyone up to speed on how it works.
Finer Fashions on Ebay, top designers, latest styles.
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/feistyone/
[ edited by feistyone on Jul 5, 2002 10:10 AM ]
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gkwan99
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posted on July 5, 2002 11:01:19 AM new
I think everyone is forgetting one very important point - you are talking about "Delivery Confirmation" and not a tracking number. I do not believe DC was ever intended as a tracking number, but everyone believes it is.
I have used the electronic form of DC since it first started and have not have any problems with it - BUT I am looking at it from the standpoiht of what it is supposed to be and what it is not (tracking #).
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kshoops
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posted on July 5, 2002 10:45:19 PM new
Is everyone else as frustrated as I am with the Del. Conf. system with the USPS? I have sent over 25 packages this week using the free online Del. Conf. system, some I had scanned here at my P.O. when sent, and others were not scanned here but should have been scanned when received.
I have checked the USPS.com website tonight, and right now I have NO packages that have been shown as accepted by the recipients. I don't know if they are not being scanned on the receiving end, or if the USPS.com website is unbelievably SLOW at posting the status, but this is ridiculous. Anyone else having problems like this or is it just me?
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alwaysbroke
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posted on July 5, 2002 11:17:36 PM new
It happened on one of my packages for the first time this week. It never got scanned. It arrived safely, but it never got scanned.
http://www.sparedollar.com/sdGallery/usergallery.asp?uID=2261
http://www.sparedollar.com?ref=2261
lurking is not an option
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impressa5
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posted on July 5, 2002 11:40:45 PM new
Before the postage hikes I was using shipping software from the post office. It couldn't print postage, but it would make labels for all mail types add d/c or any other available services. Recently I have been using PO's website to do this along with printing the postage. When I use the website, the d/c "not found" until after the package arrived. Before, when I was using the software, it always said "your package is scheduled for delivery on..." OR "your package was accepted for delivery on..." This does not make any since to me.
About Delivery Confirmation number not being a tracking number. Actually, it IS a tracking number. If you take the number to your local post office, they can give you a detailed list showing every place that package has been. Like UPS does online. This detailed information is only available on the PO's "intranet" and not their website. They obviously have the information, why can't they show it publicly?
Okay, I'm done ranting. 
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feistyone
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posted on July 6, 2002 09:46:22 AM new
I was told yesterday that they could not scan the packages on my end, and sometimes they can't scan them on the other end.
So the online delivery confirmation, as it is now, is useless...
Finer Fashions on Ebay, top designers, latest styles.
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/feistyone/
[ edited by feistyone on Jul 6, 2002 09:46 AM ]
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technerd
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posted on July 6, 2002 10:46:51 AM new
Here is how the new delivery system is working for me:
1. I take my package to the P.O. Our P.O. has a computer screen and keyboard for the clerk and a computer screen for the customer.
2. My package has the label I get online. If it is Media Mail or First Class, I have already cut off the portion above the Return Address.
3. The clerk puts the package on the scale and the weight shows up on our screens. The clerk types in the zip code (country for foreign mail) and my options and their prices are printed on our screens. I usually already know what I want, but sometimes a light book is shown to be cheaper going first class. For Canadian shipments, it is often cheaper for Air Mail than Surface. For other foreign shipments I write down the prices for my customer to choose and just get a quote, not actually mail the item.
4. The clerk types in my choice and our screens show my options (delivery confirmation, return receipt, etc.) for additional services along with their prices.
5. If I want Delivery Confirmation, she types in that number and I am charged an additional 55¢.
6. The clerk then scans the bar code and the computer notes the number and automatically reduces the charge to zero for Priority Mail or 13¢ for First Class Mail or Media Mail. This also shows up on our screens.
It seems to be working fine.
I confirm shipping with my customer and write:
"The USPS tracking number is xxxxxxxxxxx."
I agree with the previous poster who said this is not a tracking number. I use it to confirm delivery to help me decide on refunds and discourage buyers from claiming they never got a package.
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alwaysbroke
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posted on July 6, 2002 10:48:18 AM new
That is not true. We asked the Postmaster to scan the bar code to make sure it was readable. He used a mail carrier's hand scanner, and it picked it right up!
http://www.sparedollar.com/sdGallery/usergallery.asp?uID=2261
http://www.sparedollar.com?ref=2261
lurking is not an option
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gk4495
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posted on July 6, 2002 02:39:48 PM new
The only time I supply a customer with the D.C. number is when they claim the package did not show up at their end. In every case I accompany that information with the information found on the USPS website related to that package.
"The Delivery Confirmation number is XXXXXXXXXX and according to the USPS it was delivered at your address on MM/DD/YYYY at XX:XX a.m." I then suggest that they double check for it and if they cannot find it, I'll start a Post Office investigation from my end and hint that the PO deals harshly with those who attempt fraud. In *every* instance the package has been "found."
Electronic D.C. enters automatically, it is not supposed to be scanned at the point of drop off, only at the point of delivery. It is *NOT* a tracking number in the sense the UPS has tracking numbers. Don't equate the two.
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Libra63
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posted on July 6, 2002 04:36:42 PM new
When I ask for a delivery confirlmation from the post office the postal clerk scans the numbers and when it scans it, it automatically adds the charge to your bill. When you use the one on the USPS site the only scanner that will work on it is the hand held one that doesn't record any amount.
It is a tracking number. It tells me when it leaves my post office and gets to theirs.
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Libra63
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posted on July 6, 2002 04:41:25 PM new
The DC tracking numbers are only available to the ones that are over $51.00. The Post office has a record of that but they don't keep a record of the one we get for free or the one that we pay for at the post office for 35 cents. This is what I was told at my Post office.
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litlux
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posted on July 6, 2002 05:52:53 PM new
With all the different experiences with Delivery Confirmation here, and so many opinions, it is hard to know what the precise policy is.
eDelivery Confirmation used to be only scanned when delivered. With the change of postal rates, all my clerks are now scanning this barcode, and the machine calculates whether a fee needs to be added or not. It adds 13 cents for Media or First Class, .00 for Priority.
When my receipt is printed out, it shows the zip, the eDC number, the postage paid, and what (if anything) was charged for DC.
I believe that they are now supposed to scan in all eDC barcodes. It may take a while for all the stations and clerks to catch up.
Meanwhile, the USPS site has had lots of glitches, and tracking of eDC was not available for several days. So nothing was showing up.
Finally, I had been using a special site which asked for weights and allowed you to select special services. This service placed each days shipping activity on a manifest that was transmitted to the USPS. When using tracking it would show up as some of you have experienced. But the data base for the service was so flawed it would claim one out of ten addresses to be incorrect. So I have dropped this service for the basic one most of us use. It is far easier and more current.
I would like to add that about 4% of my Priority packages fail to be scanned on receipt, but since they introduced Delivery Confirmation, I have only had two packages disappear out of more than two thousand. And one I am fairly certain was probably delivered, though probably stolen.
A pretty good record for the much maligned postal service. Then again, my packing is very sturdy.
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bananaspider
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posted on July 6, 2002 06:32:09 PM new
The USPS Track/Confirm system had been down for a little over 48 hours and had not been updating. I just checked and all the labels I've printed since Wednesday are now in the system. A few even show as delivered.
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kshoops
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posted on July 6, 2002 06:37:17 PM new
bananaspider:
You must have had better luck than me---I have sent out 35+ packages last week with the EDelivery Confirmation, and none have been entered into the system, I just checked. A bunch of those went out last Monday, so they should have easily been there by now (sent Priority).
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bananaspider
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posted on July 6, 2002 06:46:52 PM new
I don't know if it makes any difference but I am using the Shipping Assistant software not the web site.
After a couple of days of not seeing my eDC show up online, I emailed support. They said the system was not updating.
Today, everything from Wednesday forward showed up. This was about 118 packages all together.
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feistyone
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posted on July 6, 2002 06:55:03 PM new
bananaspider
That is good news. I haven't tried to confirm any of our packages today but I will take your word for it.
What do you think of Shipping Assistant?
Finer Fashions on Ebay, top designers, latest styles.
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/feistyone/
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bananaspider
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posted on July 6, 2002 07:32:44 PM new
I couldn't live without it. In addition to printing eDC for Media, Parcel Post, etc., you can confirm up to five tracking #'s at a time, verify addresses and find zip codes. You can store unlimited addresses in the address book, which can be opened with Excel, so you can easily add addresses in bulk when necessary. It also has a domestic & international rate calculator and a tool to determine the amount of time for delivery. I usually only visit the USPS web site to order supplies.
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sn0bbish
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posted on July 7, 2002 01:52:31 AM new
i mailed packages out on the 1st and none of them are showing up yet. ive even got it asking me for the date it was mailed on and then it says item not found. sheesh!
i downloaded shipping assistant and tried to use it and it said something about needing an external image viewer to view my labels. what that means i dont know but for me the thing is pretty useless. =/
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