I had one of the most frustrating experiences in quite a while today. I rent a Post Office Box from the USPS. For over three years it has been a pleasant experience. The cost of renting the box is affordable. My Post Office has even expanded their hours to stay open to 8 pm. I have had really no complaints about the US Postal Service (other than the chronically long lines) UNTIL NOW!
At the beginning of May, I received my annual bill for the rental of my PO BOX... it read $106.00 due May 31, 2007. Now, I pay all of my bills through Quickbooks and print out my checks on the printer. So, when I receive a bill I enter it into the program and print out the checks when they are due. So, I automatically printed this check out and sent it off on May 20th, well within the due date. I went away for Memorial weekend and when I got back to work went to my PO BOX to check my mail. I inserted my key and turned to open the box... only to find it locked. So, I stood in line (which was the usual 12-15 deep) to talk to the clerk about why my box was inaccessible. The clerk SLOWLY checked an index card box near her and informs me that I did not pay my rent on my box. I tried for the next few minutes to explain and correct her that I did send in my check in the USPS self addressed envelope well within the due date and that the check should be here. The clerk leaves the counter and disappears behind the wall to look for my check. After a few minutes she reemerges to inform me that the check is not here and that I should check back in a few days... maybe the holiday delayed the processing of it.
So, I let a few days pass and revisit the post office only to find the usual dozen people waiting patiently in line. After 15 minutes of standing in line it is my turn to speak to the blue shirted representative behind the counter. This conversation was very reminiscent of the previous one a few days earlier. The conversation concluded with basically No MONEY NO MAIL. They would not open my box and give me my mail until I handed them a check. However, I was not giving up on my orphaned check (actually I am to cheap to pay the Stop Fee).
Fast forward to today.... I revisit the Post Office.. you guessed it 12 people between me and my mail. I wait patiently... even as other customers who are now 20 deep begin to grumble LOUDLY "WHY ARE THERE ONLY TWO PEOPLE AT THE COUNTER AND 5 STANDING AROUND IN THE BACK?" I wait and try not to grumble. Finally, it is my turn to repay my $106 so that I can get my bills out of my box. I hand the representative my letter which clearly says $106 due on May 31... WRONG... I am told. the rates went up on May 14.. I will now have to pay $108. FINE and say.. I just want my mail. So, now I have to cross off the amount and initial my check. A small price to finally get my mail. I hand her a check and she unlocks my box. For the next few minutes I sort my mail... throwing more in the trash then keeping.... when my eyes lock onto something that raises my blood pressure 100 points -- THE CHECK THAT I SENT... with a post stamp of May 23. The envelope and check and a sticky note attached to it saying "the rental rate on your post box increased to $108 on May 14. Please submit a new check"
SO, THE CHECK THAT I SENT TO THE POST OFFICE WAS PUT IN MY PO BOX WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY LOCKED BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT.
I marched back to the line... this time bypassing the long line and demanded to talk to the supervisor. I proceeded to play out to this supervisory civil servant the week and a half ordeal trying to pay my bill. The supervisor calls another associate into our meeting.. who begins to tell me how this entire ordeal was my fault. I should have asked to speak to her not speak to a blue shirted clerk. I should have checked my box before the 1st to find my check before they locked it. I should have known that the rate increased, even though they invoiced me without the increase...
I went POSTAL! I couldn't believe that I was being told that this was my fault...
I learned today how many clients feel. I want to be a Realtor and looks out for my clients interests. I want to admit when I am wrong and work three times as hard to make it right. I want to care about my clients needs as much as they do. I don’t want to operate like the USPS!