Have you used the self-service kiosk at your local Post Office?

[ggavinmoss]

I rarely go in to the Post Office, but I had to mail a letter and get a book of stamps. I was going to use the good, ol' vending machine, but noticed the kiosk next to it. It accepts credit/debit, weighs your package/letter, and allows you to send Priority, Express, or just first class.

I know it's just sending a letter, but when you think about how much time people waste in line at the Post Office (especially during the holidays), it's good to see technology in action making life easier.

for USPS.

-geoff

 

[CrackRabbit]

yep, I was so happy when they installed it. Most people are scared of it, and it saves me a 20 mintue wait in line.

 

[KingNothing]

Yeah, I noticed that when I was at the post office today. There was an employee standing next to it to tell people how to use it. Cool idea, I guess.

 

[TheAudit]

I haven't seen this at my local post office yet but it sounds like a good idea.

 

[tomt4535]

Originally posted by: TheAudit
I haven't seen this at my local post office yet but it sounds like a good idea.

 

[flot]

Yeah, I had to ship a package I sold in FS/FT and there was a ridiculous ~15-20 min line at the counter.. went to the machine and did it all - but it wouldn't let me insure my priority mail package. (or if it did, somehow I totally missed the option)

Otherwise, it was cool. Well, it also told me things like "be sure to use the handy blue stickers to identify your package as priority mail" and of course there were none.

I just think its funny that it has taken so long for this sort of thing to become commonplace. I was at home depot the other day and used the "check it out myself" line and, since I am blessed with an IQ over 85, was actually able to do my own product lookup and get the price for an untagged item in about 30 seconds, compared to the normal 8-12 minutes it takes the cashiers, even if you repeatedly tell them exactly what the item is, and try making helpful suggestions like "I don't think 2x4s are in the garden section".

 

[Gibson486]

I have been using a similair thing at a place called work for the past 5 months What is even better is that I get achoice of UPS, USPS, and FedEx.

 

[mwtgg]

Hmm, sucks to be you guys. Whenever I'm in the post office, I rarely wait more than 5 minutes.

Neat idea. I guess.

 

[Mr N8]

I haven't seen one yet, but it would be a great idea...as long as you don't get stuck behind one of those people that just stares at the machine if they get lost. I usually just use USPS.com to purchase my postage, attach it, and have them pick it up where I work.

 

[jadinolf]

They don't have anything like that here in Mayberry but maybe some day.

 

[aplefka]

Originally posted by: flot
Yeah, I had to ship a package I sold in FS/FT and there was a ridiculous ~15-20 min line at the counter.. went to the machine and did it all - but it wouldn't let me insure my priority mail package. (or if it did, somehow I totally missed the option)

Otherwise, it was cool. Well, it also told me things like "be sure to use the handy blue stickers to identify your package as priority mail" and of course there were none.

I just think its funny that it has taken so long for this sort of thing to become commonplace. I was at home depot the other day and used the "check it out myself" line and, since I am blessed with an IQ over 85, was actually able to do my own product lookup and get the price for an untagged item in about 30 seconds, compared to the normal 8-12 minutes it takes the cashiers, even if you repeatedly tell them exactly what the item is, and try making helpful suggestions like "I don't think 2x4s are in the garden section".

I love these things. My dad refuses to use them because "they cost people their jobs" but I don't give a fvck. They're going to be there regardless of whether or not you use them, might as well take advantage of the convenience. My only complaint is when n00bs get in front of me. I absolutely hate it.

 

[oboeguy]

The closest PO to me is a disaster, and the next closest is a 20 minute walk away, so I would loooove to have self-serve kiosks at the close one. It would be nice if the vending machines would work... I guess this means SS kiosks are far away around here. :disgust:

 

[imported_digitalelegance]

They are pretty slick. It's nice to go right past the line of 15 slobs waiting for an open counter and get out of there...

 

[Dedpuhl]

Has anyone had shipping delays when using these things? I used one the day after Thanksgiving to ship out 2 things I sold in FS/FT. I then had to go inside to mail 3 other packages via media mail.

All the ones shipped via media mail have made it to the destination. The delivery confirmations for the two I sent via the self-service are showing up as invalid.

There was a post office employee that commented on how quickly and correctly I used the machine, so I know I got my part right.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: Dedpuhl
Has anyone had shipping delays when using these things? I used one the day after Thanksgiving to ship out 2 things I sold in FS/FT. I then had to go inside to mail 3 other packages via media mail.

All the ones shipped via media mail have made it to the destination. The delivery confirmations for the two I sent via the self-service are showing up as invalid.

There was a post office employee that commented on how quickly and correctly I used the machine, so I know I got my part right.

Probably just the standard holiday delay... everything takes longer this time of year.... You're lucky your media mail went through.

 

[Dedpuhl]

Originally posted by: djheater

Probably just the standard holiday delay... everything takes longer this time of year.... You're lucky your media mail went through.

No kidding. I was shocked how fast those got there.

 

[Rumpltzer]

I love the machine and prefer to use it rather than stand in line... the only gripe is when someone is in front of me using the machine... and they have no clue.

It's the same thing with the cash register at Wal Mart and Home Depot--love the machine, but I wish there was a pre-test to keep certain people out of the line to use them.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: Rumpltzer
I love the machine and prefer to use it rather than stand in line... the only gripe is when someone is in front of me using the machine... and they have no clue.

It's the same thing with the cash register at Wal Mart and Home Depot--love the machine, but I wish there was a pre-test to keep certain people out of the line to use them.

It bothers me when I'm using it and people are behind me... I usually have 5 or six packages and they have one small letter so I feel like an ass.

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: flot
Yeah, I had to ship a package I sold in FS/FT and there was a ridiculous ~15-20 min line at the counter.. went to the machine and did it all - but it wouldn't let me insure my priority mail package. (or if it did, somehow I totally missed the option)

Can anyone else confirm that there is no insurance option?

 

[Dedpuhl]

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: Rumpltzer
I love the machine and prefer to use it rather than stand in line... the only gripe is when someone is in front of me using the machine... and they have no clue.

It's the same thing with the cash register at Wal Mart and Home Depot--love the machine, but I wish there was a pre-test to keep certain people out of the line to use them.

It bothers me when I'm using it and people are behind me... I usually have 5 or six packages and they have one small letter so I feel like an ass.

If you know what you're doing, that's ok.

I was the next person in line and a man, who barely spoke English, did not know how to buy a stamp for his letter. He struggled for several minutes. Finally, I blurted out "is something wrong." I had to do it for him. I also had to show him how to use his credit card for $0.37.

...something so simple...but not...

 

[Mayfriday0529]

i havent seen that in my area. but it would be a great thing, i had to mail a letter today and i needed 1 stamp because i forgot them at home, i could have used my CC to pay for a .37 stamp instead i bought a 7 dollar 20 pack.