USPS Automated Postal Center - Freakin' Awesome

[MrBond]

So yesterday I cut out of work early because my boss wasn't there. I figured since I was out and about, I might as well stop by the post office because I needed stamps. I had been delaying this as long as possible because lately the lines at the post office have been terrible and I end up waiting forever.

I was hoping that by getting there before 4:30, I'd have little/no line. I was wrong, there was one spot left in the parking lot for me.

I resigned to losing the entire hour that I would have had because I left early, but upon approaching the store, I see a sign for the "New Automated Postal Center".

I love trying out stuff like that, so I gave it a shot. Plus the line was at least 15 people long.

Super easy to use, bought my stamps via credit card in under 2 minutes. Apparently you can also ship priority mail packages with it, looks like it had a scale to weigh them and everything. Much easier to use than the normal stamp vending machines, because I didn't have to deal with the picky money-reader.

My old post office was even worse than the one I go to now, you were practically guaranteed a 30 minute wait. I felt bad for the postmaster there, because he was a nice guy and people were always bitching about the wait to him, but they kept cutting back his staff.

They seriously need at least one of these in every post office in America.

 

[tennesota]

I've been using one to ship 1st class and Priority packages; super-ez to use.

 

[The Stigenator]

i have seen them but havent had a need to use them yet.

 

[myusername]

..and you weren't the least bit surprised, inconvenienced - or dare I say it - disturbed that there is not a "cash" option? Methinks this does not bode well for society. /tin

 

[Miramonti]

I used it for the first time a few weeks ago...very worthwhile to learn - its easy and can save much time in busy po's.

 

[MrBond]

..and you weren't the least bit surprised, inconvenienced - or dare I say it - disturbed that there is not a "cash" option? Methinks this does not bode well for society. /tin

There might have been one - I didn't see it because I had intended to pay with my credit card all along, even before I saw the machine.

 

[myusername]

There isn't. The old stamp dispensers did, but the new kiosk doesn't. I saw it because I had been intending to buy stamps with cash, and had to use my credit card.

Now, if I'm not mistaken, stamps are redeemable for their face value, which makes this interesting since CC companies do not allow cash advance without interest or the purchase of money orders.

 

[spacejamz]

Originally posted by: MrBond

..and you weren't the least bit surprised, inconvenienced - or dare I say it - disturbed that there is not a "cash" option? Methinks this does not bode well for society. /tin

There might have been one - I didn't see it because I had intended to pay with my credit card all along, even before I saw the machine.

there is no cash option from what I remember (one of the postal employees spefically asked if anyone waiting in the line was paying by credit card...

the automated center is great just as along as the people who are in front of you can read and are not technically challanged...

also sounds like it's time to take off the tin foil hat...😀

 

[tennesota]

The location where I use the APC still has vending machines with stamps.

 

[Nocturnal]

The only thing I don't like about this is that if your package is of a certain weight or size you can't use the automated center.

 

[HappyPuppy]

When I need stamps I just buy them from the cashier when I am checking out my groceries at the super market. Why go to the post office? 😛

 

[dartworth]

stamps.com > *

the only I visit the PO is when I have to ship internationally

 

[intogamer]

link??? pics?

 

[tfinch2]

I've used it atleast 5 times now to send packages. It is very easy. To buy stamps though isn't there a few dedicated stamp machines where you can use cash and credit card? There is at my post office.