Sue G in PA Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I stopped by the po today to mail some packages. It was a different po than I normally go to as I was out and this one was on my way home. I told the woman at the counter to ship media mail. She asked me if there was anything perishable, liquid, etc. and I said no. She then proceeded to RIP OPEN ONE OF MY ENVELOPES! :confused: And because I had the book wrapped in a plastic bag for extra protection, she asked me what KIND of book it was. :confused: Does she really need to know? It is a book. I asked her if she was going to tape the package back together and she answered yes...in a very snotty way. I've never had this happen before. Is this normal? I didn't think they could do that? Just rip open and inspect a package like that? I am so angry and if that package doesn't make it to the recipient safe and sound...I will be extra mad. Should I call the po tomorrow and ask about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Our post office does say that when you mail media mail your package is subject to inspection.....but, um, wow, she was lacking in people skills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I've not mailed anything media mail lately. But, the last few times I've received media mail, it had been opened. I was really upset one time, as the receipt was removed from inside the box and taped to the outside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amey311 Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 People use media mail to ship other things (because the rate is lower), and the restrictions on media mail are pretty tight - no advertising, no additional items, etc. So you can't mail 4 books, plus some goodies in a box to someone and ship it media mail. KWIM? That said, customer service is not her forte OR she's had a very rough day of people treating her poorly (perhaps waving that "I PAY YOUR SALARY" flag that sometimes comes up when dealing with government workers) and she's wound tightly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 My understanding is that to ship media mail they usually check to make sure it really is media. And they can inspect any of the packages as well, I think. They are not supposed to open your mail, but that's another story. However, asking what kind of book it is does seem to go too far. The only thing I'm aware of that you can't send are things that are illegal anyway, like state secrets or child pornography or totally crazy things like that. Otherwise, why should it matter what kind of book it is??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Umm, wow, I had NO idea they did that! If they are so picky about it, why don't they just request that all media mail items be brought to the post office unpacked? That would be much better than just ripping open people's packages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alamama Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Our post office does say that when you mail media mail your package is subject to inspection.....but, um, wow, she was lacking in people skills. :iagree: The worst I had happen was the guy kept commenting on the size of the box. It was too big for the media that was inside...it was all I had. Oh, they also ask you if there's any correspondance in with the media. I thought "Wow, I am glad I didn't write"Wa thank you." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 .... If they are so picky about it, why don't they just request that all media mail items be brought to the post office unpacked? That would be much better than just ripping open people's packages. :iagree: It would bug me no end to see my hard work spoiled! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I've been asked and have seen them ask those questions at the PO, but I've never seen rip a package open, particularly right there at the counter. I would call and speak to a supervisor about what happened. It should never have been done in that manner. Beyond that, I would package small things like that at the counter near where they can see next time; then there will be no reason for them to rip open your package. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 People use media mail to ship other things (because the rate is lower), and the restrictions on media mail are pretty tight - no advertising, no additional items, etc. So you can't mail 4 books, plus some goodies in a box to someone and ship it media mail. KWIM? That said, customer service is not her forte OR she's had a very rough day of people treating her poorly (perhaps waving that "I PAY YOUR SALARY" flag that sometimes comes up when dealing with government workers) and she's wound tightly. I don't think the 'I pay your salary' flag would work in this situation. from http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/postalfacts.htm A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation — 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars. With 36,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, the Postal Service relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueridge Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 My tiny local po told me (confidentially ;) ) that they are being told to enforce their inspection policies for media as well as raising the cost of media shipping because they ultimately want everyone to ship priority...:glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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