Post Office - Terrible Customer Service

katiest

I've had some troubles in recent months with the Post Office near to my office. It's been an ongoing issue with them, relating to me asking for a certain proof of postage they say 'is a waste of their time'. My argument is, if its available I'm entitled to it and it's a safer method because it is a printed receipt, as opposed to handwritten, which I have had one person say could be counterfeited.
Anyway, it's often unpleasant trying to get this from them; some do it no problem but a few give me a lot of flak for asking for it. It probably takes them an extra 30 seconds to do it. One man was particularly rude and argumental when I asked for it so I wrote an email to the customer service department of the PO. They replied with an apology, complimentary book of stamps and confirmation I was entitled to ask for that certificate of postage.

I dont know if my complaint was received and only increased the hostility but in the last few weeks they seem to have got a lot worse - I sell a lot of stuff on eBay so, for my own peace of mind, prefer the printed one because as anyone who sells a lot on eBay will know, there is always someone who will try their luck and say they didnt receive it. Anyway, my reasoning shouldnt matter, I was told my the PO I was within my rights to ask for it. Well, last week I had one man standing up and shouting at me. The owner. When I told him I would be sending a further email to customer service, he shrugged and smirked, said it was privately owned and he didnt care.

Then yesterday, I was served by the man I originally had an issue with and he refused to give me the postage again. Said it wasnt possible. I argued it is possible, he just wasnt willing to do it. He put his name badge against the screen and said to call the customer service if I had a problem.

He then peeled off my stamps from my other items and tossed them back to me, refusing to serve me. What I really want to know is - is it possible for the PO to refuse service? Obviously, it is if someone is abusive or something but I've never even raised my voice!

I am now left with no way to post my items, I thought the postal service should be available to all; a public service? Is it regulated and can I take this further?

The whole affair has become really ugly and I just want to be able to get something without a hard time. I'm not being difficult but I feel like its a personal thing now. To be refused service in a crowded post office is very embarrassing. As is being shouted at. Ideally, I would like the post office to be reprimanded in some way too; just because it is privately owned does not mean they should not be accountable for customer service??

Any help greatly appreciated

Esqui

I'd use a different post office. I post a lot of things for work, and I have never once had any trouble getting a proof of posting. In fact, they'll provide it with a smile!

Go to a different post office, you might have a longer trip out, but it's worth it to get rid of the hassle

scheming_gypsy

As already mentioned, go somewhere else. Whenever i send anything i get a printed proof of purchase without having to ask.


but

katiest wrote: »

I've had some troubles in recent months with the Post Office near to my office. It's been an ongoing issue with them, relating to me asking for a certain proof of postage they say 'is a waste of their time'. My argument is, if its available I'm entitled to it and it's a safer method because it is a printed receipt, as opposed to handwritten, which I have had one person say could be counterfeited.

I dont know if my complaint was received and only increased the hostility but in the last few weeks they seem to have got a lot worse - I sell a lot of stuff on eBay so, for my own peace of mind, prefer the printed one because as anyone who sells a lot on eBay will know, there is always someone who will try their luck and say they didnt receive it.

a proof of postage does just that.... it proves you sent something to that address; could be the actual parcel or a donut in a dress but it will never be proof that they received it. For that you need to send recorded / special delivery where the sign for it to say they've received it.

katiest

Thanks for your quick responses.
That's the frustrating thing - some are more than happy to do it! I ended up walking to the PO further away yday and the lady did it no problem. I just dont think it's fair I'll have to walk another 20 minutes to the next PO because the cashiers cant be bothered? Plus, I have to go on my lunch break from work - with the journey there & back and queueing time, my whole hour is pretty much gone.
Whilst I know I should just let it go, it's kinda got to me & I've taken it personally. They both were so rude and not even listening to me, talking amongst themselves and snickering. It was infuriating and not like anything I've experienced. Perhaps I've been lucky..
Even though I would happily never use it again, I dont think they should be allowed to get away with it - so what I really wanted to know is if there is a regulating body to take my complaint to? Are they allowed to refuse service?....

somethingcorporate

Let it go, there are battles worth fighting and this really is not one of them.

katiest

somethingcorporate wrote: »

Let it go, there are battles worth fighting and this really is not one of them.

A wholly unhelpful response but thanks. I do pick my battles and, without being rude, you weren't subject to the treatment so who knows how you'd feel...
I'm going to pursue this because it's still bothering me and has not been a one-off. I'm not going to be inconvenienced by then and would like it addressed.

Would really appreciate it if anyone could just get back to me on what rights I have in terms of the PO refusing service. Or which route I should take to contact a regulator etc..

Thanks

wealdroam

katiest wrote: »

Would really appreciate it if anyone could just get back to me on what rights I have in terms of the PO refusing service.

You ask for rights...
Any retail establishment has the right to refuse to serve anyone.

katiest wrote: »

Or which route I should take to contact a regulator etc..

I can help you with that too... click here.

misssarahleigh

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

As already mentioned, go somewhere else. Whenever i send anything i get a printed proof of purchase without having to ask.


but




a proof of postage does just that.... it proves you sent something to that address; could be the actual parcel or a donut in a dress but it will never be proof that they received it. For that you need to send recorded / special delivery where the sign for it to say they've received it.

What the Op is saying is that POP will be sucificient for a claim should the item go missing. it doesn't say the buyer got it, but the seller at least sent it. The 'middle man' failed. The op can then refund the buyer and claim lost package through royal mail.

If i did signed for delivery i would be in negative numbers for my ebay selling. hard enough making a profit second class post.

somethingcorporate

katiest wrote: »

A wholly unhelpful response but thanks. I do pick my battles and, without being rude, you weren't subject to the treatment so who knows how you'd feel...
I'm going to pursue this because it's still bothering me and has not been a one-off. I'm not going to be inconvenienced by then and would like it addressed.

Would really appreciate it if anyone could just get back to me on what rights I have in terms of the PO refusing service. Or which route I should take to contact a regulator etc..

Thanks

well, good luck.

Arg

wealdroam wrote: »

You ask for rights...
Any retail establishment has the right to refuse to serve anyone.



I can help you with that too... click here.

I can help with your post wealdroam ...click here

kazzah60

http://www2.royalmail.com/customer-service/certificate-posting

Op - if you click on this link it will take you to a Royal Mail site where you can pre-print your own electronic certificate of posting and all the PO has to do is stamp the copy
it may help you speed up the process and avert any abuse at the Post office