Why arithmetic and comprehension are useful

mgdavid

had to laugh when I read this otherwise I would just cry !
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29545938

I find it so sad that the skills to understand something so basic as Post Office charges are simply not being taught. One presumes the journalist hasn't a clue either, otherwise would not have thought it newsworthy.

I_have_spoken

The MyHermes calculation sounded bizarre though

sillyputty

It is hugely confusing, especially for people who do not post regularly, it used to be that you popped to the post office and it was easy. I post every now and then and I use a tape measure and scales. Buying RM boxes is just another way for them to rip consumers off.

mgdavid

sillyputty wrote: »

....... Buying RM boxes is just another way for them to rip consumers off.

Thanks for reinforcing my point about comprehension.

"rip off Slang 1. To steal from: thieves who ripped off the unsuspecting tourist.
2. To steal: ripped off a leather jacket while ostensibly trying on clothes.
3. To exploit, swindle, cheat, or defraud: "

Obviously_the_best

mgdavid wrote: »

3. To exploit

You might want to work on your own comprehension.

The post office are exploiting people who do not realise that boxes that can be used for postage can be bought from other outlets for much lower prices.

mgdavid

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

You might want to work on your own comprehension.

The post office are exploiting people who do not realise that boxes that can be used for postage can be bought from other outlets for much lower prices.

Exploit: make use of (a situation) in a way considered unfair or underhand.

There's absolutely nothing unfair or underhand with the PO providing a very useful service by having boxes which meet their own service/size criteria, at the point of posting, for people who want the convenience. Much like a convenience store.
Nobody forces anyone to buy them; if you are MSE then you source them elsewhere. I hesitate to suggest that buying boxes is a complete waste of money when they can be scrounged or found for nothing.

RFW

mgdavid wrote: »

There's absolutely nothing unfair or underhand with the PO providing a very useful service by having boxes which meet their own service/size criteria, at the point of posting, for people who want the convenience. Much like a convenience store.
Nobody forces anyone to buy them; if you are MSE then you source them elsewhere. I hesitate to suggest that buying boxes is a complete waste of money when they can be scrounged or found for nothing.

They are staggeringly overpriced though. They manage to surpass exorbitant by some way.

mgdavid

RFW wrote: »

They are staggeringly overpriced though. They manage to surpass exorbitant by some way.

Fair enough, I wouldn't know (as probably shows from my last post).

RFW

mgdavid wrote: »

Fair enough, I wouldn't know (as probably shows from my last post).

I go in the main Post Office in Manchester town centre and am always shocked they sell any of the packaging. It's a two minute walk from a load of pound shops and discount stores with packaging at a fifth of the price.

zerog

RFW wrote: »

I go in the main Post Office in Manchester town centre and am always shocked they sell any of the packaging. It's a two minute walk from a load of pound shops and discount stores with packaging at a fifth of the price.

Enough people book train tickets with thetrainline that they can afford to advertise on TV.

RFW

zerog wrote: »

Enough people book train tickets with thetrainline that they can afford to advertise on TV.

or conversely not enough people buy train tickets with them that they spend money on advertising to get more to do so;) Not sure of the point either way.