Are post offices obliged to ask what is in a parcel, or is it just nosiness?

Mistral001

I get asked these questions every Christmas when I send a parcel full of presents to relatives. It is embarrassing and it would be much better if they just showed me the list of prohibited items and asked me if there were any items on the list in my parcel.

One way of avoiding the people in the queue behind knowing what is none of their business, is to make a list of what is in the parcel before going to the post office and hand it to the post office cashier.

VWPolecat

I suppose when the Lithium battery bursts into flames and brings down an aircraft, the postoffice clerk who took the parcel would be questioned whether they asked.

ballisticbrian

I'm sure that some customers are ready with their euphemisms when sending "frilly knickers", however I decided not to dress it up when I was asked and I said really loud, "BONES!". She stared at me blankly and there was a snigger in the queue behind me. Interestingly, she didn't go on to ask if they were human remains. Perhaps she should have done, who knows?

RFW

VWPolecat wrote: »

I suppose when the Lithium battery bursts into flames and brings down an aircraft, the postoffice clerk who took the parcel would be questioned whether they asked.

I'm a bit concerned that the last line of defence is Gladys on the Post Office counter. Especially if she hasn't had her afternoon cig break:rotfl:

Mistral001

I suppose it is all down to people covering themselves. If the post office cashier asks the question, then they probably are covered. Then it will be the responsibility of the person who lied. It is doubtful whether it will keep the skies safer from exploding cargo on planes, but the as long as we all go through the motions that is fine.

On a similar point I have noticed quite recently that when I walk to my local Spar shops, which happen to be attached to filling stations, I always get asked "is that all" or "did you get any fuel". This change happened around the same time that the signs about leaving without paying for fuel changed from "you will be prosecuted" to "you will be prosecuted if you intentionally leave without paying for fuel".

NBLondon

Mistral001 wrote: »

It is embarrassing and it would be much better if they just showed me the list of prohibited items and asked me if there were any items on the list in my parcel.

Most in my experience have a laminated card or poster about with the items listed. So you are justified in the answer "nothing liquid or prohibited" if that's true. Or if you're feeling brave announce loudly "A selection of vibrators - but no batteries so it's OK!"

pikachoiioo

The post office I visit has two people working there, one is the owner and he just gets the job done but he employs another person and this guy always asks what is in the parcel, seems like a bit of a nosey parker.

custardy

foxy-stoat wrote: »

They say "for health and safety reasons"....LOL....whos health and safety the post person delivering the parcel? I doubt they even know the difference between "Heath" and "Safety".

Yes thats it.

I mean Im sure the crew of this flight are laughing. Oh wait,no they are dead.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UPS_Airlines_Flight_6

RM has obligations to what it carries and particularly to what it carries by air.

Would you like to try again where it is mentioned anywhere it relates to on delivery?

custardy

Mistral001 wrote: »

I get asked these questions every Christmas when I send a parcel full of presents to relatives. It is embarrassing and it would be much better if they just showed me the list of prohibited items and asked me if there were any items on the list in my parcel.

One way of avoiding the people in the queue behind knowing what is none of their business, is to make a list of what is in the parcel before going to the post office and hand it to the post office cashier.

The poster which IME is in every PO?

charlies_mum

custardy wrote: »

The poster which IME is in every PO?

Interesting that it mentions paints containing solvents. I have had a can of chalk paint intercepted and destroyed, despite it containing no solvents