Oh Automated Postal Center, you're never quite what I need
I've found that the Automated Postal Center (APC) at the post office is never quite what I need. Certainly, it's come in handy. I go to the post office, there's a long line at the counter, so I head over to the APC. Easy peasy. However, when the post office is closed, the APC seems to take on a different character:
-It's not working.
-There are 7 people in line, none of whom speak English or know how to use a touchscreen interface.
-It is partially functional, but it's not the function you want.
To wit, today I wanted to drop by the post office on my way home to buy some 1st class stamps. Nothing fancy, just 1st class stamps. So I step up to the APC, and press the "I want to buy stamps" button.
It's not working. In fact, it can't print any postage if it's not on one of those big legal pad-sized stickers.
OK, I don't want it to print postage. I want it to spit out a booklet of stamps. I've seen it do that before.
Nope. Sorry, the stamp spitter isn't working either.
Well, this sucks, I thought. But wait... aha! This is one of those rare instances when I have cash on me. (Dollar coins, in fact.) I'll just buy a booklet of stamps from the vending machine. Now where's that vending machine?
Son of a whore. They took out BOTH vending machines, reasoning that the APC, which NEVER WORKS when the post office is closed, would suffice for the general public's stamp-purchasing needs. SON OF A WHORING BITCH SLUT.
I feel better now. Although my letter still isn't mailed.
Check out the rest of my blog!
2 comments:
When they were first deploying the APCs, there was a post office employee whose job was to pull people out of line, explaining to them that they could use the APC, and explain how to use it.
There was an old lady in line behind me, and she really was not interested in the new fangled technology. He continued hassling her, and she explained that she didn't know how to use a debit or credit card. He insisted that he could teach her, and she finally caved.
About five minutes later, he sheepishly returned her to the line after discovering that she didn't HAVE a debit or credit card, and you can't use cash with those bastard infernal machines.
Also, the post office was out of change of address forms, so we couldn't grab a pile restock on Lowe's 10% off coupons (also accepted by Home Depot). Fuckers.
I hate the post office.
I feel like the post office is making things more complicated now in order to boost profits.
Don't get me wrong, it's a time-honored tradition. But it seems like mailing a letter or package used to be easy. Now it's a pain, and there's no clear guidelines about how much anything costs.
Post a Comment