Neither rain, nor sleet, nor inconvenient window hours...
I had my first encounter* with the USPS' do-it-yourself parcel mailing kiosk, and I was quite impressed. This will go a long way in easing the tension that accrues from having to wait until 9:00 a.m. for the human-staffed windows to open.
The process couldn't be more simple. Place your package (or envelope; it handles more than just parcels) on the scale and follow the clear and concise instructions on the touchscreen. Select the type of package (parcel or envelope), enter the zip code and select the delivery method (standard, next-day or priority), and answer a couple of security-related questions (the same ones they ask you at the window) and you're presented with the total postage due, which you can pay via plastic. The machine spits out a postage label and the parcel is good to go. The only limit is on package size; the parcel must be a 17" cube or smaller to fit into the dropbox. For larger packages, I assume you can go ahead and take care of the postage, but you'll have to make other arrangements for pickup.
I've always contended that the invention of pay-at-the-pump gasoline sales represented the pinnacle of human ingenuity. This new offering by the Postal Service doesn't quite match that lofty achievement...but it's not far behind.
[If you've been using this type of kiosk for years, then just bear with me. Midland isn't example the center of the high-tech universe, unless its oilfield technology you're talking about.]
The ironic part is that many businesses have already had this function for years, especially with UPS and FedEx. Indeed, do it yourself packaging and forms is pretty much industry standard.
Posted by: bryan at December 20, 2004 10:06 PMIt's been a few years since I regularly did business with Fed Ex, but back then, while it was indeed a DIY process, it was hardly painless or automated. You didn't, to cite one example, know exactly how much you would be charged at the time you dropped the package into the box.
Things may have changed and the USPS may still be playing catch-up, but I'm still impressed with the process they've rolled out.
Posted by: Eric at December 20, 2004 10:44 PMI have a simpler system which, in fact we used today to mail 7 presents including a full sized rotesserie oven [don't ask] to Houston. Our system is to take all this assemblage to the "pack n' mail" place on Wadley. Throw the stuff on the counter with the addresses and just say "send all this junk to Houston". They present us with a large bill and it's done.
Posted by: Wallace-Midland, Texas at December 20, 2004 11:02 PMThere is definitely a cost-benefit relationship that must be considered at some point. Plus, I wouldn't want to be standing in front of that USPS kiosk with 7 big packages, staring at the screen while the line behind me grew longer and more surly.
Posted by: Eric at December 21, 2004 07:27 AMHey, in Lafayette we got one too! I used it and it was so great. There were about 15 people in line at the counter, but I just sashayed up to the machine and was done in sixty seconds.
Posted by: John C at December 21, 2004 09:35 PMAbout the publisher
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Actually, I had occasion to use such a kiosk recently here in Houston, at the PO on Greenbriar. The kiosk is a recent addition there as well, and a much appreciated addition! So, Midland's as up to speed as Houston, which must make Midland world class too! :)
Posted by: kevin whited at December 20, 2004 08:30 PM