Irritations, #237 in a series

[tamaranth]

Twice in twenty-four hours I have been thwarted by petty jobsworths.

Yesterday they wouldn't let me pick up my parcel from the sorting office. I had my passport (proof of ID), the parcel slip, and a credit card, but no proof of address -- which I have never been asked for before, & thought was only needed if you sent someone else to collect a parcel for you. I wouldn't mind, but it's an hour's round trip and I had other plans for my next available morning. Up early on Saturday, boo ...

Today, the Post Office refused my parcel because it's fastened with staples. "You'll have to cover those up," they said. Fair enough, though again I had never been asked to do so before. "Do you have some Sellotape?" I asked. "80p a roll," they said. No, they wouldn't give me a little bit. Yes, today is half-day closing. So parcel will be sent tomorrow instead. (I didn't actually have enough cash on me for a roll of Sellotape plus postage; and I have plenty of Sellotape, thank you very much.)

Would it really kill them to be helpful? Or is it against regulations?

Comments

[alexmc.livejournal.com]

I am really really not impressed with the Royal Mail (who also run the post office counters). I think we should all be complaining about them.

[easterbunny.livejournal.com]

The man at a BA check-in desk couldn't give me a paperclip to reenforce 2 conference posters I'd rolled up together. "Against regulations, love. Too dangerous." After ascertaining that he was serious, I asked for a piece of tape, and he kindly handed me a roll of BA-branded luggage tape. He did look a little worried when I ripped a piece off with my teeth.

[reddragdiva]

Postwatch has so many complaints recorded against them that they confirm complaints noting the severe backlog.

[doja35.livejournal.com]

Okay my Dad worked for the post office for 100's of years - he was a sub-postmaster and owned his own little post office that ended actually being very big (that he sold for a fortune - love Daddy). And yes they were being bloody awkward!!!

However on things like that Dad was always accepting things and then putting the bits of tape on for them - or rewriting labels or putting on the stamps - but then people start to expect him to do it - so really where do you stop. And unfortunatley it's probably all the other people before you who have taken then mikey that stopped that person being more helpful - or he might just be having a bad day.........

I do think in your case - a-holes!!!

btw - my Dad could be the rudest and grumpiest sod when he wanted to be.

I used to work there during my summer holidays (so that Mum and Dad could have a holiday) up until he retired and you really wouldn't believe some of the things people would do. One person would hand over blank forms expecting you to fill them because he couldn't read or write (okay that's not awful you say) but actually he could read and write very well he just didn't want to - he caught me out once......

[margotmetroland.livejournal.com]

I've been in shops where they have refused to staple my receipts together (despite the very obvious existence of their stapler) in case I injure myself on that staple and sue their corporate ass. I've heard of the same reason used for not giving out paperclips or allowing the use of company scissors etc. But as for your tape? I suspect it is just because they are a bit mean and haven't got any budget left to replace that roll of tape when it goes.

Wonder if they'd take your parcel if it was wrapped in bacon, or pastry?

[asynje.livejournal.com]

Well, you are the kind of person to get a kick out of standing around in lines to illegally pick up other people's parcels. Or lie about your place of residence. Obviously.

;)

I think it's an international thing. Or at least an EC-thing. Here they just tend to be fairly ignorant of their own rules. Like the time the Nice Lady told me I didn't need the little customs slip for a package destined for the US. It arrived a month late, shredded to bits.

*shakes head*

[reddragdiva]

Mind you, when I picked up the new laptop batteries (which are still sitting in the Dead Flat, untested ...), they didn't ask for a damn thing - I just handed the guy the slip (in Liz's name), he handed me the parcel. Here's to the occasional postal employee who just doesn't give a shit.

The one yesterday may have been paranoia after all the theft in the post.

[nisaba.livejournal.com]

That's ridiculous. I picked up a parcel just yesterday and was only asked for some ID. I've never been asked for proof of address - surely the fact that you're holding the card is enough?