Never give up, never surrender!

[caseydog]

Whatever anyone thinks, I still find it absolutely amazing that I can hand someone here in New Jersey an envelope, and 47 cents (or whatever it is) and a few days later, my friend in California will have it delivered to his door!

Yup. When it comes to value, the USPS is hard to beat. None of the private shippers can match USPS prices.

[asianflava]

Yup our CPA said to send it certified with delivery confirmation, especially since a check is enclosed. It's the gov, so there is always a chance of them loosing it. You have to CYA.

[eamarquardt]

Whatever anyone thinks, I still find it absolutely amazing that I can hand someone here in New Jersey an envelope, and 47 cents (or whatever it is) and a few days later, my friend in California will have it delivered to his door!

Yup. When it comes to value, the USPS is hard to beat. None of the private shippers can match USPS prices.

Currently each carrier USPS/UPS/Fed EX has advantages and disadvantages for differnt types of mailing/shipping.

The statement that private shippers cannot match USPS prices is simply not true if you belive the information on this web site:

http://reviews.ebay.com/Keeping-Shippin ... 0004893434

In addition, private shippers offer guaranteed delivery, free insurance, and, argueably friendlier employees.

In an article in the L.A. Times TODAY it was reported that UPS expects 2010 earnings to climb 32-43% as in they are PROFITABLE.

The USPS is loosing money BIGTIME. Re the comment that a letter will be delivered in a few days. Yeah, right. The USPS apparently, from what I've read, won't guarantee it! What I find AMAZING is that you can "overnight" a letter with a carrier and it will usually get there on time. Now that's amazing!

http://www.usps.com/financials/

I VOTE we let the USPS sink or swim without taxpayer money. If we transistioned to online bill paying and more business opted for electronic communications rather than "hard copy" mailings our "mailing costs" would surely be reduced. In addition there would be fewer trees cut down for mailing (especially JUNK MAIL), less energy required, and probably a host of other benefits I'm not clever enough to predict.

Competition is good. Phone rates today are CHEAP compared to years gone by. You can get plans with unlimited long distance from land based carriers and cell carriers (as least the ones I've used) don't distinquish between local and long distance calls charging just for the minutes used. I believe that UPS and Fed Ex will continue to cut into the USPS business niches, do a better job, and charge comparable rates.

After experiences this week (I went to the post office again yesterday, met with the manager who REFUSED to personally wait on me and appologize for her treatment of me/behavior as I was told by her supervisor's supervisor she would) I don't have much love for the USPS. During this weeks escapades several employees REFUSED to give me the phone number of supervisors after multipe requests and it was only after calling the Postmaster Generals office in DC (and try finding that phone number!) that I got some help! The people in the local office did not know their jobs, made statements that were patently false, and won't own up to their inappropriate behavior. I don't need em.

As I was telling the "mamager" what I thought of her behavior, I was CHEERED for by other patrons that overheard my comments. Apparently I am not alone in my opinions (at least at this post office).

I know that the USPS has many dedicated and hard working people. Just not enough and in the right posistions.

I'll never use certified mail return reciept requested again! Case law supports the notion that "proof of mailing" will suffice in any court action. It's a fraction of the price of certified/return reciept. I never got the return reciept for the last letter I sent this way. I'm surprised at the posts advocating certified/return reciept for income tax returns after I posted the positions of the USPS (that I got from a postmaster that supervises Ventura County) and supported by the IRS agent I spoke with (and posted their agent number). Why waste money!

All in all, my thoughts don't really matter as no one listens to me anyway!

Cheers

Gus

[caseydog]

Gus, I listen, but it's hard. You seem so angry at so many things.

Since I am self employed, with a staff of one, I am always looking for good value, and an easier way to get things done. I use both UPS and the USPS to mail and ship things I need to mail or ship.

I have accounts with both, and use their online shipment and payment systems, print labels from my computer, and have a stack of envelopes and boxes from both UPS and the USPS on hand, that they provide free of charge. Even the labels are free.

When it comes time for me to walk into the post office to drop off a package, I walk right past the line, and drop my package in a bin, and I'm done. Same goes for the UPS Store. I walk in, I drop off, I'm done.

I am quite happy with the service I get from both UPS and the USPS. If I need something sent overnight, I use UPS. If 2-3 days is fast enough, I use USPS, and save money. Either way, I have looked for, and found easier ways to use both services.

CD

[Slayer]

Hey Gus, I'm just wondering. When was the last time you went to a restaurant and didn't complain about something. It's hard to know for sure having never met you, but you seem to be what we in the food business call "Serial Bitcher".

Rodney...

[eamarquardt]

Hey Gus, I'm just wondering. When was the last time you went to a restaurant and didn't complain about something. It's hard to know for sure having never met you, but you seem to be what we in the food business call "Serial Bitcher". :lol:

Rodney...

Simply put the world could be a better place. If no one points out what needs improving, nothing will change!

Eating out in a restraunt is always "pig in a poke", IMHO. I regularly frequent several restaurants nearby, have an excellent rapport with the owners and staff, and am always greeted with a smile!!! I rarely have a problem with the food I am served (never at my frequent haunts) but will make it known if the food is not up to par. I recently ate three times at a chain restuarant and was served sub par food and in one instance my order was not prepared as requested (no cilantro as I HATE cilantro) and served anyway. I ate it without making an issue but got online, sent an email detailing my experience and never heard back.

When someone provides good service I am quick to compliment them and tell them they have "exceeded my wildest expectations". When they don't, I let them know, as tactfully as I can (which can be argued is somewhat BLUNT) that the service is not up to par.

Virtually always, after expressing a concern, the business managers agree with my concerns and take corrective action. I think the world would be a better place if everyone tried to make it so by expressing constructive criticisms when appropriate. There are a lot of "sheeple" out there who would rather die than make noise. Me, I'm gonna try and make things better.

If my posts bother you. Don't read them. I generally don't judge anyone till I have sufficient data.

Cheers,

Gus

[eamarquardt]

Gus, I listen, but it's hard. Issue #1: You seem so angry at so many things.

Issue #2: I am quite happy with the service I get from both UPS and the USPS.
CD

Gus's reply:

Issue #1: Angry? Hell yes I'm angry!

Our government is broke and the only answer is for us to pay more in taxes to support a number of people that have never worked an honest day in their lives.

We are being systematically stripped of our rights by people that are not that bright and feel they know better than we do what's good for us. I am not allowed to park a car in my backyard out of sight of my neighbors unless it is on 4 inches of concrete! No one at the city will explain the logic of this law. I was (until a couple of weeks ago when the law was rescinded) not allowed to build a wooden fence on MY property, period. I was told (illegally) by the city planners that I couldn’t put up a television antenna in spite of the fact that Congress passed a law that clearly gives me the right to do exactly that (and after several meetings with the Mayor, City Attorney, and City manager I have a letter that states they now (because of my efforts to enlighten them on my rights) understand they cannot stop me from doing so)! I went to the post office yesterday where the clerk and manager refused to do their job! They made statements that were patently false/wrong and would not process my mail! Then they lied to their supervisor’s supervisor about it. Damn right I’m angry!

I have been sick for the past 20 years with severe complicated neuralgias of the cranial nerves. Google “suicide diseaseâ€

[BillandMarijo]

Always e-file.
Makes life easy. And I like easy.
Bill and Marijo

[caseydog]

Gus, just to be clear, your rants don't bother me. I just hate to see a fellow human being be so angry all the time.

As a cancer survivor who also lives with a certain amount of chronic pain (from a different condition), I hope you can find some peace with what you are going through.

CD

[caseydog]

Always e-file.
Makes life easy. And I like easy.
Bill and Marijo

I always owe money, so I wait until April 15 to send my forms -- and the accompanying check. I wait until late in the day on April 15th.

CD

[eamarquardt]

Gus, just to be clear, your rants don't bother me. I just hate to see a fellow human being be so angry all the time.

As a cancer survivor who also lives with a certain amount of chronic pain (from a different condition), I hope you can find some peace with what you are going through.

CD

My "rants" are a release. I "rant" and then move on. Nothing is bottled up. I sleep FINE!

A number of folks share my concerns about "how the world is rotating" and get a kick out of my rants.

Don't worry about me. I'm fine, just not happy with some aspects of the world and I do what I can to make it better for me and the next person.

I've had mannnny hours of counseling with several PhDs to mostly get my family onboard on how difficult my existence is. Their considered collective opinions are that I'm pretty healthy psychologically speaking.

Again, psych evals are available for your reading pleasure, ha!

Cheers,

Gus

[Scooter]

So why isn't FedEx or UPS allowed to place letters in the mailbox I paid for? Is there some kind of law? Because I'd gladly pay double what the PO charges for Fedex to handle my daily mail. They'd do a much better job.
The PO is the biggest crock of bull I've ever seen. "One low flat rate, if it fits it ships" You've gotta be effin' kidding me. The clerk always hits me with a dozen questions. How heavy is it? What's the destination? When do you want it to arrive? Simple, indeed. Post office=Government sanctioned failure.

Forgive my negativity, my posts arent usually this negative. I'm having a bad day.

Oh, and another thing. COUPON DAY That's when the PO crams a big bundle of loose trash in my mailbox that's impossible to remove without losing in the wind. If a private individual tried to mail such a bundle the postmaster would call homeland security on his azz. Yet big marketing agencies can mail whatever they want (At one low, flat rate no doubt.). That's your postal service. Your government at work. Ain't it grand?

[Scooter]

Whatever anyone thinks, I still find it absolutely amazing that I can hand someone here in New Jersey an envelope, and 47 cents (or whatever it is) and a few days later, my friend in California will have it delivered to his door!

Yup. When it comes to value, the USPS is hard to beat. None of the private shippers can match USPS prices.

The PO delivers nothing to my door, it's always the mailbox out by the street. If Fedex had this same advantage, I'm sure they could beat USPS on price and everything else.

[eamarquardt]

So why isn't FedEx or UPS allowed to place letters in the mailbox I paid for? Is there some kind of law? Because I'd gladly pay double what the PO charges for Fedex to handle my daily mail. They'd do a much better job.
The PO is the biggest crock of bull I've ever seen. "One low flat rate, if it fits it ships" You've gotta be effin' kidding me. The clerk always hits me with a dozen questions. How heavy is it? What's the destination? When do you want it to arrive? Simple, indeed. :x Post office=Government sanctioned failure.

Forgive my negativity, my posts arent usually this negative. I'm having a bad day.

Oh, and another thing. COUPON DAY That's when the PO crams a big bundle of loose trash in my mailbox that's impossible to remove without losing in the wind. If a private individual tried to mail such a bundle the postmaster would call homeland security on his azz. Yet big marketing agencies can mail whatever they want (At one low, flat rate no doubt.). That's your postal service. Your government at work. Ain't it grand? :applause:

To: Caseydog (I love that name as my brother's dog's name is Casey! Ha!) and Slayer

From: Gus

Based on the above RANT (and recent emails), I am not alone in my current animosity towards the government in general and the USPS service in particular.

Based upon my emails I am also not alone in my frustration with the DMVs across the country!

I was cheered at the post office by some in line who overheard my conversation with the "manager".

I FEEL VINDICATED NOW, HA! What more can I ask?

Most people experiencing my levels of pain would consider every day a BAD DAY! Me, I've gotten past that, ha! I have days that are NOT SO BAD!

My e-mail's not working. 4.5 hours with tech support to no avial. I'm pooped and at 7.5/10 on the PAIN scale but not overly discouraged today.

NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER SURRENDER (Tim Allen, "Galaxy Quest"

No "Assimilate now, resistance is futile" (Borgs to crew if the Starship Enterprise) for me!

Damn the torpedoes (actually what we call today, mines) full speed ahead! Admiral Farragut

Things can always be better. There is always something we (I) can do to make things better. (USMC Colonel can't remember his name)

Cheers,

Gus

[eamarquardt]

Gus, just to be clear, your rants don't bother me. I just hate to see a fellow human being be so angry all the time.

As a cancer survivor who also lives with a certain amount of chronic pain (from a different condition), I hope you can find some peace with what you are going through.

CD

A better way to describe my emotional state is DISSATISFIED! It has been said that "necessity is the mother of invention". This thought is simply BS! We need nuclear fusion energy NOW but the governments and industries of the world are not DISSATISFIED enough to put the money into research to develope the technology.

You can "need" something all you want, but nothing will happen untill you are DISSATISFIED enough to do something about it! Me, when I'm dissatisfied, I do something about it. That's healthy. Bottling it up inside and stewing about things you are dissastified about is a certain path to "going postal" (what an appropriate term given the starting poing of this string, ha).

It would appear that we have both survived diseases that can be emotionally and physically devastating. That suggests that we are not among the "sheeple" of the world and are strong enough to overcome a bit of adversity.

On the pain scale right now I'm somewhere inbetween "bad" and "not so bad" which means I can probably overcome the pain for a few hours and do something productive (to my wife's delight).

Cheers,

Gus