United States Postal Service — Local services in Washington

The older African American male clerk with short graying hair is extremely condescending and unprofessional towards young women. After waiting in line for counter service, he told me I had to use the self-service machine to drop off a package I told him I needed a receipt, and he told me the self-service machine could do that. I used the self service machine. After answering the hazardous materials question and scanning the bar code on my package, the self-service machine told me it could not accept my package for self-service and it had to be brought to the counter to be accepted during business hours. I waited back in line to drop it off at the counter. I over heard the clerk tell another clerk that I refused to use the self-service machine, which was not true. The clerk again told me I had to use the self-service. I told him I did but it said it could not accept my package. The clerk told me that was not true and that I either made it up not to use the machine or did it incorrectly. Instead of taking my package, the clerk walked me back to the self-service machine where I did the exact same thing as before, and it did not display the error message. The clerk was extremely condescending and unprofessional repeatedly stating falsely that I made up the error message, it's never told anyone it cannot accept a package before, that I just did not want to use the self-service machine, and that I used the machine incorrectly when I did the same exact thing again. I am extremely tech savvy and have no issues using self-service machines. The level of unprofessionalism I experienced is absolutely...

This location refused to perform an acceptance scan and provide a receipt for a pre-paid package. The clerks were rude and combative when I tried to ask for clarification. They claimed I was being difficult and insisted that providing receipts for pre-paid items is not standard USPS policy.

For anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation, let me be clear about a couple of things.

First: every USPS office is required to perform an acceptance scan and provide receipt for pre-paid packages. No exception, full stop. I've had this confirmed by USPS customer service, as well as several post offices that follow the correct procedure.

Second: even if a clerk tries to tell you otherwise, the receipt provided by a self-service kiosk is NOT the same thing as an acceptance scan performed by a clerk. An acceptance scan means that USPS accepts responsibility for your item and is the first point of entry into their tracking system.

Finally: if an item is not accepted by USPS by being scanned, your item could be lost, stolen, or have no updates to its tracking, and you would have no recourse. Don't let employees intimidate you into potentially costing yourself time and money. This is why you must always request an acceptance scan and a receipt.

I hope this review helps anyone who has to...

I recently visited a USPS store to ship a small 4x4 box, and it was a frustrating and disappointing experience due to poor customer service. A middle-aged African-American woman, who wasn’t wearing a name tag (nor was anyone else), was dismissive and unhelpful. I had packed my item in a Priority box but needed Express shipping. She told me to switch to a box “on the wall,” which didn’t exist, despite me repeatedly telling her so. Instead of listening, she stepped out of her area and began slapping a box that clearly wouldn’t fit my contents. It was obvious she wasn’t paying attention, and I had to point out that it wasn’t going to work.

Thankfully, an elderly African-American man stepped in to assist. Rather than wasting more time, he provided me with an Express label to use on the box I already had, which resolved the issue. I appreciated his effort, but it’s clear working with such unprofessional colleagues must be a challenge. This experience was beyond frustrating, and I hope the staff receives proper training to improve their...