Just one stamp
Friday, January 26, 2007 at 01:12PM When did a trip to the post office become just like a visit to the used car lot?
“I want to mail this paper from here to there. I want it to arrive in a reasonable amount of time.”
After the hand-off, Screen 1 popped up with option after mailing option - the most expensive at the top, of course.
Then the auctioneer started (a new skill of the postal employee).
“We can get it there overnight for $10 or 2 day priority for $8 with free confirmation or 3 days and 2 nights in 12 years for $100 if there’s a full moon and a good tail wind or…”
A dumbfounded, “Just regular mail, please.”
She didn't like it, but clicked to Screen 2. “We have 5 days priority with confirmation for $5 or 5 days non-priority for $4 or 6 days in hell for….”
“Regular mail, please.”
She hesitated long enough for a glare and then loudly hit the keys to get to Screen 5 of my options, obviously disgusted with my choice of the postal cheap seats.
“$2 for regular mail. Do you need insurance or confirmation or receipt of...”
“Regular mail, PLEASE.”
“Fine, I'm sure you know best. $2.07, please. Do you need stamps or boxes or any other mailing materials or a car wash or a blow dry or paper or plastic or fries…”
The crickets are still chirping in my head. I hope my letter makes it from here to there in a reasonable amount of time.
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