What's the fastest way to spread the word about USPS intentionally gouging customers?

This happened to me this last Saturday. Please pass it on and feel free to complain to the USPS. But what's the fastest way to get this out there in the public eye? This is outrageous!

I went to the post office to mail a package. It was a little larger than a shoe box. The postal worker told me "We can send it Express, blah, blah, blah for $27. When I didn't say anything, she looked very uncomfortable and then she asked me if I was a "secret shopper" - you know, one of those people that come in pretending to be a customer and seeing if they are performing their job according to the script. I laughed and said no. Then she and the postal employee next to her told me that they were required from senior USPS management that they HAD to offer the most expensive option first and could only offer a cheaper option if the customer asks. They said that if they told me this and I was a secret shopper they would be in trouble. It was clear that they did not agree with this attempt to deceive their customers with this gouging scheme. In these economic times?

In this time of the holiday season, can you imagine how many people might be deceived?

Please pass this to as many people as you can so that we can try to prevent this from being a very expensive holiday season. I've tried complaining to the USPS but they just want the names of the employees who stood up to the greedy Sr. Management. I won't do that!

wizjp

uh...pretty much every business offers the option they make the most profit on first. The PO has been trying to sell the most expensive way to ship with the most possible options like a new car dealer with a rustproofing package for years now.

This ain't news. It's the way of the world.

Tox

I don't see how this is gouging. They offered you the highest price which I assume is express. If you don't want to pay the price, then mail it with regular postage and let it get there when it gets there...

Common

That's not gouging. Offering your highest cost option first is good business practice - why sell someone a $5 service when you can sell them a $20 one? It'd be gouging if they intentionally inflated the price and didn't offer you any lower cost option.

Charlie Bucket

Did you even bother to ASK what the cheapest method was?

Bob

The prices for other mailing options are not hard to find at all, in my post office they are posted above the counter.

OneWhoKnows

Please don't take this the wrong way, but if I had something to mail and I wasn't in a hurry for it to get there and was told it would be $27 if I chose Express blah blah blah, I'd ask "Isn't there a cheaper rate?"

Susie D

This is gouging how?

Almost any business with offer the most profitable option first - and try to get you to buy acessories and upgrades to go with it.

A logical person will say "Thank you, but I'm not in need to express - I only need the basic service."

People get so melodramatic over the silliest stuff.

I have never had any problem with the USPS. They always give me various pricing options on everything I send, and frequently suggest the cheapest route. Where do you live? I hear the Atlanta post office is the worst in the nation. In Wichita, they are very fair and helpful.

Ray-here

Just ask which is the cheapest way to send this They are just like you they want to save money

Wally Z

Just about every business does that and since the post office is really a separate entity from the US government that is forced to at least break even, I guess they are no different. All they are doing is building up the sale which is the equivalent of "Do you want fries with that".
I see a problem with your complaint. Mainly, you did not tell them what is important to you, delivery time or cost. The few times I have sent something via USPS, they mention that with parcel post this package would take x days to get there but with express mail, it would be there in y days for whatever amount.
Personally, I prefer not using the post office mainly because I do not want my package to be used as a basketball or a hockey puck. I prefer UPS (which is sometimes cheaper) or one of the couriers like Fedex or what is now left of DHL/Airborne. The couriers are more expensive but often not by that much. All of those companies that I've mentioned will do international shipping and are more efficient than the post office.

Mister2-15-2

Yep you need to ask for cheapest rate. Don't blame clerk. blame top management that collect their million dollar bonuses.

sensible_man

Any time the word "express" is used, you should know you have options. I always state that I want the lowest rate to ship, unless it really needs to get there quicker. My Post Office has all the rates/types posted on the wall for each customer to see. I think you are raising an issue due to your own lack of knowledge.

Barry C

agreed - bleh.

there are descriptions of each service on a big sign over the counter. Ask for the one that matches your requirements. Take a little responsibility for your own life.

And just for the record, you will probably receive better service and delivery ontime from either FedEx or UPS then from the Post Office. Especially during the holiday season.

If you want something to be truly outraged about regarding packages and USPS, then be outraged that since 9/11, you can not send a package over 1 lb by simply adding the postage and dropping it in the slot. You must hand it over after standing in line, often a lengthy line, just so someone can evaluate you to decide it you are a possible terrorist or not. Which is probably the real reason they looked at you like you are crazy.

paganmom

That isn't gouging it's a normal practice when selling something. Most people know that express is going to be the most expensive and will ask for other options.
When you go to a retail outlet how often are you shown the cheapest TV unless you ask to see it? And then they will try to talk you out of it. This is normal and not crazy price gouging.

A Dose of Reality from a Lawyer

If its real, contact www.consumerist.com

The Sheriff is a-near!

People too stupid or too rich to care about paying attention should be taken advantage of.

Bocephus for President 2012

It doesn't surprise me. In our town they are pulling people over for more traffic violations. They need the money to control us.

Master Blaster

Bleh.

Soon to be Mrs. Prosper 08/08/09

Perhaps making a group on Facebook about this, then all your friends and everyone on facebook will see it...

that's terrible i'd make a HUGE complaint to the owner i'd be pissed.

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