We got a bill from the Richmond Times Dispatch on July 25 and mailed them a check the next day. Three days later, they cancelled our subscription. They didn’t get the payment and over a week later, they still have not received our check. The Post Office was late sending us the invoice from the Times Dispatch, and they didn’t receive our payment until August 6.
Unfortunately, this is typical of the most inefficient organization ever created by man.
Imagine if you had a business for a service needed by every single American. And imagine if you had a monopoly with no competition and could basically charge whatever you wanted? In this case, stamps are now 73 cents. Wouldn’t you be making money hand over fist? Most businesses would, but last year the Post Office lost $6.5 billion with a “B”, even though they had projected a break-even year.
Oh, they had plenty of excuses. Inflation, increased operating expenses, labor shortage, loss of junk mail revenue, etc, etc, etc.
Basically, though, I don’t think they give a damn because they really don’t have to. Ever see anyone hustling inside a Post Office with 2 clerks at the counter and 20 people in line? Ever have a Post Office employee thank you for your business? Ever see a Post Office delivery guy sprint up a sidewalk to leave a package on the porch – like UPS and FedEx guys?
In the real world – the business world – customer service and efficiency are not optional. They are mandatory.
Recently, I wanted to send a gift card to one on my grandchildren to help pay for gas, but I was reluctant because these cards simply disappear. The crime which has infiltrated the Post Office is real and growing.
Put Amazon in charge of the mail and there would be no delays, no checks or credit cards stolen within the ranks, and they would make a profit the first year.
