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Stamp machines are convenient
POSTED: March 26, 2008
Many of us have had the experience: We have a piece of mail that needs to go out immediately, so we go to the post office after normal operating hours. Mail still can be deposited in the outer lobby — and, thank heaven, there’s a machine available to sell us a stamp.
Not anymore. The U.S. Postal Service is removing all stamp vending machines. They’re getting old and it is difficult to keep them in operation, say officials.
We understand that stamps can be obtained in a variety of ways, in addition to buying them at the post office during regular business hours. But removing the stamp vending machines creates a substantial inconvenience for customers.
Private enterprise seems to be able to cope with the challenge of keeping vending machines, where everything from soft drinks to headache remedies can be bought, in operation. Why can’t the Postal Service?
Removal of the stamp vending machines is one more reminder that the Postal Service, in many ways a government-run monopoly, just doesn’t get it when it comes to serving consumers. When it comes to the U.S. mail, the customer isn’t always right — but the bureaucracy is.
Not anymore. The U.S. Postal Service is removing all stamp vending machines. They’re getting old and it is difficult to keep them in operation, say officials.
We understand that stamps can be obtained in a variety of ways, in addition to buying them at the post office during regular business hours. But removing the stamp vending machines creates a substantial inconvenience for customers.
Private enterprise seems to be able to cope with the challenge of keeping vending machines, where everything from soft drinks to headache remedies can be bought, in operation. Why can’t the Postal Service?
Removal of the stamp vending machines is one more reminder that the Postal Service, in many ways a government-run monopoly, just doesn’t get it when it comes to serving consumers. When it comes to the U.S. mail, the customer isn’t always right — but the bureaucracy is.
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View Comments: | 1-3 | Post a comment
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Guinta
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03-27-08 7:25 AM
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The U.S. Postal Service is a "monopoly"? Are you sure you know what a monopoly is? A monopoly has no competition. FedEx, United Parcel Service and DHL are all competition for the USPS. I buy stamps at the grocery check-out counter. That's pretty convenient to me. It's even more convenient than vending machines because I don't need cash.
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Tony13317
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03-26-08 7:05 PM
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They have less and less to do yet prices keep going up.
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AuntieKracker
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03-26-08 12:41 PM
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Sad to say but email and UPS will replace them and they will then sit and wonder WHY?
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