Well, it's late. Or early, depending where you are. 
The new USPS shops - from someone who's done one
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@shopnyc wrote:
Well, it's late. Or early, depending where you are.
It's 4:10am here. I'm almost at the end of my Wednesday.
Ah, we're in the same time zone then. I'll be heading to bed soon. I can't seem to get to sleep until it's almost sunrise. Just finished doing a load of laundry while organizing my inventory. Ciao!
Thanks! That didn't cross my mind. Hm, that could be quite problematic. Oh well, I'll put a piece of paper on top, "CAUTION: PEANUTS!" They worked so well too in cushioning the impact.@ServiceAward wrote:
@Okie - Make sure whomever you are sending your package too does not have peanut allergies.
I save all the catalogs and junk mail that comes in, and use that to add extra weight to packages as needed. Works great!
@Okie wrote:
Just curious, what do people use to add some extra weight too their package? I remember reading somewhere adding rocks, but the person I sent it to thought I was being passive aggressive.
Sent out a package today, but was in a hurry. Surprisingly, I think I stumbled upon something that works well. Bags of Texas Roadhouse peanuts. It added the weight that I needed, and it served as a nice cushion. Someone try to beat that! And I'm fond other types of nuts, well not legumes ... that's what she said, tee-hee!
something to fill and add weight? newspapers! dont have any around the house? Grocery store ads that usually are piled at the entrances. (I'm still having issues accessing this site but for now I am IN)
I've stuck in books I've finished reading, pamphlets from the banks I've shopped, bags of rice, and most recently when I was in a hurry a box of dog biscuits. I mail this stuff back to me.
*****************************************************************************
The more I learn about people...the more I like my dog..
Mark Twain
The more I learn about people...the more I like my dog..
Mark Twain
@Okie wrote:
Thanks! That didn't cross my mind. Hm, that could be quite problematic. Oh well, I'll put a piece of paper on top, "CAUTION: PEANUTS!" They worked so well too in cushioning the impact.@ServiceAward wrote:
@Okie - Make sure whomever you are sending your package too does not have peanut allergies.
I am sure they worked, but loose pennuts could cause someone who even handles the package to come in contact with peanut dust. It could literally kill someone. Also, loose peanuts will attract rodents, including rats, and cockroaches. That's just nasty.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/12/2024 06:52PM by ServiceAward.
That's true, I don't want deez-nuts to cause that kind of reaction. Fortunately, the person I sent it to is not allergic. But I don't want to be dubbed as the peanut terrorist, if something were to happen. Thanks!@ServiceAward wrote:
I am sure they worked, but loose pennuts could cause someone who even handles the package to come in contact with peanut dust. It could literally kill someone. Also, loose peanuts will attract rodents, including rats, and cockroaches. That's just nasty.@Okie wrote:
Thanks! That didn't cross my mind. Hm, that could be quite problematic. Oh well, I'll put a piece of paper on top, "CAUTION: PEANUTS!" They worked so well too in cushioning the impact.@ServiceAward wrote:
@Okie - Make sure whomever you are sending your package too does not have peanut allergies.
btw, loose p'nuts who handles the package, I can't stop ... ahahaha
I'm too immature
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 09/12/2024 08:45PM by Okie.
It's not too different from the old ones. The significant differences are checking in on the app, taking an exterior picture (including the flags), and no longer worrying about the menu boards and the clerk's clothing. Everything else is just about the same.
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Why do we need to check in on the app? Can I fill out the report at home?
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Why do we need to check in on the app? Can I fill out the report at home?
At one time I there was a web site that you can put your zip code it and it ill tell you the zone..
Does any one remember or know of that web address?
TIA
Does any one remember or know of that web address?
TIA
@Isaiah4031a wrote:
At one time I there was a web site that you can put your zip code it and it ill tell you the zone..
Does any one remember or know of that web address?
TIA
Here is a great interactive map that I use.
[www.pirateship.com]
Thanks..
I have a package that I would like to see to a friend.. She lives in Texas and I live in Arkansas..
Will I be able to do that or do I need to email the MSC and ask them to be sure?
I have done them before (With the old MSC) and I have had shipping buddies..
Also if I buy the box, will I be reimburse for the box? I know with the old MSC, they will reimburse you for the box.
I have a package that I would like to see to a friend.. She lives in Texas and I live in Arkansas..
Will I be able to do that or do I need to email the MSC and ask them to be sure?
I have done them before (With the old MSC) and I have had shipping buddies..
Also if I buy the box, will I be reimburse for the box? I know with the old MSC, they will reimburse you for the box.
So, I'm going to try one of the bonused ones near me on Monday. I have a "care" package to send to my nephew in San Fran. I live in SC. The priority cost to ship will be $18.05 from what I can figure using the PO's rate calculator. The shop has a bonus of $10.00, so with the $5.00 fee, brings the fee to $15.00 and the reimb. is $15.00. So I'll end up at about a $12.00 clear fee, which is what the old MSC paid before any bonuses. I have to go right by this PO on Monday, so I'll give it a shot and send the package to my nephew. We'll see how it goes! I wouldn't do it for any less than the total fee being $15.00, that's for sure!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/14/2024 03:29PM by guysmom.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/14/2024 03:29PM by guysmom.
@guysmom Make sure not to start within the first 30 mins of it being opened! Did one recently, and TX to CA was $15 and cents. Unfortunately, I'm playing a game with some other shoppers for our PO/USPS shops. Everyone in this area knows which locations are more ideal and convenient than others.@guysmom wrote:
I have to go right by this PO on Monday, so I'll give it a shot and send the package to my nephew. We'll see how it goes! I wouldn't do it for any less than the total fee being $15.00, that's for sure!
Thanks for the booklet/catalog recommendation. I grabbed some thick ones nearby. I think it'll be good to secure the bottom of the box and enclose on top. Also, should work well on the bottom of trash baskets.
OK, so I did my first shop for the new MSC today. For those of you who have done these, could y'all answer something for me?
1) I used my own camera to take photos. When I uploaded them, I got a message each time about not having them geo-located. I didn't even think about checking my camera to see if it was set to that. Is this mandatory?? It says my shop was successfully submitted, so will this be an issue? I don't remember reading anything in the instructions about making sure our camera apps were set to geo-locate.
2) Do any of you know WHY we're asked for TWO photos of the post office?? I took two separate photos, and did not use the same photo twice. Can we use the same photo??
Just an aside.....I found the app easy enough to maneuver, but overall I liked the other MSC's way of entering the info better. Oh well. Now we'll see if I did it right!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/2024 09:41PM by guysmom.
1) I used my own camera to take photos. When I uploaded them, I got a message each time about not having them geo-located. I didn't even think about checking my camera to see if it was set to that. Is this mandatory?? It says my shop was successfully submitted, so will this be an issue? I don't remember reading anything in the instructions about making sure our camera apps were set to geo-locate.
2) Do any of you know WHY we're asked for TWO photos of the post office?? I took two separate photos, and did not use the same photo twice. Can we use the same photo??
Just an aside.....I found the app easy enough to maneuver, but overall I liked the other MSC's way of entering the info better. Oh well. Now we'll see if I did it right!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/2024 09:41PM by guysmom.
On the photo of the building and flags, make sure Location Services is enabled for your camera. Upload this photo using the mobile app. The shops I've submitted, that's the only photo where this matters. The shop can still be submitted without the second photo. I think only needed if you can't fit everything (entrance, signage, flags) in one photo.
For the package photo, the editors I got didn't care that I blacked out the addresses digitally, as long as ZIPs were visible. For receipt, I take a photo of top portion without feedback/survey, and a second photo with bottom portion of feedback/survey.
On another note, I remember reading something earlier about paying with credit cards. From my experience, I've never had issues with the shop getting accepted paying with a credit card.
For the package photo, the editors I got didn't care that I blacked out the addresses digitally, as long as ZIPs were visible. For receipt, I take a photo of top portion without feedback/survey, and a second photo with bottom portion of feedback/survey.
On another note, I remember reading something earlier about paying with credit cards. From my experience, I've never had issues with the shop getting accepted paying with a credit card.
Also, the photo of the building and flags can't be edited/cropped.
I am doing one of these shops this week. I did not add a time stamp to the other shop I did for them a few months ago. I have read that on my phone(Pixel) the metadata is already encrypted. Is that something that only I can see or can the msc open it somehow to see that as well and is that good enough. My other question because I do not do other jobs needing this, If I have to get an app that does the timestampl can I just turn it on for this one photo and then turn it off? I dont want a time stamp on every photo I take. Sorry if this has been answered before but there are miles and miles of chat about this issue.
Someone else may be better able to answer. I use iPhone. But I think if you can upload the building/flags photo using the mobile app successfully, I'm assuming you should be good. However, if you receive an error like guysmom did, about the photo needing to be geo-located, then there's a setting you may need to enable for your camera.
For this shop, I don't think the MSC is looking for the physical timestamp to be displayed on the photo.
For this shop, I don't think the MSC is looking for the physical timestamp to be displayed on the photo.
Thanks Okie, last time I just took the photos and attached with no issue. I also forgot to check in from the location as I have the old rules memorized and seared into my brain. I checked in from a few miles away after I left the location but it was only about 5 minutes later and they accepted it. Maybe they could not tell?
@Okie wrote:
Someone else may be better able to answer. I use iPhone. But I think if you can upload the building/flags photo using the mobile app successfully, I'm assuming you should be good. However, if you receive an error like guysmom did, about the photo needing to be geo-located, then there's a setting you may need to enable for your camera.
For this shop, I don't think the MSC is looking for the physical timestamp to be displayed on the photo.
Not sure. For distance, I think there's a grace distance. For times, I can't say. That part, I've always had engrained in me to do right off the bat. I match the start time with the time the check-in has fully processed.
Using other apps like GPS Verifier and Presto, it seems to do a confirmation and check, and then gives you the go ahead to proceed if I'm not mistaken. GPS Verifier will accept if it's close enough by coordinates.
Using other apps like GPS Verifier and Presto, it seems to do a confirmation and check, and then gives you the go ahead to proceed if I'm not mistaken. GPS Verifier will accept if it's close enough by coordinates.
It's been three months since I started this thread. In some ways, I feel like we're playing a big game of chicken with the MSC, waiting for them to cry "uncle."
They aren't getting it.
They aren't getting it.
If your path dictates you walk through hell, do it as though you own the place. -unknown
I do commend everyone here drawing a hard line and holding out. Unfortunately, I'm playing a sick game of battleship in my area.
So they wrote back asking for a better picture of the receipt. Admittedly, I took the photo of the receipt in my car after the shop, and I reckon it wasn't crisp enough for them. So I scanned it into my computer at home and re-sent it to them last night. So far, that's all that's been asked of me post-shop. On my photos of the building/flags, I used my date/time stamp app, so that was on the photo. I'm not sure if the location is automatically set in the meta data. But they haven't said anything about that....yet. Only the photo of the receipt. This one was at least bonused an additional $10.00, to make the fee $15.00. I would never do these for less!
In my general area, I saw some with a $10 bonus for a total pay of $15, but I think $5 bonus is the going market rate here. Currently, it fits a recurring need for me, and I'll probably pick up some close ones to me every round. Shop isn't too bad. To me, the only potentially annoying thing is when a customer ahead of you holds up the clerk.
To note, I did see some competitor shops, but it didn't work for my schedule.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/17/2024 03:33PM by Okie.
To note, I did see some competitor shops, but it didn't work for my schedule.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/17/2024 03:33PM by Okie.
Here's my experience after doing several with the new company. I don't usually use the time stamp for the package or receipt photos since they aren't always done onsite. I use the timestamp app for the exterior photos, building and flag. You can turn the app on and off. It doesn';t stay open after you close the app so no other photos will have the tagged info showing unless you take them through the app. My Android also saves them with the info in my gallery. I do find that I have to give it a minute to get the correct location sometimes after I've arrived, making me have to take an extra photo or two.
My biggest problem is forgetting to hit that little START button before I leave or start the shop.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/17/2024 05:10PM by MsJudi.
My biggest problem is forgetting to hit that little START button before I leave or start the shop.
*****************************************************************************
The more I learn about people...the more I like my dog..
Mark Twain
The more I learn about people...the more I like my dog..
Mark Twain
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/17/2024 05:10PM by MsJudi.
Put a sticky with a code word on top of your package@MsJudi wrote:
My biggest problem is forgetting to hit that little START button before I leave or start the shop.
I had an interesting conversation yesterday. Have not done many of the new company shops but my son left some things behind when he packed to go back home so I want to send them.
I found a $10 bonus shop near a store I need to visit. I took it and a few hours later got a call from an east coast scheduler who wanted me to accept three shops in the opposite direction and a 30 to 45 minute drive each way from my home which would require me to move my car 2x and walk 20 blocks or move my car 3x plus wait 30 min x2 between shops. He offered the same $10 bonus. As I have no plans to be in that area I asked him if he could pay a $15 bonus ($15 fee total where some of it is eaten by the postage to the east coast). These are must do end of qtr shops. He said that there was no way this msc would approve a pay of $20 which I told him I got regularly at the end of quarter with the last company. But he did clarify for me that they are doing each post office just once per quarter now. I turned him down as these 3 jobs would most likely take a 4 hour chunk out of my day at least. I see they are either gone or removed from jobs I can see today.
I found a $10 bonus shop near a store I need to visit. I took it and a few hours later got a call from an east coast scheduler who wanted me to accept three shops in the opposite direction and a 30 to 45 minute drive each way from my home which would require me to move my car 2x and walk 20 blocks or move my car 3x plus wait 30 min x2 between shops. He offered the same $10 bonus. As I have no plans to be in that area I asked him if he could pay a $15 bonus ($15 fee total where some of it is eaten by the postage to the east coast). These are must do end of qtr shops. He said that there was no way this msc would approve a pay of $20 which I told him I got regularly at the end of quarter with the last company. But he did clarify for me that they are doing each post office just once per quarter now. I turned him down as these 3 jobs would most likely take a 4 hour chunk out of my day at least. I see they are either gone or removed from jobs I can see today.
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