I have a question about USPS jobs. Before exiting the location I am asked to "Check for complimentary shipping supplies in the lobby."

What constitutes the lobby? At most post office locations, there is an outer lobby (immediately inside the front doors) and an "inner area" where the tellers are located which is a room behind glass doors. Many times, I find complimentary shipping supplies are stocked inside the "inner area" where they can be locked behind the glass doors at night. The outer lobby typically has a display for complimentary shipping supplies, but it is either poorly stocked or empty. How should I answer that question?

If "lobby" is the area immediately inside the front doors, then the answer would be NO in most cases.
If "lobby" includes the room behind the interior glass doors, then the answer would be YES in most cases.

Dandydew, the way i answer this question is anywhere inside the post office. I do not personally think it matters where the items are located as long as they are there. Some inner lobbies in my area are very small. There is no place for them to put those large displays. To me they just need to be available in an easily spotted place.

I would like to use a bubble mailer envelope on a few shops, but I am having trouble finding one that is less than 13.5"x9.5". Can I use that size since one side is less than 12 inches? Ideally, I would like to mail a magazine to someone, but I would need a mailer slightly larger than 13.5". Can something 14-16" be used if the width is less than 12"?

I would interpret that to mean to complete a REPORT for one shop and file it before doing the next REPORT. This does not mean you cannot do another shop before submitting the first report. The 8 hour rule can be a real pain for those who are out all day. I do not remember the rule but I am positive I reported shops in Feb and earlier I used to do jobs at lunch hour and then do the report after I got home from work which was after 10 PM. Since getting home and after dinner this was almost always more than 8 hours. I think it used to be 12 hours.

@kathygry wrote:

I went back and checked the guidelines again. I don’t think I can post them here as it would be a violation. It does say under the planning that if you are completing multiple shops to please submit your survey for one location before moving onto the next.

Thanks, sandyf. I will consider the entire interior to be the lobby. I have another question:

I would like to use a bubble mailer envelope on a few shops, but I am having trouble finding one that is less than 13.5"x9.5". Can I use that size since one side is less than 12 inches? Ideally, I would like to mail a magazine to someone, but I would need a mailer slightly larger than 13.5". Can something 14-16" be used if the width is less than 12"?

@Dandydew wrote:

Thanks, sandyf. I will consider the entire interior to be the lobby. I have another question:

I would like to use a bubble mailer envelope on a few shops, but I am having trouble finding one that is less than 13.5"x9.5". Can I use that size since one side is less than 12 inches? Ideally, I would like to mail a magazine to someone, but I would need a mailer slightly larger than 13.5". Can something 14-16" be used if the width is less than 12"?

Yes
Total must be under 36”

@Dandydew wrote:

Thanks, sandyf. I will consider the entire interior to be the lobby. I have another question:

I would like to use a bubble mailer envelope on a few shops, but I am having trouble finding one that is less than 13.5"x9.5". Can I use that size since one side is less than 12 inches? Ideally, I would like to mail a magazine to someone, but I would need a mailer slightly larger than 13.5". Can something 14-16" be used if the width is less than 12"?

There are many earlier posts from before the pandemic that discuss envelope and box sizes at length but basically the cumulative length , width and height needs to be under 36 inches. So your envelope will probably be only a few inches thick although make sure it weighs at least one pound. Err of the side of a few ounces more than 1 pound and at least one once short of 2 pounds and for sizing I would make sure you have at least one inch less in case their scale and measuring tape and yours are not the same..
I am basing my responses on the previous rules as there are no jobs yet in my area so i have not seen the new rules...If some of these things have changed someone who has access hopefully will chime in. I suspect there are only minor changes with perhaps a few more questions reflecting virus issues? but i do not know.

I did a UPS Shop the other day and for the first time my shop was rejected... I watch the video and I looked over the guidelines but I did not see it unless I over looked it.

Reason (According to them) Because I did not take a picture of the package ready to ship.. But I did and the only thing I had was the zip code to the person and the zip code from me. After I took the picture I filled in the rest of the address.

This is what the scheduler sent me


Verify the address and business hours of your location on www.USPS.com Take a picture of your package that is ready to be shipped (e.g. boxed and pre-addressed). You may block out the addressee’s information. Only the zip codes from both addresses need to be visible in the photo.


So I had my zip code in the left 77777 and and in the center I had 88888 (Yes I know theses are NOT correct zip codes) but I had the correct zip codes.

I have always done it like that.. Yes I know guidelines change all the time.

I just re watch the video and the guidelines and I still did not see this change.. Do I have an a case or just let it go?

So I need to address the package as and take an picture of this

From

Jane Doe
11111 Smith Lane
Dallas Texas 123456

To

John Smith
987654 Robin Hood Lane
Atlanta GA 54321

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/02/2020 06:14AM by Isaiah4031a.

I cut out two small pieces of paper to cover the addresses so only the zip codes show, and I use them over and over for each job. When I take photos, the small pieces of paper are on top of the box covering all but the zip codes. All my jobs have been accepted.

Who is Bill Carden? He is my scheduler, but he is not very responsive or clear in his remarks when he does reply. He certainly is no Amy Synder. Where is Amy?!

I failed the test, and I have been given exactly one more chance. I have passed these tests for years, but this one is giving me heartburn. I am having trouble with the customers in line question. In person, I would pay attention to whether the person behind her approached the window with her or not, to know the answer. But I can't tell from the picture.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/02/2020 03:55PM by melaw5.

According to the test, there are only 2 customers waiting. The two women are together but I thought the others were separate. I was able to have Bill help me with the correct answer and was able to finally pay the test.

Question: Two clerks are helping two separate customers at work stations and there is one additional person standing off to the side at the counter. I'm waiting in line with no one in front of me. If someone comes out from the back and hands that person mail but quickly returns to the back, still only two work stations are open. Have three people been helped? By two clerks or three clerks?

Reading your post below and since you say you have always addressed your package like this and it worked, is it possible the other part of what the scheduler sent is the issue? Perhaps the open hours have changed due to coronavirus and you were there within the first or last current open times that are not allowed?

@Isaiah4031a wrote:

I did a UPS Shop the other day and for the first time my shop was rejected... I watch the video and I looked over the guidelines but I did not see it unless I over looked it.

Reason (According to them) Because I did not take a picture of the package ready to ship.. But I did and the only thing I had was the zip code to the person and the zip code from me. After I took the picture I filled in the rest of the address.

This is what the scheduler sent me


Verify the address and business hours of your location on www.USPS.com Take a picture of your package that is ready to be shipped (e.g. boxed and pre-addressed). You may block out the addressee’s information. Only the zip codes from both addresses need to be visible in the photo.


So I had my zip code in the left 77777 and and in the center I had 88888 (Yes I know theses are NOT correct zip codes) but I had the correct zip codes.

I have always done it like that.. Yes I know guidelines change all the time.

I just re watch the video and the guidelines and I still did not see this change.. Do I have an a case or just let it go?

So I need to address the package as and take an picture of this

From

Jane Doe
11111 Smith Lane
Dallas Texas 123456

To

John Smith
987654 Robin Hood Lane
Atlanta GA 54321

Thank you, Insight! That was very helpful.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/02/2020 10:14PM by melaw5.

I just had a shop sent back to me because I did not put the location ID on the receipt for the box. I've never done that before, I've always just put the date and the address of the shop on the receipt and it was accepted. The editor told me it was in the guidelines, but I don't remember reading that. At least I got a chance to correct it.

As far as I know the hours are from 8:30 to 5 PM.. I went between 10:30 and 12:00 and I had the shop reported on my computer around 2:00 well with in the time frame.

I asked Bill how I need to address the package and he said to read the guidelines.. In fact an few weeks ago before they posted on the job board I e-mail the other scheduler (Who used to assign them) and ask if and when they will return and she said she was not for sure.

The strange thing is an day later ,after I completed the shop, they sent it back to me asking me to take a picture of my package ready to ship. I looked at my report again and the picture was there with only the zip code showing. They said that if you don't have another picture then put it in the shopper notes. I sent in the same report with the same picture. The next day I received an e-mail saying they have rejected it because I did not follow the package guidelines. The video did not mentioned this..

So something is not right here. The editor said that only the zip code needs to be shown and the name and address can be cover up to protect the people.. So I don't know..
---------------------
I sent this to the editor.

In the left it needs to be like (My state and zip)

And on the right it needs to be the person I am sending to and the zip

If you don't mind can you attach the guidelines and highlight that part please

Thank you and sorry again for the inconvenience.

This is what she reply back.

No, it needs to be completely addressed, with the people's names, full address, city, state, and zip, both for the From on the left and the To on the right. If you wish then cover up the names and street addresses for privacy with a piece of paper, you may, but it has to be completely addressed when you take the photo. XXXX Mystery Shop said they provided all shoppers with a video demonstrating, but I do not have a copy of that. Your scheduler should have it.

So if I am reading that right I only need the zip code or I need the whole address?

If any one has done this since they have been posted since last week, can you please tell me how you took your picture?

Thanks

Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 06/03/2020 02:27AM by Isaiah4031a.

WOW!!!! Now this is odd.. I did another shop the next day and I addressed the package the same way and it was done before lunch and reported about thirty minutes after and it was accepted.

Something is not right here?? Now I am totally confused

I am so embarrassed. I have done these shops for years and I can't pass the new test. I don't know what I am getting wrong. Any advice?

@Isaiah4031a wrote:

As far as I know the hours are from 8:30 to 5 PM.. I went between 10:30 and 12:00 and I had the shop reported on my computer around 2:00 well with in the time frame.

I asked Bill how I need to address the package and he said to read the guidelines.. In fact an few weeks ago before they posted on the job board I e-mail the other scheduler (Who used to assign them) and ask if and when they will return and she said she was not for sure.

The strange thing is an day later ,after I completed the shop, they sent it back to me asking me to take a picture of my package ready to ship. I looked at my report again and the picture was there with only the zip code showing. They said that if you don't have another picture then put it in the shopper notes. I sent in the same report with the same picture. The next day I received an e-mail saying they have rejected it because I did not follow the package guidelines. The video did not mentioned this..

So something is not right here. The editor said that only the zip code needs to be shown and the name and address can be cover up to protect the people.. So I don't know..
---------------------
I sent this to the editor.

In the left it needs to be like (My state and zip)

And on the right it needs to be the person I am sending to and the zip

If you don't mind can you attach the guidelines and highlight that part please

Thank you and sorry again for the inconvenience.

This is what she reply back.

No, it needs to be completely addressed, with the people's names, full address, city, state, and zip, both for the From on the left and the To on the right. If you wish then cover up the names and street addresses for privacy with a piece of paper, you may, but it has to be completely addressed when you take the photo. XXXX Mystery Shop said they provided all shoppers with a video demonstrating, but I do not have a copy of that. Your scheduler should have it.

So if I am reading that right I only need the zip code or I need the whole address?

If any one has done this since they have been posted since last week, can you please tell me how you took your picture?

Thanks

The package must be fully addressed.
You can choose to block out or cover the full address leaving only the zip code showing.

So if you just had the two zip codes, took the photo and then fully addressed the package, the shop would be rejected.

What type of top secret things are you people doing that you can't just take a photo of the package fully addressed? That is so weird.

I wrote to Amy to say that we missed her and she said she wasn't scheduling USPS anymore.

I did 2 PO shops last Friday, 1 Monday and 2 yesterday, none of which have been reviewed yet. But they want us to get the reporting in no later than 8 hours after the shop!

Anyhow, I find the labeling of the photos to be somewhat confusing as well. But this is how I've done it since they changed the requirement last year:

area PO name_Regular Box Shop_Receipt (or Box/pkg photo)_city name_date ,,,,, so that it ends up looking like this (area names/city are made up, just here as example:

oak glen PO_Regular Box Shop_Receipt(or photo)_AnyCity, AnyState_200602

So I labeled them the same for these past 5 I've recently done but haven't been evaluated yet. I'm curious as to how they will turn out!

ETA: Well, as of this afternoon, 2 of the 5 I've done have finally been evaluated and approved OK for Pay! Phew! So I guess I'm doing OK with my picture labels! That was my biggest concern. I feel better now.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/03/2020 08:59PM by guysmom.

Absolutely.

@Dandydew wrote:

I would like to use a bubble mailer envelope on a few shops, but I am having trouble finding one that is less than 13.5"x9.5". Can I use that size since one side is less than 12 inches? Ideally, I would like to mail a magazine to someone, but I would need a mailer slightly larger than 13.5". Can something 14-16" be used if the width is less than 12"?

Oh, no! My favorite ever scheduler.

@pambam wrote:

I wrote to Amy to say that we missed her and she said she wasn't scheduling USPS anymore.

ceasesmith, according to Bill Carden we can no longer alter the sizes of the boxes (or mailers). EVERYTHING must be 12x12x12 or smaller. I emailed him specifically about bubble mailers (see my message above) and he replied:

"Every post office may be a little different. You know what your looking for from the guidelines and video.

Please read the guidelines the box size are stated clearly on page 7

The package must be 12” x 12” x 12” or smaller and between 1 – 2 lbs. The recommended weight is 1.5 lbs. If you go over the weight requirement you will be required to cover the difference in shipping costs.
Below is a list of several things to keep in mind while getting your package ready:

You may use:
• Plain boxes
• Bubble mailers
• CD Mailers
• Padded Mailers
• Poly mailers"

The guidelines state the file name should not exceed 30 characters using the format: Task Name_City_Date_Type of Attachment

I name my files: Job#_City_Date_Type of Attachment.jpg
Examples:
4823350536_Houston_060320_Receipt.jpg
4885000587_SHouston_060320_BoxReceipt.jpg
4868480505_DeerPark_060320_Package.jpg

Every one of my file names exceeds 30 characters! I don't know how to trim it anymore! Thirty characters are not many!

@Dandydew wrote:

I name my files: Job#_City_Date_Type of Attachment.jpg
Examples:
4823350536_Houston_060320_Receipt.jpg
4885000587_SHouston_060320_BoxReceipt.jpg
4868480505_DeerPark_060320_Package.jpg
Thirty characters are not many!

I thought type of attachment was the ".jpg" portion?
Can task name be "USPS" instead of the job number?

I've been successfully using:

USPS_Urbana_200603_Box
USPS_Urbana_200603_Rcpt
USPS_Urbana_200603_PkgPur
USPS_Urbana_200603_Flag
USPS_Urbana_200603_Trash

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/04/2020 12:48AM by mitchk.

I have been using this formula and all the shops have been accepted
USPS 11480- 6-3-20
The number in the middle is part of the address. I could put the actual number of the shop but have never had one rejected before doing it this way. I did 5 shops last week and all have been either approved or paid.

Ah, but 16x10x a quarter of an inch (an envelope is, after all, basically FLAT) is considerably smaller than 12x12x12. Even with a magazine, it's probably 16x10x1. Still less than 12x12x12.

@KA047 wrote:

On the last quiz question, am I supposed to be assuming there is a clerk at that second station that a customer is standing in front of? I can't see how any of my other answers that I enter is wrong, so it makes me wonder if I am required to make an assumption on this last question instead of what I actually see.

(I have seen people ask this type of question and have it answered on other shops, so don't feel asking it is a problem.)

What was the answer to this? I am having a heck of a time passing. I figure it's either that question or the one asking the number of people on line. There seem to be two women working on a package who are together. Are they on line or is it just the other two people? Are they together? This is really unnecessarily confusing.

Update -- finally got it. Apparently the answer is no. And I found the answer to the question about the number of people on line elsewhere in this thread. Very poorly done on their part, especially since there appears to be a package on the clerk side of the counter, so it made sense that they would have temporarily stepped away.

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 06/04/2020 01:42PM by MisterBill.