Got off the train this morning at South Station (Boston, MA), stopped at the Ft. Point Channel post office next door, and took a number. I was 56 and they were working on 43 with only one person working the counter. There was hustle and bustle behind the counter area so I started wondering what was up, where was additional help, would someone notice the line and so something about it? The group of us waiting I could tell was thinking the same thing.
A gentleman did poke through the doorway, coffee in hand and survey the situation. Picked up his Nextel, squawked someone and step back through the door as they responded in a rather loud voice. Okay, this could get interesting.
A few more people come through the door taking numbers, and we moved along to "44 now being served at counter 5" (the only counter active).
The same gentleman comes back through the door, coffee in hand, and starts asking if there is anything we can process using the machines. I had used the stamp machines before but wanted to weigh an envelop for a stamp as well as get stamps and the machine I had used previously only dispensed stamps. He indicated there was a machine in the lobby that would do both. I acknowledged I would try it and followed him to the lobby.
(I had not noticed the machine when I arrived as it was hidden by a couple of postal workers having a chat with their coffees.)
The gentleman, clearly now a manager, talked me through the use of the machine. It was quick and easy weighing the envelop, printing the postage for it, offering an other transaction, and then dispensing the sheets of stamps, and ultimately the credit card receipt.
Not bad at all! The window was now serving 51 and I was headed out the door. Thank you sir!
Now, this posting is clearly meant to share the experience. Maybe you'll be able to take advantage of the machine and avoid a wait this season.
The recommendation to USPS would be to do something more by way of customer education or awareness of the machines and their capabilities. This can reduce the wait and improve the experience dealing with this group. A win/win situation!
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