Another in a series on ordinary things we often overlook even though they are much smarter than ever before. The Automated Postal Center, the kiosk available at over 2,500 branches, is said to be capable of doing 80% of tasks the employees there perform. In reality, most people who go into a branch appear to ignore them (in 2013, they generated an average of only about $ 500 a day)
I have tried the kiosks for a range of transactions (buying sheets of first class stamps, renewing PO Box, estimating international postage, printing an Express Mail label) and found them much quicker than waiting in line for personal service.
To me, the most impressive service is around processing of packages. So many components at play - the weighing scale and rulers, zip code look up feature (using touch screen keypad or the pin pad), shipping label printer, credit/debit card reader, the receipt printer ( with tracking information), the security camera and the nearby chute - all combine to make self- shipments of most packages under 70 lbs a breeze. Ok, not so intuitive the first time you do it, but gets easier with each use.
Have you filed your taxes yet? If you don’t eFile, try out the kiosk this week. Yes, it allows you to add a Certified Mail option most use in communicating with the IRS.
Let us know what your experience was like.
Comments