Abuse from customers

camelelf · Post by **camelelf** » 03 May 2017, 19:24

So today I cocked up, misdelivered a letter for the same number on next street. The guy who I posted it to came out to let me know, but had opened the letter. I took it to the correct address and got given quite a bit of abuse, more than I've ever had with two very offensive comments. I was a little surprised by this so just blurted out that it came to us in that state rather than admitting a misdelivery

I can understand that one of your letters being opened is extremely unusual and cause for concern, but I must have forgotten that we are actually robots who can't make mistakes...

Postie45 · Post by **Postie45** » 03 May 2017, 19:27

an opened letter should be delivered inside a damaged bag, it shouldnt be delivered opened, i think the customer had a right to be suspicious, and the fact that you lied to them how are they to know it was just an "honest mistake" ? Thats not to say it warrants abuse from them

camelelf · Post by **camelelf** » 03 May 2017, 19:38

Postie45 wrote:an opened letter should be delivered inside a damaged bag, it shouldnt be delivered opened, i think the customer had a right to be suspicious, and the fact that you lied to them how are they to know it was just an "honest mistake" ? Thats not to say it warrants abuse from them

I know, I shouldn't have lied to them just to save face but I did. I wasn't rude and apologised a couple of times, but after the comments I had to walk away.

Post by **osgoody1970** » 03 May 2017, 20:36

how many of these plastic bags do you take on delivery??? a bit harsh!!!

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 03 May 2017, 21:46

I have a handful in each pouch - just in case

South_London_Postie · Post by **South_London_Postie** » 03 May 2017, 22:08

Put it down to a lesson learned.

Post by **greengiant** » 04 May 2017, 17:50

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:I have a handful in each pouch - just in case

Although if the IB do a spot check and ask why you have damage bags?

they could incorrectly assume the worst?

NWpostie · Post by **NWpostie** » 04 May 2017, 22:12

greengiant wrote:
TrueBlueTerrier wrote:I have a handful in each pouch - just in case
Although if the IB do a spot check and ask why you have damage bags? they could incorrectly assume the worst?

Assumption is not evidence, I've had such bags I use to keep newspaper dry and loose change amongst other things.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 05 May 2017, 12:39

greengiant wrote:
TrueBlueTerrier wrote:I have a handful in each pouch - just in case
Although if the IB do a spot check and ask why you have damage bags? they could incorrectly assume the worst?

That's Okay it was the manager's suggestion.

steve1873 · Post by **steve1873** » 05 May 2017, 23:18

If something like this happens again, even if partly your fault (the misdelivery), then don't go posting an opened item. You are leaving yourself wide open for a legitimate complaint. Simply return it to the DO for delivery the next day inside a damaged item bag. The same goes for any item that suffers damage during delivery for any reason. Or alternatively have a supply of damage bags in van.

Seymour Buts · Post by **Seymour Buts** » 24 Jun 2017, 23:35

I've had it a few times about door to doors.

"THIS HASN'T GOT MY ADDRESS ON IT, I DON'T WANT IT! IT SAYS NO LEAFLETS ON MY DOOR!"

I just bat it off and explain because they haven't got an opt out in I have to treat it as normal post and not delivering it could be classed as withholding mail. Pointless getting into a argument with customers, as I'm sure virtually everybody knows we're always the ones in the wrong if they phone and complain.

On the specific point mentioned here, take it as a lesson learnt. Never deliver mail that has been opened that hasn't been placed in a damage bag.

Bella2013 · Post by **Bella2013** » 25 Jun 2017, 07:46

I had one come out shouting at me the other day for delivering one of those TalkTalk D2Ds that look like a real letter and have something like 'L.Price Totally Unlimited And then some sort of postcode' he was so annoyed. I don't know why people think they need to shout and be so angry about things surely if it's bad enough to warrant shouting they should just be phoning to complain about us? Even before I was a postie I would never have had a go at my postman for anything. People think because you're doing a job they have a right to speak to you like crap.

Post by **CPTNemoUK** » 25 Jun 2017, 11:23

Bella2013 wrote:I had one come out shouting at me the other day for delivering one of those TalkTalk D2Ds that look like a real letter and have something like 'L.Price Totally Unlimited And then some sort of postcode' he was so annoyed. I don't know why people think they need to shout and be so angry about things surely if it's bad enough to warrant shouting they should just be phoning to complain about us? Even before I was a postie I would never have had a go at my postman for anything. People think because you're doing a job they have a right to speak to you like crap.

I have had the same thing done to me with that D2D. I found it funny though. He came out shouting and swearing saying stop putting wrong mail through my door get your eyes tested. So when i pointed it out to what it actually said, he shut up had a sheepish look on his face and went back in without even apologising

Post by **Lounge Lizard** » 25 Jun 2017, 11:57

NWpostie wrote:
greengiant wrote:
TrueBlueTerrier wrote:I have a handful in each pouch - just in case
Although if the IB do a spot check and ask why you have damage bags? they could incorrectly assume the worst?
Assumption is not evidence, I've had such bags I use to keep newspaper dry and loose change amongst other things.

Yes, but NOT for all that loose change falling out of birthday cards.

Post by **woopesh** » 25 Jun 2017, 21:26

Bella2013 wrote:I had one come out shouting at me the other day for delivering one of those TalkTalk D2Ds that look like a real letter and have something like 'L.Price Totally Unlimited And then some sort of postcode' he was so annoyed. I don't know why people think they need to shout and be so angry about things surely if it's bad enough to warrant shouting they should just be phoning to complain about us? Even before I was a postie I would never have had a go at my postman for anything. People think because you're doing a job they have a right to speak to you like crap.

I didn't understand all the "we will not tolerate abuse of our staff" notices put up everywhere in customer facing roles before becoming a postman. Now I do. A lot of people feel very entitled. I didn't understand how pervasive this mentality was amongst he general public.