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Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Postal workers discussion forum. Discuss the day to day life in a Blue Shirt.
datasaint
Posts: 1541
Joined: 22 Sep 2008, 17:19
Gender: Male

Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by datasaint »

Scenario A) customers instructs you from window to sign for rec as they are in bathroom.
Scenario B) PDA locks up as you are getting signature, meaning 4 minute reboot, you ask them if they are happy for you to sign for it later.

I know the textbook answer is always get customer signature, but what are your thoughts.
venger
Posts: 206
Joined: 09 Oct 2007, 13:38

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by venger »

Not worth it to risk it. No answer; card it.
datasaint
Posts: 1541
Joined: 22 Sep 2008, 17:19
Gender: Male

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by datasaint »

I don't get the validity of the "signed for" aspect. You can deliver it to a neighbour who can assume any name when you ask them, and any signature is non-verifiable anyway. What is the point in this service? Why don't they simply make it tracked.
newtimes
EX ROYAL MAIL
Posts: 595
Joined: 16 Feb 2012, 14:10
Gender: Male

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by newtimes »

"rules are guidance for the wise, followed by fools"
if PDA failed get a signature on a P739, in the first scenario wait. I use DNS { did not sign} for people who are unable to sign for medical reasons.
dvbuk55
EX ROYAL MAIL
Posts: 16650
Joined: 02 Jun 2007, 19:17
Gender: Male

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by dvbuk55 »

My thoughts are that recordeds are often used by various departments to warn of legal action - now if it comes to a dispute well they haven't signed you have.
Ozzvaldo
Posts: 476
Joined: 15 Jul 2012, 20:35
Gender: Female

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by Ozzvaldo »

norm wrote:Scenario A) customers instructs you from window to sign for rec as they are in bathroom.
Scenario B) PDA locks up as you are getting signature, meaning 4 minute reboot, you ask them if they are happy for you to sign for it later.

I know the textbook answer is always get customer signature, but what are your thoughts.
Tough s**t for the "customer" in both scenarios. My DOM would love to sack posties for even thinking along these lines. The only thing he loves more is actually being given the chance to sack those posties, 2 at the last count, who are actually stupid enough to risk their job for the want of saving a few minutes here and there by doing this.

If the recipient isn't available to sign/can't be arsed waiting for a reboot etc, write a P739 out. It only takes the sender of the item to query the signature on the PDA for your head to be on the block....it won't matter a jot to the person you were "doing a favour for"

Sorry to be so blunt, but I've witnessed the whole ghastly experience unfold twice.
Caniel
Posts: 623
Joined: 03 Jul 2009, 18:25
Gender: Female
Location: The Batcave

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by Caniel »

I always take an old paper EPOD card in a book just in case my PDA goes wrong. At least that way they can sign for it while the PDA reboots.

In the case of Tracked and Specials that need a signature we've been told that if your PDA dies, obtain a signature on an EPOD card. Then scan the Tracked/Special with your rebooted PDA or partners PDA, fill in the name and in the place of the signature write "On Card" so that the track and trace is complete.
datasaint
Posts: 1541
Joined: 22 Sep 2008, 17:19
Gender: Male

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by datasaint »

dvbuk55 wrote:My thoughts are that recordeds are often used by various departments to warn of legal action - now if it comes to a dispute well they haven't signed you have.
Really? Most signatures are an illegible scribble on the scanner people literally make no effort. When I'm at home I'll sign my initials which at least comes out on screen.
dvbuk55
EX ROYAL MAIL
Posts: 16650
Joined: 02 Jun 2007, 19:17
Gender: Male

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by dvbuk55 »

norm wrote:
dvbuk55 wrote:My thoughts are that recordeds are often used by various departments to warn of legal action - now if it comes to a dispute well they haven't signed you have.
Really? Most signatures are an illegible scribble on the scanner people literally make no effort. When I'm at home I'll sign my initials which at least comes out on screen.
sign away, you fill in the recipients name in capitals and if the signature does not correspond to the customers normal signature on test............... More to the point if you are so certain you are doing the right thing why ask?
maisymoo04
Posts: 2226
Joined: 07 Apr 2010, 17:11
Gender: Male
Location: You dont want to no

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by maisymoo04 »

I just put mine threw the letterbox :whistle
"Some day I will have the bottle to take the money"
edo4442
Posts: 26
Joined: 17 Apr 2007, 12:59

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by edo4442 »

Do not sign on behalf of the customer, P739 if they cant make it to the door/cant be arsed. And dont let anyone else use your pda either, as its you that will end up in the belting chamber.

Giving good customer service is not worth it anymore, play by the rules.

Dont regret not spending an extra minute getting a signature, the sack is not worth it.
Sidley
Posts: 653
Joined: 16 Jun 2012, 22:01
Gender: Male

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by Sidley »

Today I have refused to; sign for a recorded and pop it through the porch window and leave a parcel in a green bin.
Result? My partner does it instead. Ah well no Xmas tip for me but less risk of a fact finding meeting under the guise of a little chat.
gary1975
Posts: 482
Joined: 16 Apr 2011, 13:41
Gender: Male

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by gary1975 »

:no no the only thing you can sign for is a letter from the royal palace if nobody is home ie message from the queen. Had one last week.
IcanthelpthewayIam
Posts: 4067
Joined: 26 May 2009, 13:37
Gender: Male

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by IcanthelpthewayIam »

Don't forget the customer is the sender not the recipient, and the customer as chosen to pay to get a signature from the recipient, its not up to us as posties to decide not to provide the service the customer had specifically decided to pay for
BernardBresslaw
Posts: 381
Joined: 24 Nov 2011, 15:52
Gender: Male

Re: Signing for a rec on customers behalf?

Post by BernardBresslaw »

I have a customer on one of my deliveries with no hands and he often gets recorded deliveries. If his carer isn't there what would you do when he answers the door? No I'm not asking him to hold the pen in his mouth.